What's in a name? In the case of Absolutely Fabulous in Inman Square, a name says it all. This vintage boutique is the creation of Mara Kustra, a woman whose personal style and discerning eye for both new and vintage items is, well, absolutely fabulous.

Mara opened Absolutely Fabulous about six years ago in Cambridge after relocating from New York City (she's originally from New Rochelle, New York). "I'm finally feeling like a true Boston-ite," says Mara. She expanded two years ago to the current Inman Square digs, where she enjoys a devoted local following - not to mention a growing number of new shoppers who are steadily discovering this ultra-hip shop. At Absolutely Fabulous, you won't find disorganized stacks of picked-over clothes and dusty collectibles. Instead, you'll find clever displays and limited selections of must-have items - both vintage and new. Judging from her chic fashion and jewelry finds to her unique selection of lighting, glassware and bath products, Sugar hereby crowns Mara a natural-born style leader.

Where do you shop?
"I'm a flea market and boutique junkie - no chain stores," says Mara. "Every month I travel to new cities in search of cool stuff. Also, I look in the paper for open studios and craft fairs. That's where I find a lot. I go back to New York for everything new." In fact, Mara was jetting off with some friends to New Orleans this week to check out the scene. No doubt she'll return with some sweet inspiration from the Big Easy.

What are your style influences?
"First and foremost, I really like one-of-a-kind things. I don't like looking like everyone else. Color is definitely an influence. The person I want to talk to at a party is someone who is dressed colorfully - to me it says they have more of a personality. In terms of my taste, I'm not afraid to combine things. I like incorporating items from all over the world."

What drew you to Inman Square?
"I love how there are no chain stores in the neighborhood; it's community oriented. Locals come in and know me by name. I like the personal aspect of getting to know them and taking their requests." (Sugar snack: Inman Square is Boston's version of New York's East Village, with a broad selection of restaurants - from Brazilian, Thai and Tex-Mex to old-school delicatessens and burger joints.)

What are your top five favorite items at Absolutely Fabulous?
1. "Vintage jewelry by Rebecca Tapley." According to Mara, Tapley is a talented local designer from Somerville who finds vintage brooches and other jewelry, then matches them with new clasps and hardware.
2. "Party purses," says Mara. "I love them! They're old, new and locally handmade. They're sparkly and just awesome."
3. "Belt buckles. I find them at flea markets, trade shows and in catalogs - both old and new."
4. "Vintage stoles - I wear a lot of fur," she adds. Not surprisingly, Mara has found a well-preserved and stylish collection of vintage coats, stoles and wraps.
5. "Fitted t-shirts." Cult-favorites include "Free Martha" and "Free Ms. Cleo." In addition, Mara and her brother came up with some tongue-and-cheek slogans such as: "It ain't easy being easy," "Coffee, Tea, Me?" and "Mr. Right Now."