Brown paper packages tied up with string. These are a few of my favorite things.

I suppose that, like Maria from The Sound of Music, I do enjoy brown paper packages—especially when emblazoned with the words Sigerson Morrison.

A little admission: The Fashionista has had a bad couple of days. And when that happens, there is only one certain fix: a little retail therapy. Lately the place that makes the Fashionista happiest is Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood (that’s an acronym for North of Little Italy for all you non-Gothamites). It’s chockablock full of the most darling boutiques—like Le Marais in Paris, only hipper. And, the Fashionista scored so big in Nolita today that she’s compelled to dish about her fashion finds.

My first stop was Calypso, where I picked up the yummiest little ethnic throw, and my mood picked up, too. Then I skittered on down to INA—yes, the Fashionista shops at consignment stores . . . not for budgetary reasons; because it’s the best way to exchange tired old clothes for something one-of-a-kind. Today, for example, I purged a D&G jacket from my closet, swapping it for a fab vintage Pucci dress. Added bonus: a Parker Posey spotting (FYI: Parker’s the coolest actress in the entire city). Next stop was Lyell on Elizabeth Street, where I found the most glorious gold 1930s bias-cut sundress (that did wonders for my mood!). At Tory Burch, the Fashionista shopped alongside the two most famous celebrity twins in the world and also scored herself a sexy bias-cut dress to boot. Then it was off to Blue Bag, where a tiny leather satchel practically induced euphoria.

I hit Poppy, just to see what the hot new designers are up to (hint: lots of fabulous and fun color); followed by Eva, because one must keep an eye on European designers as well. My final stops were the aforementioned Sigerson Morrison for the cutest ballet flats ever—and a tête-à-tête with an up-and-coming socialite-cum-handbag designer at her atelier. Between the daily scores and exceptional company, the Fashionista’s day was made blissfully glam. Hope yours is too.

Your faithful Fashionista