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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 Swimwear (4)

Monday
20Jul2009

Sugar Cookies

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Location -  203 West 19th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave)

Celebrate femininity in this comfortable boutique with beautiful lingerie selections and soothing decor.  This light and airy boutique with its white walls and subtle pink flowers has been open for a year and is already a neighborhood favorite with their stock of flirty lace and practical basics.

Delicate fabrics come in sizes ranging from 30A-36F with a variety of styles to choose from.  The atmosphere and style have a European quality, with brands including Huit, Cosabella, Simone Perele, Chanelle, and B.Tempt'd.  Bras range from $35-$120 and panties are $10+ and come in essential lightly padded neutrals to tastefully seductive lace pastels.  Classic pajamas, camisoles and butter-soft sleepwear by Skin are irresistable to touch.  In the summer months check out their small but bright selection of mix-and-match swimwear by Huit and Vitamin A ($50-$150).  You can also find great bridal shower gifts and maternity pieces.

The best part of Sugar Cookies is the feeling you get when entering - you are greeted and helped by warmth and are assisted in finding the perfect piece to make you feel both feminine and sexy.

DateMonday, July 20, 2009 at 3:24PM | CommentPost a Comment |
Friday
03Jul2009

Stella Filante

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Location - 156 Ludlow Street (Between Rivington & Stanton)

A new boutique joins the Ludlow Street community and enhances a beautiful space with bohemian, eclectic clothes. Housed in an old candy factory, the vivid colors and patterns bring life to the large open space. Stella Filante, meaning "shooting star" in Italian, is the creation of two Belgian/Moroccan sisters who wanted to share their love for international fashion.

With designers from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, the selection is vast with their key pieces from designers Willow, Manish Arora, Antik Batik, and Zadig + Voltaire. The pieces are a little pricey, ranging from $100-$400+, but are beautifully made and make you feel like you're buying a piece from an amazing exotic vacation. Everything is brilliantly colored with vivid hues hand-dyed, fringed, embellished, beaded, and braided in different flowing fabrics.  The striking patterns and intricate beaded adornment on dresses and tops are worth checking out.  Breezy summer tunics ($235) work perfectly with their selection of swimwear ($80-$200).

They have classic leather handbags in neutral colors ranging from $150-$400, and the selection of footwear is bold and trendy with exotic touches ($100-$200).  Other accessories include hats, scarves, and clutches.  If you're looking for a rare, unique piece on more of a budget, head to the back and check out their sale with a good range of sizes in their staple patterns and colorful embellishments.

DateFriday, July 3, 2009 at 8:33PM | Comment2 Comments |
Sunday
21Jun2009

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 |
Wednesday
17Jun2009

Pesca Boutique

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Location - 244 East 60th Street (near 2nd Ave) and 1151 2nd Ave (between 60th & 61st)

 

Celebrate this summer with a trip to one of the longest leading swimwear boutiques in the city, Pesca Boutique. Since opening in 1979, this teeny-tiny store has packed its walls with one-pieces and bikinis displayed by color.

Prices range from $89-300 in all cuts and colors. Brands such as Chio, Cosabella, Gottex, La Perla, Odabash, OndadeMar, Unimar, Trina Turk, Vitamin A, and Vix can be found, with Beach Bunny making the most popular two-piece bikinis.  Lacy string bikini options can be found along with shape-contouring one-pieces in vibrant neons to staple neutrals.  The friendly owner is happy to help you mix-and-match patterns to create your own individual look.

Even though the primary Pesca Boutique remains in its original location for the past 30 years, a larger second location is open around the corner.  It's definitely worth visiting both because different swimwear can be found at each.  The 2nd Ave location has ample room to display an array of flip-flops, bags, beach dresses and tops from $50-$200.  I would recommend checking out the top rack of sale swimwear where if you find your size you can get a great deal.

DateWednesday, June 17, 2009 at 9:21PM | CommentPost a Comment |