The word “Cuba” conjures up visions both familiar and mysterious. We imagine a romantic, saturated, exotic, decaying place. A place we may never get to see. Fortunately, NYC-based photographer Helena de Bragança has brought its sensual and somber beauty to light in her first book, I Am Cuban. Over the course of two years Helena shot countless rolls of film, documenting as many aspects of the “incredible diversity of race, religion and culture” as she could. She delved “deep into the back alleys, artist studios, bedrooms, places that the average traveler to Cuba would not go to… underground Cuba.” Against the cinematic and historic backdrop she reveals the raw, vibrant, throbbing life of Cuban citizens. Simply put, the stunning images and accompanying stories will transport you. — Erika

Weekends on the beach or by the pool call for the largest hat I can possibly find to cover my face from the sun. The bigger the better. The bold stripes and bright colors worn by Claudia Schiffer in Harper's Bazaar UK July issue simply make me swoon. — Lindsey

What better reason to cross the East River than to explore the bizarre and weird? At the Morbid Anatomy Library (a Project in Residence at Brooklyn’s Proteus Gowanus Gallery), graphic designer, photographer and cultural historian Joanna Ebenstein shares her personal collection of taxidermy, medial paraphernalia, and other creepy curiosities. Joanna has traveled the world photographing and studying anatomical anomalies and now shares her findings with those with a penchant for the peculiar. Evan Michelson, from the aptly named television show “Oddities,” is the current Scholar in Residence. Follow Joanna’s love of all things unusual on her site Morbid Anatomy. — Kim

Tech-savvy fashionistas love the new app StyleCred — a pocket-sized personal stylist brought to us by Net-A-Porter-owned Outnet. With more than 200 designer brands in their virtual closet, the StyleCred app allows you to mix, match and accessorize pieces to create the perfect look for every occasion. In fashion emergencies, you can even share outfit options via email, Facebook and Twitter so cyberfriends can weigh in. Better yet, if a friend clicks through to make a purchase, you pick up a tidy $30 store credit. The Outnet crew are also curating their own portfolio of looks on Tumblr, so expert style guidance is only a click away. Seriously cyber-chic, StyleCred can be downloaded free from Apple's App Store. — Caroline

Fall seems so far away and yet I've already started plotting my wardrobe wish list. Alexander McQueen nude jewel-encrusted, thigh-high boots? Yes please! I'm sure I won't be the only girl lusting over these masterpieces, shot by Mario Testino and worn by the starlet Emma Watson in the July issue of Vogue. Check out the rest of the gorgeous spread here — Lindsey

It might start with a sweet pair of swallow earrings. Then a vintage rock n' roll necklace or two. Then a leather bag. Pretty soon it hits you: You’re completely addicted to Made Her Think. Brooklyn-based designer Meredith Kahn’s jewelry and accessories are the perfect juxtaposition of edgy and girly. Her latest collection exudes that signature tough elegance — think rocker metal with a dusting of dainty diamonds. My must-have is the sterling silver tear tusk earrings - an asymmetrical pair of tears with a single claw tusk. But I could deck my neck (and ears and wrists!) in just about all of these romantic yet gritty pieces. A full-blown addiction to diamond-studded knuckle busters? It could be worse. — Olivia