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 Shoes (15)

Tuesday
09Mar2010

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.

Tuesday
16Feb2010

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.

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.

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
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. 

Wednesday
23Sep2009

Matta

Location - 241 Lafayette St (near Spring)

 This narrow boutique is home to bohemian, airy clothes that are intricate with handmade qualities and rich, ethnic fabrics.  Matta's locally-designed clothes and accessories can be found in various stores, however their boutique devoted to displaying the vast range of pieces is worth visiting.

Easy-to-wear dresses, tunics, skirts, and tops made of cotton, silk, and wool come in bright, bold colors ($50-$350), with most dresses and tunic around $150-$200.  Light and airy pieces have special beading details and beautifully dyed fabrics.  The cuts are simple and flattering to most bodies and have effortless movement.  The many accessories can easily punch up any outfit with their exotic influences and fun colors.  The scarves come in earth tone solids and bright ombre with fringe, tassels, and contrasting stitching ($50-$200).  Hand stitched leather sandals ($100), leather braided belts ($75), and beautiful jewelry with exotic colors, beads and colors ($20-$200+).  Matta's classic colorful braided leather metallic beaded wrap bracelets can double as belts ($96).

Some home goods can also be found, such as rugs, blankets, placemats and journals in their signature color palettes and intricate designs.

Tuesday
18Aug2009

Irregular Choice

Location - 276 Lafayette Street (near Prince)

You feel like you're stepping into a carnival when entering this bright British boutique with its rainbow checkered floor and cartoon window illustrations.  Don't let the child-like decor fool you, there are some serious shoes for those who want to make a statement with their feet.  Just as the name suggests, Irregular Choice is stocked with options outside the norm with playful, bold shoes that are meant to demand attention.

With prices ranging from $85-$200 you can find flats, heels, boots, sandals and sneakers in unique patterns and colors with details of leather, fringe, ruffles, metallic, pleating and rope.  The bold color combinations and trendy cuts can spice up any outfit and are meant to bring fun and comfort to your feet.  You can find great twists on basics, such as ankle boots in a zig-zag pattern for $115, or stay on-trend with colorful foldover boots normally $200, but can be found on sale for $119.  Special touches such as curved heels, fabric covered buttons and intricately cut-out spirals make every pair unique and most styles come in both go-to neutrals and fun vibrant colors.

There is also a selection of footwear for men and babies and a small collection of bags and accessories.

Tuesday
18Aug2009

Roni

Location - 119 St. Marks Place (near Avenue A) also at 283 Bleecker (near 7th Ave) and 657 Broadway (near Bond St)

 With unique dresses and fun accessories, Roni is a necessary stop in the East Village.  This fun boutique with friendly staff is home to dresses galore in refreshing cuts and colors that are on-trend in addition to staple closet essentials you'll always be able to count on.

With their own line mixed with designers from Korea and Japan, it's easy to find a chic, wearable piece.  Dresses range from $100-$250, with most hovering around $150.  While thumbing through the collections you can find the classic little black dress as well as brightly patterned summer dresses.  They also have select styles of tops and jackets.  The pieces are made with high-quality fabrics at affordable prices and can be mixed and matched with their array of unique accessories. 

Roni stocks plenty of accessories to adorn their dresses, with perfect belts to complement any outfit ($35-$75).  Their whimsical jewelry adds the perfect touch of playfulness, with most earrings around $35 and necklaces ranging from $35-$50.  Large leather handbags can be found for $200+ and the small selection of shoes (mainly from Pink Studio) have a vintage quality with flats and cute Mary Jane's for $50-$110.