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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 Sunglasses (2)

Friday
03Jul2009

Helianthus

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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.

DateFriday, July 3, 2009 at 9:20PM | Comment1 Comment |
Monday
25May2009

Cockpit USA

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Location - 652 Broadway (between Bleecker & Bond)

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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 |