DEFINE: RISK TAKERS \ risk ta-kerz \

The art collecting couple Robert and Ethel Scull were pretty much the real deal on that front as early champions and supporters of Pop art and Abstract Expressionist talents including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Clyfford Still. To get a taste of their genius, head up to the Acquavella Galleries on E. 79th St., where some key pieces from their collection are up until May 27. My fave: Still's "Untitled 1951-T, No. 2."

DEFINE: GIVING BACK \ giv-eng bak \

Still working on Earth Day-celebration mode: This week culminates in the Hands On New York event, hosted annually by New York Cares, the amazing umbrella organization by which savvy NYC'ers find volunteer opportunities of every stripe that they can sign up for on a weekly or whenever basis. It sends an army of good-will/love-my-city types out to parks, schools and public spaces to give these spots a good solid spring cleaning. I helped register folks (wearing the above tee, which, yes, I customized, as you can see, when I got home) who were signed up to take buses to their assigned locations from the NY Cares HQ on W. 29th St. Best two things about the day? All the genuine good will. And walking through the (hugely diminished but still remarkable) Flower District at the crack o' the a.m.

DEFINE: NATURE MOTIFS \ na-cher mo-tefs \

This one's in honor of Earth Day week, as I like to call the celebration. So the trend's been going strong in home and style arenas. But you know it's got some legs when it lands in a Brooklyn subway station, rendered gorgeously in tile. And the message? It feels really right for the times.

DEFINE: SHINY DETAILS \ shi-ne de-ta(e)ls \

This is serious chrome, on the fender and headlights of a tres magnifique all-white 1970 Cadillac I encountered recently. But imagine this as the sequins on a neckline, the intricate chainwork of a necklace, the framing of a pair of shades. Especially with white, you must admit it's pretty sweet.

DEFINE: TOUGH BEAUTY \ tef byut-e \

Just because this tulip looks so fragile and delicate does not mean it can't hold its own against the brambles. Good thing to remember...

DEFINE: KILLER COLOR \ kil-er kel-er \

It's modernist. It's rock 'n' roll. It's smile inducing. How many things have that perfect combo of attributes? It's why orange has made its way into my life in so many forms. Two of my faves: as a cushion on the mesh Bertoia that lives on the balcony; as a pillow on the vintage club chair that lives in the living room.

DEFINE: HAPPY \ hap-e \

I'll let this picture--from Montauk this weekend--speak for itself.

DEFINE: PERFECT SHOES \per-fikt shus \

They must be worthy of a city girl's love. They must acknowledge that we don't do most of our traveling in cars. That we need to walk. To fly up and down subway stairs. To maybe jump on a bike. These Chloe booties stole my heart. And I returned the love by bringing them home.

DEFINE: SPRING CHIC \ sprin shek \

Loving the way everyone rushes summer the minute it hits 70 here in NYC. Girls today were out in full force in colorful, boho, strappy dresses. Great to see, but really, chicks -- you've got a whole summer in front of you to break out those wares. Or is it wears?