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 Hats (3)

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. 

Friday
03Jul2009

Helianthus

Location - 552 La Guardia Place (between W. 3rd & Bleecker) and 196 Spring Street (and Sullivan)

 Steps from Washington Square Park, this youthful boutique carries easy-to-wear pieces that bring out anyone's inner girliness.  With a range of brands and trends matching anyone's look of the day, it's fun to shop their whimsical, airy collection and chat with their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

The best part of Helianthus, meaning "sun" and "flower" in Greek, is the fun and quirky accessories. Everything from hats, belts, hair accessories, sunglasses, and jewelry can be found in fun colors and contemporary styles ($15-$75). Check out the playful jewelry along the entrance wall and in the coffee table display case. Pieces such as a rocking-chair pendant necklace ($28) to rhinestone pink snoopy earrings ($23) as well as bangles, rings and headbands can be found. Leather cross-body bags in jewel-tones are also displayed for $100-$250.

The womenswear ranges from $30-$250 include flirty, brightly colored dresses and tops that have edgy embellished details, such as a black ruched zipper-trim tank for $104.  Asian and Western trends meet with the collections from Kloset, Liza Chen, Wish, Twinkle, Pepper & Pistol, Wren, and Graham & Spencer.  There's a large sale selection in the back, and make sure to use the student discount if attending NYU.

Sunday
21Jun2009

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).