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[title]Broadway performer Nikka Graff Lanzarone proves she’s one of New York’s most stylish denizens by modeling her favorite high-low outfits. She shops at indie stores such as Pixie Market, Alter and Honey in the Rough, and tends her mane at NYC salons Tommy Guns and Bumble and Bumble.
Nikka Graff Lanzarone, 28, Broadway performer and “sometime stylist” (nikka-graff-lanzarone.com), Morningside Heights
Her personal style: “Bargain eclectic. I’m a mega sale hunter and I like staples with a twist—an open back, enough sparkle to keep it interesting, lots of jewelry, stolen vintage from my mother and absurd shoes. There’s a story behind almost every item I wear.”
Her inspirations: “My obsession with turning into an eccentric old lady à la Advanced Style (advancedstyle.blogspot.com); New York City; the knowledge that we are always evolving as people, so nothing sticks around for too long; and humanity in general. The fun thing about my job is the research I get to do into time periods, people, dance and music—that, of course, also worms its way into my wardrobe in so many ways.”
Favorite stores: “Pixie Market (100 Stanton St between Ludlow and Orchard Sts; 212-253-0953, pixiemarket.com) has really cool pieces in a variety of price ranges. I especially love the droolworthy dresses. The girls that work at Honey in the Rough (161 Rivington St at Clinton St; 212-228-6415, honeyintherough.com) are the sweetest and not snobby at all. The selection is beautifully curated, and the jewelry is to die for. I can rarely afford anything, but if I do get the chance to splurge, it’s there. My boyfriend introduced me to Alter (109 Franklin St at Greenpoint Ave, Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-784-8818 • 140 Franklin St at Greenpoint Ave, Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-349-0203 • 407 Graham Ave between Jackson and Withers Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-609-0203 • shop.alterbrooklyn.com) through its blog. He used to live nearby, so it was a frequent stop on weekend walks. For vintage, I mostly buy from my friends. Maresa Ponitch runs Dusty Rose Vintage (dustyrosevintage.etsy.com) and she’s one of the most fun girls I know—always getting into the greatest kinds of trouble. I used her stock when dressing Sherie Rene Scott for the 2010 Tony Awards. The American Vernacular (theamericanvernacular.com) is one of the coolest vintage websites I’ve ever seen. It’s run by my childhood friend Bryn Lander. She travels around the country, scooping up amazing finds and styling them in today’s context. She’s pretty brilliant.”
Her signature accessories: “My vintage Coach bucket bag is the perfect staple piece. I sourced it on Etsy (etsy.com) after being jealous of my friend Maresa’s for so long. It holds absolutely everything and still looks amazing. The second is my silver bar ring, made by the incredible Melissa Cohen of Metal Sugar (metalsugar.com). I wear it every day—it’s an extension of me at this point—and it makes me feel just a little badass. It’s my armor.”
Favorite NYC designers: “Loyalty and Blood (loyaltyandblood.com) for its simple pieces with graphic shapes and beautiful materials, and Erica Weiner (173 Elizabeth St between Kenmare and Spring Sts; 212-334-6383, ericaweiner.com) for her sheer ability to make something that everyone can love, no matter their style—that’s a rare gift. My good friend Elise Dee (elisedee.com) is a beautiful designer—her clothes move like none other. She also does awesome custom work.”
How she describes New York style: “It surely runs the gamut. It celebrates the individual. You can wear anything—even a gigantic Elmo suit—and nobody bats an eyelash. There is a freedom to dressing here that I’m in love with. When New York style is good, there’s nothing in the world like it. When it’s not, well…”
How her style has evolved: “It’s taken some time, but I know what looks good on my body. I know my favorite colors, I know my go-to items, I know what speaks to me. I’ve seen enough trends come and go by now that I can really get a sense of what works and what doesn’t. I’ve become a little more fearless and less worried about what other people think of my looks. I grew up in Los Angeles, where it’s harder to carve out individual style, plus the weather rarely changes. I truly found my sartorial self when I moved east.”
Favorite salons: “I get my hair cut by Jenna Brauer at Tommy Guns (138 Ludlow St between Rivington and Stanton Sts, 212-477-1151 • 85 North 3rd St between Berry St and Wythe Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-388-8288 • tommygunsny.com). She is the genius behind the hair in Chicago on Broadway and the only person I trust to cut mine. Grato Longoria at Bumble and bumble (146 E 56th St between Lexington and Third Aves; 212-521-6500, bumbleandbumble.com) does my hair color. He is the sweetest man on the planet—he also rescues animals and was featured in The New York Times for his amazing work. I’ve been loyal to him for the past seven years, and he’s truly worth [the cost]. I’m not huge on the spa scene—I’m very much a corner-nail-salon kind of girl—but acupuncture by Tripp Hanson (230 W 38th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, 12th floor; healingperspective.com) is an absolute must.”