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. 

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Entries in Bags (32)

Tuesday
Jul272010

Liana

Location - 324 Columbus Ave (near 75th St)

Going on its 29th year in the same location, Liana is a neighborhood staple that has been clothing the Upper West Side for generations.  Everything from cocktail dresses and blouses to layering tees and accessories, this boutique is filled with both trendy items and mature work staples.  It's definitely a spot where any age, occasion, or budget can find something.

The friendly staff is eager to help navigate through the numerous brands in the large clothing collection. The lengthy list includes Susana Monaco, Three Dots, Weston Wear, Michael Stars, Velvet, Theory, Elie Tahari, Vince, Rachel Roy, Trina Turk, 525 America, and Michael Kors. Clothing prices range from $40-$500+, with a significant amount under $200. Stock up on everyday knit and jersey basics in an array of colors for $50-$100, or find a unique piece for a special occasion with cocktail dresses ranging from $200-$500. Favorites include 525 America's knit military-inspired jacket for $158, and Trina Turk's colorful tunics for $248.

The accessories are curated to go along with any outfit, including casual Love Quotes scarves for $88, large leather bags for $140-$400, and suede and leather belts for $50-$200. The jewelry is perfect for weddings and gifts and ranges from $50-$200. You can also find necessities such as Hanky Panky, Spanx, and Calvin Klein Tights.

Liana herself is there to assist in finding the perfect outfit for any occasion and has years of following NYC's trends and needs that you are sure to come across something to add to any wardrobe.

Tuesday
Jul202010

Project No. 8

Location - 138 Division St (between Orchard & Ludlow St)

 Displaying a wide range of emerging contemporary womenswear and accessories designers, Project No. 8's European and American collection makes one desire the modern cuts and unique fabrics the instant one walks inside. Project No. 8's minimalist interior allows the focus to stay on the standout collections and focus on the handmade detailing and artistry.

The clothing includes pieces from Maison Martin Margiela from Paris, deconstructed products from Correll Correll, lingerie from VPL, silk tanks by Sunshine & Shadow, beautiful printed knits by Christian Wijnants, and flowy dresses and blouses from Boudicca. Ranging from $100-$500+, most pieces are hard to find elsewhere and one-of-a-kind finds from emerging designers.

The beautiful jewelry and accessories would add a modern touch to any outfit. The jewelry ranges from $40-$500 and includes everything from oversized wood beaded bracelets to long metal layered necklaces.  Favorites include earrings from Saskia Diez and mohair and silver bracelets and necklaces from Stephanie Schneider. Shoes from Maison Martin Margiela and Hope include sneakers, leather boots, wedges, and heels. You can also find sunglasses, hats, scarves, and hair accessories.

Not only can you find unique clothing and statement-making jewelry pieces at Project No. 8, but sister stores No. 8a (in the Ace Hotel) and No. 8b (a men's store in the LES) have equally amazing contemporary standout pieces.

Left image courtesy of Lydia Rodrigues.

Tuesday
Jun152010

ABK

Location - 105 Henry Street (near Allen St)

This tiny leather boutique is filled with hand-dyed and hand-stitched leather goods of the highest quality displayed in a wonderfully cozy space. Owner and designer Alya Kazakevich opened the doors in November of 2009 and has created a unique environment of organic potted plants and rustic country charm of found vintage furniture and well-worn home decor to match the supple leather collection she creates in her studio in the back of the shop.

The collection consists of anything Alya makes in her studio, including totes, purses, shoes, sandals, wallets, laptop carriers, notebooks and belts. The rich leather is worn to perfection and comes in deep chocolates to honey browns. The shoes are sprinkled throughout the shop and are individually unique - from laced oxfords to slingback sandals - each has beautiful hand-stitched detailing and even the soles of the shoes have amazing craftsmanship ($375-$450). The wallets ($50-$175), bags ($250-$550), and belts ($95-$145) are sturdy, soft, and are created to age perfectly with use. 

The leather goods are not only beautiful, but the hand-crafted quality and time put into each piece would make anything in ABK a perfect addition to your wardrobe and would last a lifetime. You can even see where all the work happens with sheets of raw leather and dozens of bottles of dye lining the back studio portion of the shop. 

The shoes are display sizes in the store, so Alya custom-makes each pair to your specifications, and can even customize any piece in ABK if it doesn't fit your needs.  Allow 3-4 weeks for custom orders, and hours are Wednesday-Sunday, noon-7pm.

Tuesday
Jun082010

Chouchounette

Location - 3410 Church Avenue (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)

Bringing a little Parisian atmosphere to a busy urban Flatbush street, Chouchounette (meaning "darling, my sweet" in French) is a collective of clothing, bags, accessories, and beauty from independent designers, including the owners themselves. Zulema George and Sue Monderson are Brooklyn natives and wanted to bring their years of experience in fashion and design to a boutique of their own.

Stocked with independent clothing, accessory, and jewelry designers, most clothing is under $100 and ranges from flirty dresses perfect for going out to cozy comfy sweaters. Casual tees, funky wristlets, and colorful tunics can be found with new designers and styles constantly being added. Some brands include Anavaa Kisasa, Sanctuaire Beauty Bar, Substance, Undfnd, and Moon & Lola. Sanctuaire Beauty Bar is Monderson's bath, beauty and spa collection including aromatic soaps and foot soaks. George's Anavaa Kisasa is a line of bags and accessories made of supple Italian leather in bright colors. Chouchounette also has their own line of jewelry in addition to carrying unique trendy pieces from Moon & Lola.

The owners have a passion for emerging designers and want to bring them to their community, and have even started a movement called The Collective to encourage indie label shopping, so definitely support and check it out if you live in the neighborhood.

Tuesday
May182010

Loopy Mango

Location - 78 Grand Street (between Wooster & Greene)


After closing their shop in DUMBO and weeks of construction to a beautifully raw space in Soho, Loopy Mango has reopened with a boutique filled with unique clothing, a large selection of leather bags, and a new love for rare vintage finds. Owners Waejong Kim and Anna Pulvermakher have brought their sense of style back to Manhattan and are able to house even more hard-to-find designers and accessories than in their old store.

The expansive space is home to a well-edited collection of clothing with new swimwear and lingerie additions, as well as a larger selection of bags and accessories. The clothing ($100-$500+) is hard to find in the city and includes items from Apiece Apart, Bensoni, Mr. Larkin, Hannoh, Laura Urbinati, and Minden Chan. Supple leather shoes, belts, and bags with detailed grommets, fringe, and zippers can be found from Piatonna, Il Bisonte, Trove Tkees, and Malena Birger.  Collectibles, jewelry, and a small selection of home goods start at $10.

In addition to adding more designers and collections to the new store, Loopy Mango has filled its space with antique furniture and interior accessories that are beautifully aged and fun additions to any home.  In the back of the store is a large space filled with handpicked antiques such as ornate French crosses, rusted New York street signs, and colorful bicycles.

Monday
Apr192010

Meg

Location - 312 East 9th Street (at 2nd Ave) and 46 N. 6th Street (between Wythe & Kent)

 BOUTIQUED READER DISCOUNT: Mention The Boutique of the Week and get 25% off!

Meg is the spot for clothes with classic lines in modern twists that are made with perfect feminine cuts in quality fabrics.  Owner and designer Meghan Kinney has been dressing her clients at the East Village location for 14 years with timeless pieces for all body types.

Meg has a cult following for her clean lines in everything from her dresses to her suits.  Clothing ranges from $75-$250 and spans blouses, dresses, jackets, pants, and skirts in closet-staple neutrals to flirty, trendy patterns. The new Spring/Summer collection is light and playful with flowing patterned dresses with adorable bow-tie straps and sophisticated evening dresses.  Not only are the designs made for real women, with flattering seams and ruffles, but there is also custom tailoring available on-site to make ever piece fit perfectly. Details including pockets and draping make unique pieces and the incredibly friendly staff is eager to pull styles they think will flatter you specifically (and they always do!). Styles are normally available in multiple colors, so if you see a piece you like there are probably other hues to choose from.  Favorites include color block dresses ($180), trench coats ($240), and long, elegant dresses ($210).  

The accessories include large neutral-colored bags and a variety of jewelry for layering.  You can also find a great selection of sale items.

Make sure to not only check out Meg's East Village location, but also the newly opened Williamsburg location.

Don't forget to mention Boutiqued for your discount!

Monday
Mar152010

A. Cheng

Location - 152 5th Avenue (near Douglass Street), Park Slope

A. Cheng is filled with feminine pieces with exceptional details in a comfortable and airy space. With cozy brick and pops of color, the atmosphere is home to owner Alice Cheng's own line of clothing as well as other whimsical designers and fun accessories.

Trench coats, floral tops, breezy dresses, and staple sweaters can be found in easy-to-wear styles for everyone's closet.  Clothing ranges from $50-$300 and includes pieces from Steven Alan, Demylee, Roberta Freymann, Paul & Joe, Twinkle by Wenlan, and Corey Lynn Calter.  The A. Cheng line is flawless with beautiful details, patterns and colors, with favorites including her jackets and pants that easily go from workday to night out.  Other great finds include a light tunic from Roberta Freymann for $116 and Demylee's cashmere smoky grey cardigan for $235.

A display case resting on sawhorses holds a fun selection of jewelry with charming pendant necklaces, colorful earrings and vintage-inspired rings ranging from $30-$200+, with most under $100. Other great accessories include scarves in both cashmere and colorful cotton and leather purses and clutches in staple neutrals.

Tuesday
Mar092010

Coclico

Location - 275 Mott St (between Houston & Prince)

Coclico is a beautiful open space filled with their own line of shoes, an expertly edited selection of cheerful clothes, and statement-making accessories.  The  incredibly friendly staff and amount of unique pieces stocked makes this boutique a must when shopping for everything from everyday sandals to a flirty evening dress.

The shoes are made from eco-friendly materials and are crafted for the utmost comfort without compromising style.  The Coclico Spring shoe line is inspired by the butterfly with intricate patterns and curved silhouettes.  The earthy color palette with splashes of gemstone hues can be found in the heels, sandals, and boots.  Fun summer flat sandals and heels made of high-quality leather range from $250-$450, and staple neutral boots range from $450-$600.  Mixed in with Coclico's own line are shoes from Esska, Argila, and Chi Mihara.

Just as impressive as their shoe selection is the clothing, including everything from jackets, blouses, flowy dresses, and chunky sweaters.  Clothing ranges from $75-$400.  An amazingly soft grey suede and mesh jacket from Iro is $475, a Twinkle by Wenlan dress for $350, a blue and white embroidered tunic from Paul & Joe is $175, and a versatile She Bible jersey dress is $150.

Other accessories include bright scarves from Yarnz ($175) and a large selection of leather bags from oversized totes to crossbody bags ($200-$500+) can be found from Paul & Joe Sisters and Great by Sandie.

Wednesday
Feb242010

Flirt

Location - 93 5th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn

For over ten years - five at this location - Flirt has brought an eclectic, whimsical atmosphere to Brooklyn, filled with unique pieces at affordable prices.  Decorated with bright details and vintage furniture, the comfortable space has plenty to choose from with items tucked in corners and shelves throughout the store.

Double-high racks of clothes hold knitwear, dresses, blouses, sweaters, skirts, and every seasonal trend item. With clothing prices ranging from $30-$250+, many items are $100 or less.  You can find breezy print dresses from Karina that fit all curves, printed silk tanks and shorts from Kyumi, and a linen polka-dot trench from Nick & Mo.  Flirt carries their own line (including custom-fit skirts), as well as styles from Cinderloop, Alternative Apparel, Scrapbook Originals, BB Dakota, Albert & Piccolo, and Eva Franco.

The boutique is packed with fun accessories and small home goods, you can find anything from funky knit hats with octopus details to cute boxes of stationary.  Shoes from Jeffrey Campbell, Hue tights, Ozone socks, pillows, coasters, linens, hats, scarves, clutches, feather hair accessories, purses, lampshades, and even soap can be found. Display cases of jewelry are full of trendy owl necklaces, vintage-inspired large cocktail rings, costume jewelry and delicate pendant necklaces.

Tuesday
Feb162010

Cry Wolf

Location - 111 Saint Marks Place (between Ave A and 1st Ave)

*More pictures coming soon!

Cry Wolf brings street chic to the East Village with a boutique filled with clothing and accessories for men and women.  A warm interior of brick and exposed wood beams create a nice backdrop to urban, detailed pieces from US and International indie designers.

On a street filled with shops and restaurants, Cry Wolf is a definite stop for unique designs, fun accessories, and shoes. Everything from dresses, blouses, denim, tees, and sweaters can be found from Quail, Christian Joy, Greyhound, Mary Meyer, Eryn Brinie, and Sunshine and Shadow.  Prices range from $40-$300, with pieces including a cropped black blazer ($140), flannel dress ($150), and silk shorts ($130).  Denim ranges from $65-$200 from Acne, Corpus, Cheap Monday, Denim Demon, and Nudie Jeans. 

A well-edited selection of accessories includes leather gloves, purses, clutches, belts, sunglasses, and jewelry.  Shoes can be found from 80%20, TOMS, Jeffrey Campbell, Creative Recreation, and Melissa.