What is the Boutique of the Week?

With a belief that everyone can use a little retail therapy, The Boutique of the Week helps guide you away from the New York City chains and expensive designers and directly to the most unique and affordable boutiques in the city. 

Items
Search
Monday
25Jan2010

Christopher 19

Location - 19 Christopher St (between Gay St & Grove St)

Christopher 19 is an airy, bright boutique filled with a wide selection of jewelry and accessories of all styles and prices.  Everything from carat gold to sterling silver can be found with prices ranging from a friendly $40 to thousands, with the heart of their collections averaging between $100-$300.  Upon entering, it takes a moment for your eyes to take it all in, so take time to enjoy all the displays filled with earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

With over 35 designers displayed under one roof, there is much to try on, with bright costume jewelry, chunky wooden bangles, glimmering rose gold hoops and multi-colored beaded necklaces.  Christopher 19 displays their own jewelry, Christopher Roca, which is a gorgeous contemporary line of mixed metals, crystals, glass, and various stones.  There is definitely something for everyone, with giant cocktail rings, delicate gold chains, and shimmering chandelier earrings.  They have local and international designers and are constantly looking for talent to add.

In addition to jewelry, great accessories including scarves, hats, purses, clutches, pillows, and belts can be found.  Velvet burnout scarves and handmade hats are around $200, in addition to bright bags and clutches from $90-$150. The owners are cheerful and happy to help you find your own style and let you know the history of each collection.

Sunday
10Jan2010

Change of Season

Location - 341 E 9th St (between 2nd & 1st Ave)

This cozy boutique is decorated to perfection, emulating European hotel luxury with beautiful details including a vintage drink cart, stacks of luggage, plush carpets, and even a fireplace, all surrounded in rich green and gold details. Change of Season was created to bring high-end European indie designer fashions from previous seasons to NYC at prices accessible to everyone.

With new pieces arriving weekly, Change of Season boasts an impressive list of hard-to-find designers and fashion giants, including Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga, Marni, Alessandroo Dell'Acqua, Parosh, Lanvin, Chloe, Vivienne Westwood, Boudicca, Chalayan, Giles, and Galliano.  Everything from dresses, jackets, shorts, pants, skirts, belts, sweaters, hats, scarves, bags, shoes, fragrance, and jewelry fill the space with vivid patterns and beautiful fabrics. Interesting pieces can be found from Rome-based designer Caterina Gatta who re-works vintage Givenchy and Versace fabrics into modern pieces, and a collection of Italian bracelets are intricately designed from oil paintings. The prices range from a high-end Vivienne Westwood coat for $600 to flowing tops as low as $45, with most pieces ranging between $125-$300, including structured ruffled jackets and silk dresses.  Jewelry and small accessories are neatly displayed so you can easily try on everything.  Handcrafted cuffs ($185), semi-precious stone necklaces ($65), silver western boots ($175), and scarves ($125), are all beautiful pieces.

Since new pieces and designers are added frequently, it's definitely a boutique to visit reguarly. The staff is warm and friendly and are happy to help style you and let you know about the newest arrivals. They also have good sales on their (already) reduced pieces, in addition they frequently have a rack full of newly-acquired articles from a featured designer.

Tuesday
05Jan2010

5 in 1

Location - 60 North 6th St (between Kent and Wythe Avenues)

This off the beaten path boutique is home to a hybrid studio-store with a design studio in the back and local fashion and jewelry commerce in the storefront entrance. The space is raw with well-worn wooden floors and stacks of vintage decor making it a comforting and unique place to shop.  The seven fashion and jewelry designers featured in the boutique staff it themselves, giving you the unique opportunity to shop with the designer present.

Everything from comfortable cashmere sweaters, form-fitting jackets, silk dresses, unique jewelry, scarves, tote bags, and even a small mens section can be found.  Jackets and coats range from $300-$450, dresses from $140-$300, tops from $40-$100, and jewelry from $50-$250+.

The Brooklyn-based designers include A Peace Treaty, Costalots, Covet, Dirty Librarian Chains, H Fredriksson, ROUND, and Uluru, and are all dedicated to sustainability and distinctive in vision.  Focusing on the skilled craftsmanship of particular regional artisans, A Peace Treaty's hand-loomed cashmere and cotton scarves are beautifully made in bright and fun colors. Costalots's sunglasses are made from materials originally intended for safety eyewear, but are transformed into sunglasses in a variety of tinted shades from grey and rose to brown and smoke. Achieving balance between sustainability and fashion, Covet consists of light and airy organic fabrics in feminine cuts with special button details and pockets. Dirty Librarian Chains is a jewelry collection of elegantly draped, twisted, and re-worked vintage pieces in edgy, asymmetrical designs. H Fredriksson's fondness for nature and prints are evident in her elegant pieces that unite her abstracted nature photographs with fashion. Mixing masculine and feminine forms, the ROUND collection combines delicate metals with heavy textures in uniquely wearable jewelry. And the Uluru fashion line pays much attention to silhouette and adds sculptural qualities to feminine classics.

Due to the designers staffing the boutique themselves, 5 in 1 storefront boutique is only open Friday-Sunday, but the unique and locally-designed pieces are worth the visit.

Wednesday
09Dec2009

Darling

Location - 1 Horatio Street (at 8th Ave)

Darling is a boutique that lives up to its name, with window displays full of breezy dresses and an interior stocked to the ceiling with a mix of trendy pieces and vintage must-haves, you are sure to find something for every season. Piles of accessories fill every nook and make you feel you've stepped into a closet begging to play dress-up in. Hats, scarves and purses hang off mirrors, with colorful casual wear and trendy evening wear framing a table toppling with jewelry and accessories.

Great pieces for all body types can be found by Tulle, Luna, Autumn Cashmere, BB Dakota, Velvet, Kensie, Susanna Monaco, Max and Cleo, and Heartloom.  Dresses ranging from trendy minis to draping jersey can be found from $50-$300+ and tops from bohemian to tailored range from $30-$200.  In the winter months, they have a huge assortment of coats and jackets with everything from jewel-toned peacoats to fur-lined bombers ($70-$350).  Despite Darling's large stock of clothes, they out-do themselves with their abundance of accessories.  Scarves can be found piled and draped during all months of the year ($30-$150), as well as headbands, hats and purses, including rows of colorful clutches (around $80).  Jewelry in both gold and silver vintage and plastic trendy costume can be found hanging from decorative branches next to classic lingerie with feminine ruffles and lace.

The staff is friendly and energetic and happy to help fill any wardrobe hole.  Don't miss heading downstairs to the basement where there are more dressing rooms, a rack dedicated to vintage finds from the 1950s-1980s, as well as a full wall of sale items that are constantly updated and reduced.  Darling also hosts many events where pieces such as the Little Black Dress are celebrated with promotions and cocktails.

Wednesday
18Nov2009

Kaight

Location - 83 Orchard Street (Between Broome St & Grand St)

Organic and sustainable fashion and accessories are displayed in this airy sun-drenched boutique.  Kaight has been home to Eco-friendly fabrics and independent designers for over three years and continues to stock fresh labels with modern designs in both casual and upscale pieces.

An entire center table is devoted to organic, recycled, and sustainable accessories including shoes, jewelry, handbags, tights, hats, scarves, and hats.  Wonderful velvet oxford shoes from Melissa are made from 100% recycled plastic and come a deep purple ($99).  Matt & Nat bags in bright pinks, blacks, and browns ($150-$300) are displayed with Sirius Lux's unique crocheted necklaces made from vintage copper chains ($65-$85).

Casual knits and sweaters from organic staples Prairie Underground and Loomstate mix with high-end dresses and coats from dreamandawake and Fin Oslo.  A wide variety of designs and cuts can be found, including a 100% slouchy cowl-neck sweater ($205), re-purposed vintage fabric printed dress ($150), and a perfect pocket long-sleeve tee ($58).

Every week Kaight highlights one of their designers and offers a promotional discount - keep an eye out for the announcements on their blog: http://kaightnyc.blogspot.com/.

Wednesday
11Nov2009

Babel Fair

Location - 260 Elizabeth St (near E. Houston)

 This fresh, recently opened boutique is stocked full of unique international fashion and accessories surrounded by bright accents and artistic touches.  By using her "fashion forecasters" from around the world, owner Erica Kiang brings unknown international designers from around the world to Manhattan.

Racks of exotic patterns in eccentric cuts and styles line the walls.  Everything from casual dresses, structured jackets, flowing skirts and thick sweaters can be found from South America, Asia and Europe. Babel Fair stocks labels that can't be found in stores in the US, including Australia's Marie & Eve and Washborn distressed denim from Korea. Dresses range from $100-$200 and denim for $120-$150.  Some of the most interesting pieces include graphic dresses from Brazil feature patterns made from magazine collages and a structured military jacket for $269.

The fun accessories and novelties are placed throughout the boutique and add a touch of whimsy and playfulness.  Clutches, notebooks, cell-phone accessories, and funky jewelry are neatly displayed on a center hand-made table.  Shoes and bags are tucked in colorful shelves, including a unique cowhide large duffel bag from South America ($269), as one of many one-of-a-kind finds that will add a definite pop to any wardrobe.

Thursday
05Nov2009

Thistle & Clover

Location - 221 Dekalb Ave (between Clermont Ave and Adelphi St)

Nestled in the tree-lined, bustling neighborhood of Fort Greene, this bright boutique creates a gallery environment showcasing local designers with unique one-of-a-kind designs.  The white walls and airy decor mix with vintage touches that can be found in the classic books used to display jewelry and antique furniture. Thistle & Clover hosts quarterly open calls to promote new designers and support the strong design community around them, which keeps their boutique stocked with fresh and exceptional finds.

Opening in March 2008, they have made a name for themselves with their unique jewelry collections ($50-$300+) of delicate gold and silver mixed with bold statement pieces, which include designers such as Lauren Wimmer, In God We Trust, Catbird, Max Steiner, and Sunday's Best.  Their own jewelry line recently became available, with necklaces made of rose gold in feminine pendants of clovers and flowers ($150).  Other fun accessories include everything from leather handbags and feathered barrettes, to shoes and stationery.

In addition to beautiful jewelry, the clothing is sophisticated and fun with fresh designs coming from staple brands as well as up-coming-designers.  Brands include LA Made and Wren mixed with Lewis NYC, Trovata, Twolive Tree, and Demylee.  Day dresses come in comfortable flannel and floating florals ($150-$200) whereas structured, vibrant party dresses can be found around $250-$300.  Thick sweaters and striped cardigans range from $100-$250 and jackets and coats range from $300-$500.

Wednesday
28Oct2009

An Ren

Location - 315 E 9th Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave)

In this small, colorful boutique you can find bright and unique mixtures of patterns, colors, and fabrics in original pieces that flatter all body types. An Ren's designs can be found in stores across the country, but her East Village boutique houses all of her  jackets and tops under one roof where you are encouraged to try on different styles until you find the perfect match that will definitely help you stand you out in a crowd.

The modern cuts, quality of materials, and richness of color and pattern make the pieces truly original and unique.  Even though the prices are higher, with coats ranging from $300-$600 and lighter jackets from $100-$200, each piece has so much detail and care in craftsmanship that the quality is evident.  With over 20 years of design experience, An Ren mixes different fabrics and textures skillfully to create jackets and coats made of tweed, cotton, wool, and silk with details such as ruffles, large buttons, prominent collars and contrasting stitching.  Special touches are added such as removable sleeves to help jackets transition between seasons and whimsical oversized buttons.

The interesting designs in varying color combinations are adventurous and bold and can seem difficult to navigate through, making the friendly and knowledgeable staff helpful in finding styles and can even customize your order if longer sleeves or different fabric combinations are requested.

Wednesday
14Oct2009

Ludivine

Location - 1216 Lexington Ave (between 82nd and 83rd street)

 After bringing Parisian style to the West Village for years, Ludivine recently opened a second location in the Upper East Side, which is even larger and continues to be stocked with hard-to-find French designs.  The rich wood floors create a warm environment and a perfect base for the luxuriously feminine collection.

Modern cuts in exquisite fabrics can be found from European designers such as Vanessa Bruno, Les Prairies de Paris, and Claudie Pierlot.  Despite a higher price tag with most items hovering between $350-$450, the clothes are so versatile and of the highest quality that they will remain in your wardrobe for years.  The most notable pieces are the chunky sweaters from Lomberto Losani and the amazing butter-soft leather jackets that are water resistant from Japanese designer Sissi.

Accessories range from sturdy leather boots, bright clutches, classic hats, and a wide range of leather bags.  The friendly staff are excited and happy to show you the newest inventory and help make the entire European experience complete.

Tuesday
29Sep2009

Loopy Mango

Location - DUMBO 117 Front Street (near Adams St)

Tucked in bustling DUMBO, Loopy Mango is stocked with fabulous eccentric pieces and luxurious, vintage-inspired designs. With a mix of old and new styles, the space is set up like a gallery so you can find not only great clothes, but beautiful vintage home goods and body soaps and lotions.

Co-owned by a crochet designer and an artist, this boutique truly meshes their worlds in a comfortable environment filled with unique pieces.  Their wide range of womenswear includes chunky sweaters, silk dresses, cotton basics, and structured blouses ($50-$400+).  Whether from Paris or Brooklyn, they strive to stock the best items in fresh styles that can easily be added to any wardrobe.  Brands include KRMA, Graham & Spencer, Line, Makie, Autumn Cashmere, Pas de Calais, Eva Franco, and Lia Kes.

The clothes aren't the only reason to stop by, you can complete your vintage-with-an-edge look with a fantastic assortment of accessories. Their unique jewelry ($30-$300) includes delicate gold and silver pieces, as well as large statement pieces. Bright hair accessories made of feathers, bows, and ribbons ($5-$50).  Stay warm with plaid, patterned, and richly textured scarves ($75-$185), as well as gloves and timeless hats.  Shoes range from canvas Bensimon's ($50-$80) to well-crafted leather boots (around $300).  They also stock a wide selection of bags with up-and-coming designers, including small clutches, slouchy hobos, and fringe styles ($100-$600).  Candles, soaps, and lotions from Tocca and Eau de Brooklyn range from $10-$40.  Sprinkled throughout are classic vintage finds including frames, lamps, and furniture that add to the entire experience.

Loopy Mango moved their collection to Brooklyn in 2006 after spending two years in the East Village.