Stylish people abound in New York: The City That Neither Sleeps Nor Wears Clothes from The Gap, so after I had rubbed the sleep out of my eyes this morning, I hit the street in search of inspiration. I didn't have to pound the pavement for long before I encountered a slew of notable trend-setters, most of whom are featured below (The rest of them kept complaining about "release forms", so, feh).


The Hostess in Red (Is Dancing with Me)

Unless you're a cross-dressing bullfighter, when you think of a red dress, you automatically make the connection to something sleek and sexy – something Vivian Ward would be proud of. Not, however, a parrot-patterned flowing summer dress that a hostess outside of one of the most overpriced restaurants in the city is wearing.

I complimented this New York-native hostess on how simple and toned-down her outfit looked – even with such a loud striped jacket and a bindi on her forehead. She laughed and told me that she felt a little self-conscious leaving the house this morning, because of her vibrant appearance. It's funny how my idea of "toned down" is another person's idea of "toned up".

I guess that's what I get for being nicknamed "Rainbow Brite" as a little kid.


Only Members Welcome Here

I think this guy was a little afraid I was about to place him in Vice Magazine's "Don'ts" section when I hopped in front of him and asked for a picture. After a slightly awkward conversation of why I think that only true men wear dark pink, he agreed. And didn't lisp at all, amazingly.

This young man looked to me as though he rummaged through his dad's closet to mix and match things to make a style that is all his own. Wind-dried hair, an old pink shirt, a Members Only jacket...if he had had a can of Tab in his hand, I would have squealed in sheer delight at his 80s revival.

I, however, regrettably settled for listening to some classic Liquid Liquid tracks on my way home.


Jet Set, Go! Tokyo!

Prior to this moment, I don't know if I'd ever seen anyone wear these shoes/shin-guards without looking like the world's most eager David Beckham fan. Until today, however. To make fashion into more than just an outfit, it's important to piece in items of clothing that most others either can't or won't pull off. In this case, it was those shoes, grouped with her large black shell earrings and Willy Wonka glasses on the top of her head.

And I doubt Tim Burton has ever played soccer in his life, so, there.


Hell's Angel, Black-on-Black Crime

Judging by this woman's ripped-up Harley Davison shirt and leather jacket, one would imagine she was about to hop on her hog and ride off into the sunset. In reality, though, she was merely riding her vintage green banana seated bicycle through the park. So tame, so genteel!

I really enjoyed her small accessories and black scarf. All of the black clothing really makes that epic-looking cheetah stand out quite nicely.