Rima Suqi

When you have friends who own companies or make things — good friends — chances are when something is new or cool you are actually the LAST to know. It makes no sense, but it’s true. Case in point: Lilla P. I’ve known the owners for years, I pop into their office on a weekly basis. But I didn’t notice these two items until I stopped by the retail store for a Pono trunk show.

The first is a knit version of a blazer, fitted, nice detail at the wrist. Will travel really well. Got one on the spot. Check it out here.

The second is a genius top – and unfortunately I’m not sure you can see how genius it is from the photos (see it “live” in their store at 420 W. 14th). It is a knit and silk combo – very Helmut and super chic in black – looks awesome with the right ankle length skinny pant and (of course) jewelry. Got one in each color.

Pieces like this are genius for someone who travels a lot. They either do not wrinkle at all or miraculously de-wrinkle after hanging for a bit, and take up almost no room in a suitcase. Perfect for the minimalist packer who wants each piece to do triple duty or an over-packer like yours truly who wants to fit in as many options as possible.

Actually, they’re more like tights. I’d been looking for a full-length tight with an ankle zip. The only ones I found were Patagonia men’s models (seen on friends) that have been discontinued.  These are by Craft (never heard of them but apparently a favorite of Swedish skiiers), and  have a fleecy lining.  If you’re exercising in them it should probably be a cross country skiing or other *cold* and wet situation. I’ve been wearing them to get coffee, run early morning errands, etc. as they’re too warm to jog in (for me). Guess where I found them? LL Bean. Buy them here.

I was at a dinner in Doha (which, yes, was as glamorous as it sounds), and sitting a few seats away was a super chic Asian woman wearing this necklace. I’m afraid I was staring. Rudely. So after dinner I made a beeline for her to get the scoop. She didn’t speak English but I didn’t need to know Chinese to understand the word “Swarovski.” Seriously? Yes. It’s by Israeli designer Hely Rotbard, looks more expensive than it is (but you do need to see it in person because this picture, from the Swarovski website, isn’t great), and you can buy it here.

Their line of shoes for Anthropologie, sold under the name Pied Juste, is fab. Here’s my favorite wedge, which you can check out (and if you’re smart, BUY) here. In two colors. Of course I got the black ones. I predict I will wear these to death – they give height, comfort and style in one package.

I used to think that if it was one of those days/weeks, a lip gloss would make everything better. But if it’s one of those months/years, you gotta upgrade. You need a shoe. Especially when it’s only $49 at Zara. And you’re about to embark on foreign travel. And fretting about packing.

Here it is (there are other options, of course. this was my personal choice that arrived today).

Buy it here, because its already sold out in stores.

Athletic companies traditionally don’t know how to make a V neck. It sounds ridiculous, but if you’re someone who prefers a V to a crew, it can be frustrating to find one that goes any lower than your clavicle.  Smartwool now makes this one, which I just got and LOVE. You get all that awesome wicking from the microweight wool, plus a real, dare I say stylish, V. Perfect for layering in this weird weather we’ve been having. Comes in various colors. I, of course, have black.

What’s new from Alexis Bittar for fall. Just another reason the months June-August should be banished – need to get to fall deliveries!

Think BIG — big earrings, big necklaces, big big big -

and stacks of the lucite + white metal situation, which i love:

and also a lot of green stones – i love green so i’m psyched:

and a leopard/cheetah situation that WILL be on my wrist:

the cat also made a comeback in this really amazing necklace – one of Alexis’ favorites (and mine).

Although I’m more likely to have it perched on my desk so I can look at it all day.

i wish i had someplace to wear this (the neck part):

and the balls to wear these:

I might be able to figure out a use for these. chic oyster shucking?

Last time I was in Arizona I had my first-ever rattlesnake sighting while on a hike. This time, en route to Arizona, I had another snake sighting in Houston. They’re now on my wrist:

They’re these awesome bracelets by Presmer. Some think I went overboard but I say more is more – that’s what 6 looks like on my wrist, and here’s what they look like stacked on my desk.  They also come in colors.  I feel like everyone needs these.

On Father’s Day, one of my favorite photos of my dad, circa 1956.

I got a new wallet a few weeks ago at Peter Hermann in SoHo (no website, 118 Thompson, just below Prince, (212) 966-9050).  Actually, I’ve carried a version of the came Comme des Garcons wallet forever, this is the newest incarnation. It is so NOT me – color everywhere – super bold, neony, bright color. But I love it and I get a ton of comments on it. Note: you have a choice of exterior color. Mine is blue. Also comes in that green and the orange. I can’t remember the exact cost, it was under $200.