Bargains from the Boroughs (as featured in Mesmer Magazine)

Bargains from the Boroughs

New York is without a doubt a place you come to shop. From the labels and boutiques on Madison Avenue to the big guns like Macys, Barneys and Bloomingdales there are great finds afoot for all. From Uptown to Downtown and everywhere in between tourists and locals flock along 5th, Madison and Broadway to get their hands on the latest bargains and trends. But an overkill of these stores, especially in high tourist and traffic areas, can leave them feeling a little uninspired and mass produced. When there’s an American Apparel, Gap and Victoria’s Secret on every corner it’s hard to find anything that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Almost unbeknownst to most of the general public at there are hidden gems and glittering jewels of fashion, footwear and accessories to be found in lesser-known localized stores. Many are hidden in the back streets and avenues of the East and West Villages and even Soho, not to mention plenty of thriving Thrift Shops if you’re that way inclined. These shops have a lot more to offer in the way of variety and one-off pieces, as well as being far from the maddening crowds.

Chain and department stores have always cornered the market when it comes commercial shopping and major brands but it can come as a refreshing change to shop somewhere a little different. Commonplace labels and brands can be bought almost anywhere, and heaven forbid you commit that age-old fashion faux par and be seen next to someone wearing the same outfit! To ensure you’re nabbing a truly original and unique item that won’t be seen on some B-Grade celebrity in US Weekly the next day it’s worth hunting out smaller stores and find something that really catches your eye.

You’ll also be doing your bit for local business by keeping your hard earned cash within the borough as opposed to throwing it at a giant corporation who most of the time could take it or leave it. Smaller businesses constantly suffer at the hand of larger chains so it goes without saying your purchase will be truly appreciated. This is the same for Thrift Shops who are not only donating their profits to a good cause but also saving the planet one item of clothing at a time by recycling old favorites. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say.

So if you feel the urge to step out of the fashion box and spend your money in a slightly more ethical and often cash-wise manner be sure to take a stroll through the backstreets of your local and neighboring borough’s, as you never know what you might find…

Or you could just take a look at some of these!

IRREGULAR CHOICE

276 Lafayette Street (between Jersey and Prince Streets)
www.irregularchoice.com
A snazzy footwear company that has recently branched into clothing. Not always on the cheap side but a 10 out of 10 for originality. Amazing heels and flats that will make you want to walk everywhere!

ANDY’S CHEE-PEES
18 West 8th Street (between 5th and 6th)

www.andyscheepees.com
In business since 1977 Andy’s is 2 floors stuffed full of vintage clothing and treats. They even sell records! From shirts to skirts, jeans to jackets and army surplus to wedding dresses (true!) this place has it all. At present they also sport a hand-written “Support Small Business” sign in their window, highlighting the effects big business has had on areas like West 8th Street which once upon a time was a high-end fashion and footwear mecca.

PRETTY BALLERINAS
1034 Lexington Av (cnr 74th and Lexington)
www.prettyballerinas.us
Their store is situated very close to Park Av, and is very expensive, but Pretty Ballerinas flats are to die for. Outrageous designs and classic looks abound the shelves of their tiny store on the corner of 74th and Lex, and the fine detail and supreme craftsmanship makes these shoes worth every penny


EAST 9TH STREET (between 1st and 2nd avenues)
This small street tucked above St Marks in the East Village is a treasure trove of unique designers and artists. A wander down this short stretch between 1st and 2nd avenues will take you a lot longer than it should, with tiny boutiques and galleries tucked in every nook and cranny. The below are a mere taster – be sure to go down and see for yourself:
www.jillanderson.com
www.megshops.com
www.duonyc.com