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 Beauty (2)

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.

Sunday
Jun212009

NY Artificial

Location - 13 Eighth Ave (near West 12th Street)

Be ready to re-define yourself - and your style - after entering NY Artificial.  With local designers, eco-friendly materials, and trendy designs topped of with an amazingly attentive owner, you'll not only walk out with a great find, but a boost in self-esteem.  In addition to the warm welcome, you'll get thoughtful suggestions and helpful tidbits of information based on what pieces you stop to inspect further.  With prices ranging from $75-$400+, you'll get to model all types of bags from oversized totes to small metallic clutches.  Many styles come in ranges of colors and are mainly made in Manhattan.

Jewelry and other accessories, including hats and scarves are scattered throughout the store.  Inexpensive bangles to locally designed precious metal necklaces and earrings are so easy to wear and enhance the new handbag you're sure to purchase.  Be sure to check out the sister store next door that has apparel and more accessories.

If the handbags and accessories aren't enough, the hidden gem found at the back of the store is the makeup made by the owner, Aaron Bond. Already used by New York 1 and featured on the Red Carpet at the Tony Awards, this all-natural makeup line is hands-down amazing. Aaron, a former model, is so knowledgeable and attentive to skin needs that his line feels like freshness on the face. He will educate you on how to apply and transform you face into a natural, beautiful you. Though a little pricey, it's definitely worth the extra bucks to know you're only putting natural ingredients on your face, and it will last forever. I would recommend the amazing concealer ($28) and the lip satin hydrator ($19).