224 Pages Of “Paris Versus New York”

365 Days In Paris
Leonora lived in Paris for a year and brought us along with her. Read More »
Alber Elbaz Wrote a Book
Alber Elbaz photo
The man behind Lanvin puts pen to paper. Read More »
Dam Tea Bags!
This cup is perfect for any Parisian or New Yorker in need of a caffeine fix. Read More »

As both a New Yorker and a bonafide Francophile, I am a madly adoring fan of the brilliant graphic designer Vahram Muratyan’s website, Paris versus New York. He compares the City of Lights to the Big Apple in a way that isn’t snarky, or biased toward one or the other — rather, they read more like romantic odes to both cities. His modern designs and prints have gained something of a following since his blog’s debut in 2010, and last week he released a 224-page book of his contrast-and-compare illustrations. If you’re a fan of Paris vs. NYC, or Paris, or NYC, or all of the above, you must get this book. It’s simple and lovely and makes me want to book a trip to La Ville-Lumière, dès que possible. Equally charming: this Blackbook interview with the artist. [$20, in Anthropologie stores and online]

The Idiot-Proof InStyler

Amelia's The Expert
Amelia appeared on the "Today" show to talk online dating! Read More »
Get Gorgeous Hair
How to make 2012 the year of good hair. Read More »

Ever since my totally no big deal (!!!) appearance on “The Today Show,” I have been experiencing completely irrational low self-esteem when it comes to my hair. The hairstylist did such an amazing job crafting my thick hair into voluminous waves and I have been desperate to recreate the look on my own. I am embarrassed to admit that I have bought two curling irons (with 1.25-inch and 2-inch barrels) and a whole mess of velcro rollers but have utterly failed at accomplishing anything other than intense frustration. But then a coworker said she had the perfect tool for me to try — the InStyler! And dudes? It’s a life-changer. Keep reading »

A Sweetly Sexy Bra & Panty Set

I’m not a particularly girly-girl when it comes to underthings, and thongs scare the crap out of me. I prefer full coverage on my butt, thank you very much. But just because a girl wants her ass to be fully swathed in fabric, doesn’t mean she wants to forgo sexiness. That’s why I’m totally feeling this underwear set from Pins and Needles. Cute, but not too frilly, retro, but not to the point of looking costume-y, this floral bra and panty set feels totally fresh. [Bra, $24; Panty, $16, Urban Outfitters]

Hang Don Draper By The Neck

We’ve got another month and a half to go until season five of “Mad Men” starts on March 25, and fans can’t wait to find out where things stand with Don Draper, his family, and everyone else at Sterling Cooper Draper Price. We found just the thing to wear to a premiere party — this falling Draper pendant from Saucier Jewelry. 

[$50.00 Saucier Jewelry]

Dam Those Tea Bags!

I just recently discovered the joys of tea, and oh how I love sipping English Breakfast in the morning and a soothing vanilla blend at night. What I don’t love? Taking out the soggy tea bag and leaving drips everywhere. That’s why I’m so excited about this ingenious — and cute! — tea dam cup, which has a separate little section for the tea bag. It also allows you to refill your cup to get multiple uses out of bags of strong tea. So long, wet counters and tea-stained clothes! [$10.25, Whole Latte Love]

A Cutting Fashion Statement

The only time it’s acceptable to have a sharp object this close to your wrist is if you’re wearing this steampunk scissor bracelet. Handmade and finished in beautiful bronze or silver ox, you’ll make a statement with a lovely pair of antique shears wrapped around your wrist. And as a bonus, you’ll always have a deadly weapon on you should you need one.

[$20.00 Etsy]

Good For Gotye

As some of you may know, I used to DJ a ton, and music is still a HUGE part of my life. That’s why I LOVE  Spotify, and spend all day listening to it when I’m writing the stories and making the Internet. I’ve made a bunch of great mixes on there — like seriously great mixes — that you guys should subscribe to and check out! It’s also a great place to discover new (and sometimes old) music you might have mixed. (My user name is julie.gerstein). One artist I missed last year is Gotye, an Australian musician whose jams may veer a little on the easy-listening side of things, but whose cutting lyrics more than make up for the less-than-tough-guy jams. I’ve been obsessively listening to “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which also features vocalist Kimbra, and is about a breakup gone bad. “Told myself that you were right for me, but felt so lonely in your company,” he sings. The rest of the record is kinda whatever — actually, really whatever, but dang, that song is so good. [$9.99, Amazon]

Taming The Frizzies? It’s Not A Myth!

Once upon a time, a woman with a thick head of thin hair had a problem. This problem was that every winter, her hair frizzed up like static electricity was running through her veins. She fretted wearing hats. She fretted wearing earmuffs. Winter was quite unpleasant. Then she discovered L’Oreal Professional Mythic Nourishing Oil — a fancy sounding product that is basically just beautifully-scented oil to be patted on the ends of wet or dry hair. To her great joy, Mythic Oil lived up to its name: winter frizzies are now as rare as a unicorn. And woman and her think head of thin hair lived happily ever after! [$14.69, Amazon]

“Drive” On (DVD)

Like fast cars, romance, and a killer soundtrack? Like those things even more when they’re accompanied by a hot, man-of-few-words bad boy in a satin jacket with a scorpion emblazoned on it? Well, lucky for you, the sleeper hit of the 2012, “Drive” — starring Amelia’s former boo, Ryan Gosling — just came out on DVD. What are you waiting for? Book it and buy it already. [$16.99, Amazon]

What A Wonderful Wallet

I have a bad habit of stuffing every single receipt into my wallet until it finally explodes, George Costanza style. My current wallet already has a ripped seam and is quickly approaching the popping stage, so it’s time to find a replacement. This funky leather one from Fossil is right up my alley — bright colors, nice and roomy, and good quality enough to deal with overstuffing, dropping, and a variety of other abuses — at least for a while. [$45, Endless.com]