Blazin' Grace

There are certain rules to fashion that are unspoken and understood. Purple and red don't go together. Pleat-front anything is always a no. This gal makes fashion eat her words. I honestly could not believe my eyes when I saw Grace walking one day on the Lower East Side - she was so fly (just like that Blondie song). Purple socks plus red sneakers - rad. Pleated shorts? Looks good to me. To top it all off, she finishes the look with crazy shiny metallic Oakley sunglasses that no style mortal could ever pull off.

Name: Grace
Occupation: Documentary Filmmaker "I'm working on a documentary about the evolution of fixed gear bikes."
Hometown: London
What do you like the best about your outfit? "My shirt. I got it at Buffalo Exchange if you can believe it."
What have you been listening to? "This demo from Amazing Baby. They're this band from Brooklyn who are signed onto the same label as MGMT."
Where do you shop in NYC? "Thrift shops in Brooklyn. The Valley on LES and Reed Space."
What's the best night to go out? "Bembe in Williamsburg on their Reggae nights on Tuesdays. It's a good balance of old and young people."
Tell me a secret. "My best friend's having a baby."

Bespoken for at Robert James

This past sunny Saturday afternoon, a gentleman friend of mine dragged me into this men's boutique on LES that I've often passed but never bothered to go into being the self-interested shopper that I am. Che sorpresa! By Robert James is a gem of a store that is immaculately curated both in offered merchandise and interior design. Working with an outside tailor, the owner custom creates much of the clothing for its clientele. While my pal was trying on three men's jackets about forty-two times on rotation trying to decide on which to purchase, I subjected Mr. James and his bad ass 'stache to my line of questioning.

Name: Robert James
Occupation: Owner and Designer of men's fashion boutique By Robert James
Hometown: Ohio "Ohio runs deep."
What would your last meal on earth be? "My mom's lasagna. The secret is cottage cheese instead of ricotta. It stands up better."
How long did it take you to grow that moustache? "About 5 minutes because it was a compromise of a beard between me and my girlfriend. She got me a haircut and shave."
What's your favorite item in the store? "This counter because it's the last thing I made and it makes me feel like my store's complete."
If you were a stripper, what would be your signature song? "'Me and My Motorcycle' by Love and Rockets"

An Underground Spring Bouquet

I can't help it if I sweat my friend's style. As soon as I walked up to my pal Tina in front of Bowery Ballroom for the White Lies/Friendly Fires show, I knew I had to take her picture. This lady has managed to combine tough girl leather with soft floral without looking like a grungey extra from the movie "Singles".

Name: Tina
Occupation: Freelance Designer
Hometown: Berkeley, California
Where did you buy that dress? "Monk Vintage Store in Park Slope."
Who is the most underrated designer? "Julie Wilkins of Future Classics. I love her use of feminine drapes and structural elements."
Tell me some of your style influences. "Shapes, contours, colors, contrast, monochrome, and moods. I love to use colors, patterns and/or textures that one wouldn't normally match together and make it work."
What's the best bar in brooklyn? "Well, the best bar in Park Slope is The Great Lakes on the corner of 5th ave and 1st street. Always has great music."