DEFINE: RETRO SIGNAGE \ re-tro sin-ij \

One of the things I love most about New York: the history that stares at you from its (key word alert) original as opposed to faux-original vintage neon signs and painted storefronts. Three totally outstanding, can't-deny-the-genius examples: Vesuvio Bakery on Prince Street between W. Broadway and Thompson. It now houses the quite adorable Bluebird bakery but had been a much-loved downtown fixture for 89 years when it was taken over by the new owner last year. Just over three and a half blocks east is Fanelli's Cafe. This bar has been around as Fanelli's since 1922 (though it was a bar dating back to 1847). My friend's dad, Robert Fitzpatrick, was a firefighter at the now-defunct neighborhood firehouse and used to hang out there in the 1960s. Finally, on corner of W. 11th St. and Hudson in the West Village, is the White Horse Tavern. It's been on that corner since 1878 or 1880 -- my mom remembers it from growing up around the corner at 312 W. 11th St. from the 1920s to 1940s. It was a longshoreman's bar then, and a place, she said, to be avoided.

DEFINE: SMART CHARM \ smart charm \

Cecele, one of the several great people who make Williamsburg neighborhood spot Beco such a chill hangout, is on a replacement evil eye necklace. This one is a gorgeous blue color, and she customized it with a swag of blue ribbon--I took a closeup shot that didn't turn out great so I promise to reshoot and post it when I see her again. This one came to her via a friend who brought it back from Turkey. Her last one had split in two, which, she told me, is what happens when the evil eye has had its fill of bad vibes. I knew why people wore evil eye charms but I didn't know the eyes really told you when they'd had enough. Cecele hasn't found any in the city that she thinks are great quality, so she gets her abroad. Someone else I know, who wears a rope of them around her neck (she works in a tough joint), loads up on them in India. I don't wear one but I'm reconsidering -- they look really cool; it's just bonus points if they truly do ward off whatever negative stuff you don't want coming your way, right?

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...