No trip to New York would be complete without shopping. The malls are a hot spot, but there’s not much difference between them and the malls around the country. For a unique experience, and for picking up unique items, you want to hit the boutiques. Now, when it comes to boutiques, New York is the place to be. This article features at least 3 boutiques you must visit in New York.
1. Alexis Bittar
For the shopper that has an appreciation for unique hand-made big jewelry, Alexis Bittar may just have the piece that will capture your heart. Simply walking into this boutique allows you to view and share in the-vision-come-to-life of the Brooklyn native Alexis Bittar. You will be greeted by bold, colorful jewelry accents that are sure to please the eye and hold your interest. The pieces range from a punk-rock to a pretty-girl look. Among the treasures you’ll find here are hand-carved, hand-painted lucite. The boutique also showcases delicate, beaded jewelry showcasing pearls and semiprecious stones that are set in sterling silver, or you can select one set in 24-karat gold vermeil.
Alternatively, you can check out the super-chic collection of London designer Garrard, which is displayed at his new NYC outpost. Here you get to select from a range of twisted modern earring pieces to the more traditional chandelier pieces with sparkling precious gems. There are also non-jewelry accessories for you to choose from.
2. Dry Goods
Dry Goods is your one-stop boutique for feminine apparel that ranges from vintage to current, and the ideal accessories to go along with it. Keen on fashion and on bringing fresh designs to its customers, Dry Goods is the place where talented new designers have showcased their pieces since 1978. Here you can find the work of buyer and designer, Rita Brookoff. Her pieces are feminine and include pieces that can be regarded as quirky vintage. There are also other current apparel and interesting accessories for the shopper to choose from.
The boutique occupies a lean railroad space that adds that sense of uniqueness to the offbeat pieces that are on display. This store is ideal for satisfying the tastes of those who like to be unique. The focus in this boutique is more on the craftsmanship of the pieces than on the designer label. Pieces may include transparent bow-tie blouses, estate jewelry alongside costume baubles and well-shined Oxfords. Available also is the work of young European and Japanese designers such as Michiko Saito. Their pieces are featured as tailored selections and include items such as new cocktail dresses, skirts and tops.
3. Jutta Neumann
This boutique is for those who appreciate fine handcrafted leather items. Jutta Neumann is a German national who first opened her leathergoods boutique back in 1994. She was forced to close the business within a few years, but through sheer determination she has kept her craft alive. Neumann is well known for the earthy, custom-molded sandals that she produces along with the rough-hewn bohemian-chic bags that are hand-stitched from colorful swaths of leather. Her collection is defined by clean lines and influenced by vintage. You will enjoy her wonderful pieces such as sandals, belts and man-bags. Items can be a bit pricy, but such is the case with quality handcrafted leather.
New York boutiques offer shoppers a sense of adventure, and new discovery that the mall with its traditional offerings does not give. A trip to the Big Apple is never complete without a visit to the boutiques for that unique experience.
Neil Willford is a stylist and personal shopping assistant. He enjoys sharing his insights on the fashion industry with various fashion sites. For more information about finding items online visit the Stuffnads website.
Informative piece. Good job with the whole write-up. Well done!