New York - December 17, 2004

The ABCs of Style

Cristi Conaway Sweaters

Acronym for the beautiful-and-confused circa 1999: MTA (model-turned-actress).

Acronym for the beautiful-and-confused circa 2004: SoDeWha (socialite-designer-whatever).

To wit: Former actress Cristi Conaway started out knitting ponchos, shawls, and scarves to alleviate boredom on movie sets. When colleagues started pressuring her to share the style, the Texas native was happy to oblige. And, as it would happen, word got around. She ditched the acting and embarked on a career of dressing the one-name-only set (Nicole, Cameron, Jennifer, Courteney).

Conaway now makes collections for both men and women — and to much praise. Trying to pick the sexiest piece is a lost cause, but most clients are partial to the knits: Gorgeous, delicate ponchos and hoodies. Gold-thread detailing in off-the-shoulder styles. Shapes that are not too narrow, not too short.

Just right for any occasion. Most import, the WhaTHDIW (What the Heck Do I Wear?)

A conundrum known to afflict the beautiful, the confused, and the rest of us.

Available at Scoop, 532 Broadway, between Prince and Spring Streets (212-925-2886); or Poppy, 281 Mott Street, between Houston and Prince Streets (212-219-8934). To see styles, go to cristiconaway.com.