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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 Denim (8)

Tuesday
Feb162010

Cry Wolf

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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.

DateTuesday, February 16, 2010 at 11:24PM | CommentPost a Comment |
Wednesday
Nov112009

Babel Fair

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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.

DateWednesday, November 11, 2009 at 11:51PM | Comment1 Comment |
Wednesday
Oct142009

Ludivine

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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.

DateWednesday, October 14, 2009 at 11:29PM | CommentPost a Comment |
Sunday
Jun212009

Forest

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Location - 242 West 10th Street (between Hudson & Bleecker)

With whimsical, feminine clothes that have a slight punk edge, Forest is an instant stop for a unique piece that you want to make a memorable statement with. The owner is completely immersed in fashion and even sells her own line of clothes and jewelry in addition to having neighborhood brand favorites such as White Label, Pepper & Pistol, and Eva Franco.

Not only is Forest stocked with on-trend items, but the range of prices from $50-400 make at least something affordable for everyone, with many items under $150.  The clothes have the personality of Betsey Johnson, but the brick-walled boutique doesn't impose any style on you that you aren't comfortable with and will assist you in finding your perfect piece.  You can find fringe leggings next to a cut-out one-shoulder tank, and a lace drop-waist dress along with skimpy bathing suit options.  Definitely try on the Desert Blue "denim leggings" that are not only super soft with a perfect cut, but have surprising Southwestern details like Native American-inspired beaded trim on the back.

The accessories are individualistic and delicate, with funky hats and locally made gold and silver jewelry.  A precious metal dipped match-stick necklace and earrings are surprisingly ethereal and colorful wire-wrapped O-ring earrings are one of many unique options.  Despite the small space, Forest has been keeping their shoppers happy for 2 years with an eclectic collection and wonderful service.

UPDATE: Sadly Forest has closed.

DateSunday, June 21, 2009 at 5:32PM | CommentPost a Comment |
Saturday
May302009

Poppy

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Location - 281 Mott Street (Between Houston & Prince)

Poppy boutiquePoppy boutiquePoppy boutique

Tucked in a shaded nook of Nolita, Poppy's large store is open and airy and stocked with fantastic pieces.  Some beautiful clothes and fun bohemian finds can be discovered at this unobtrusive boutique. 

Poppy's range of styles is huge, you can find well-fitted jackets, flowing dresses, soft scarves and gold bangles all under one roof.  Racks of butter-soft tees and piles of folded jeans mix with silk dresses and lacy camisoles.  Brands such as Smythe, Daftbird, Otis & Maclain, Sauce, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, J Brand, and Splendid, among many others, can be found, costing from $50 - $300+.  The lightweight, colorful scarves and small collection of jewelry are well-edited.  The silver and gold jewelry range from $50-175, with beaded versatile long necklaces for $88.

Despite the friendly interiors, the staff and service leaves much to be desired.  Their slightly gruff attitude and stand-offish demeanor could ruin the entire experience if it weren't for the great finds.

UPDATE: After revisiting Poppy,  I not only found more wonderful clothes, but was impressed with the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff.  They were happy to help you find your own style and recommend different pieces to create the perfect outfit.  The difference in experience was obvious and made shopping there fun and comfortable.  A definite must-visit.

DateSaturday, May 30, 2009 at 10:38PM | CommentPost a Comment |
Wednesday
May272009

Jessie James

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Location - 95 Greenwich Avenue (between West 12th & Bank) also at 503 Washington Street, Hoboken NJ

 Jessie James boutiqueJessie James boutiqueJessie James boutique

Jesse James - the American Outlaw - was a legendary man of the Wild West.  In the West Village however, Jessie James doesn't exactly exude the same rebellion, but some funky accessories with tailored basic makes it a fun boutique nonetheless.  The young, fun staff make shopping an event with their constant suggestions and spot-on critiques.

With such a stellar location, Jessie James doesn't exactly have a really unique selection of clothes, but does have well-fitting go-to styles.  ADAM, MinkPink, and BB Dakota are some of the usual brands you can find, which are normally available at many other boutiques as well.  The prices range from the expensive $350 dress to the affordable $30 tee.  They carry a good selection of Genetic Denim ($160-215) and summer scarves for $26.  The back of the store also carries a great selection of sale items and you can normally find good pieces for 50% off.

The best part of Jessie James - especially if you like daring, quirky accessories - is their jewelry selection.  Re-stocked frequently, the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are unique, spunky and beautiful at pretty reasonable prices.  Bangles and cuffs of plastic, leather, and silver range from $18-35.  Great silver and gold layering necklaces range from $30-120 and are as simple as delicate chains to as unconventional as a cassette tape pendant.  The best line of jewelry is Samanca, a bohemian line of beautiful gold chains with mineral pendants for $114.

DateWednesday, May 27, 2009 at 5:47PM | CommentPost a Comment |
Monday
May252009

Cockpit USA

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Location - 652 Broadway (between Bleecker & Bond)

Cockpit USACockpit USA

The funniest thing about Cockpit USA is what it has displayed inside - you enter off the bustling liveliness of Broadway Ave and are instantly greeted by a huge (you guessed it) cockpit.  Before turning around and writing off the store entirely, maneuver passed the arced desk and take a lay of the land.  The store is affiliated with the American Airpower Museum, hence the decor.  Yes, there are airplanes hanging from the ceiling and Howard Hughes-esque memorabilia tucked into every corner, but the actual wearable clothing selection is surprisingly interesting.

The menswear collection is larger, but the well-edited selection of womenswear includes vintage-inspired pieces from Tulle, bright-colored basics from Bobi, and denim from WESC.  Their spring collection has vintage-inspired cropped striped cardigans, pleated color-block skirts, and jersey pocket dresses, all from $30-150.  Unless leather flying jackets are your style, bypass them towards the dressing rooms that are fittingly draped in coarse plaid fabric and leather hoops.

The second floor "Yard Sale" section has racks and heaps of vintage finds at cheap prices.  They have a good selection of casual, comfy shoes by Tretorn (more for men than women).  If you have the time, definitely dress up in the patched-up flight jackets and the personable staff will definitely weigh in with their opinion.

At the very least, if the decor and older men dancing to the blasting music of Queen disturb you, a display case of fabulous aviator glasses can be found within the first ten feet of the entrance.

DateMonday, May 25, 2009 at 6:01PM | CommentPost a Comment |
Sunday
May242009

Mint

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Location - 448 Columbus Ave 

Mint NYC boutiqueMint NYC boutiqueMint NYC boutique 

The newly opened Manhattan location of Mint is near the Natural History Museum and boasts a large collection of casual and trendy pieces at affordable prices.  The large, airy story has - appropriately - mint green walls that frame dozens of colorful pieces.  The friendly, helpful staff is happy to navigate you through their collections that include BB Dakota, Kersh, Joe's Jeans, and Paper Twill.

At first entrance, the store reminds you slightly of a retail chain, but despite having other locations, the variety of selection and great staff give it the instant boutique experience.  Dresses range from $50-250, and tops from $25-175, with pieces more on the less expensive end.  The benefit of having a larger space with a matching large collection allows you to find the perfect summer airy tunic alongside a slimming little black dress.

Mint stocks its store for every occasion and has accessories to help finish off the perfect outfit.  Scarves, necklaces, and earrings in a variety of colors help complete any ensemble.  In addition, they keep a healthy stock of 40%-off sale items.

DateSunday, May 24, 2009 at 4:18PM | CommentPost a Comment |