New York Vintage

Among her extensive hand-picked collection of fine vintage, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld prizes an exquisite black lace slip with peek-a-boo shoulders designed by the late, great Yves Saint Laurent. Julia adeptly plucked the piece from the well-curated vintage designer clothing shop, New York Vintage, located in the artsy neighborhood of Chelsea: "This Yves Saint Laurent dress is actually lingerie, which they don't make anymore now. I bought it at New York Vintage on 25th Street. I call it my Shakira dress!"

It is only fitting that the stylish Julia would shop for vintage here. New York Vintage houses a bountiful array of high end, rare, vintage clothing, whose origins span over 100 years. The store caters to fashion’s top stylists, designers, celebrities... any and all vintage fashion aficionados who seek to indulge their most wanton fashion desires.

When visiting New York Vintage, prepare to fulfill your fashion fix — all that a fashion-lover craves is organized by era, from the 19th century and beyond. Everything is in immaculate condition, so it is best to be at the ready for some steep prices.

Have a special event coming up? Do what Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Sarah Jessica Parker have done: Call ahead and book an appointment to peruse the 5,000 square foot rental-only archive. You can rent that Missoni knit dress at a fraction of the purchase price and be the belle of the ball. Just be ready to part ways with it once the clock strikes midnight...

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and New York Vintage photographs courtesy of talesofendearment.com and windowwatchernyc.com

Agent Provocateur

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld is pictured here enjoying summer in her favorite bikini from Agent Provocateur. The red and white checked gingham accents make this two piece bathing suit innocent and adorable, perfectly suited to Julia. The gold pendant that she is wearing is designed by her close friend Pamela Love. She looks so spunky here and ready to dance, perhaps Julia is listening to her favorite "Summer Mix Tape"...

Agent Provocateur is based in the United Kingdom and its sexy boutiques span cities across the world: Paris, London, New York, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Vienna, Berlin, and more. The first Agent Provocateur store opened in London's Soho district in 1994. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting yet, I suggest you stop into your nearest Agent Provocateur to look around at your next opportunity. If fitting, take the time to be measured for a bra... you may be pleasantly surprised with your results.

Note that the fitting does not actually involve snakes or knives, I am just smitten with this photo. As we would expect, Agent Provocateur also wields a very sexy ad campaign. I wonder if the AP creative team is aware that Mademoiselle Restoin-Roitfeld models and art directs, I can sense a real synergy there...

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld photograph © 2010 Condé Nast. All Rights Reserved.
Agent Provocateur campaign image © 2010 Agent Provocateur. All Rights Reserved.

Kiki de Montparnasse

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld considers Kiki de Montparnasse a retail standby for herself as well as for gifts. As Kiki de M. says, "We have designed and hand-selected exquisite collections of inspired indulgences that not only enhance a life of intimacy, they help create it. We will ensconce you in luxury, woo your every sense, and remind you that few things are as profound as love and beauty. Once you have experienced it for yourself, you will know the transformative power of erotic license. Such freedom is intoxicating…and addictive. Because love is all there is (and love is enough)." More fine work on the part of those cheeky yet sophisticated French copywriters: I salute the Kiki de M. slogan, "Thinking of you, thinking of me." Le cadeau parfait, c'est vrai. Carine agrees: "Lingerie is my new thing. I'll go to Kiki de Montparnasse. It's pretty—not trashy or vulgar at all."

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Special news for NYC readers:
Carine Roitfeld's favorite Los Angeles vintage store Decades returns to Kiki de Montparnasse in Soho now through tomorrow, March 21, with its Decadestwo Pop-Up Shop. Goodies from the closets of Hollywood fashionistas include Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and more. Don't miss the Decadestwo Shoe Blowout also at the Kiki de Montparnasse boutique on 79 Greene Street. Louboutins, Manolos, Choos, and other select labels at $150 (or less) on Sunday from 12 – 5 p.m. Enjoy!

Images of Siren Capelet and Breathless Gag by Kiki de Montparnasse courtesy of kikidm.com.
Image of Kiki de Montparnasse/Decadestwo Pop-Up Shop flyer courtesy of guestofaguest.com.