So these past 2 weeks I’ve been in the USA, which is my favorite place to ever be. First up; New York.
The last time I visited New York was in January 2012 and I swear late March 2014 was actually colder. Since this is essentially a fashion blog I’m gonna stick with a few key fashion features of the trip. Of course NY is a major fashion destination with literally every store you could ever hope to visit, but here’s a few less obvious ones that definitely deserve some attention.
One of the highlights for me was finally getting to visit Tokio 7. I’m a huge fan of consignment stores. I do love to thrift too (especially in the US, thrift stores in America are infinitely better than the UK) but consignment stores usually provide a lot more quality products, in fact I get loads of stuff from UK consignment stores, known here as ‘dress agencies’. New York has a wealth of consignment stores and Tokio 7 was one I have wanted to visit for a long time following recommendations from many style blogs. It certainly didn’t disappoint either, great quality products from a massive range of designers and all at very good prices. You can easily pick up 3 or 4 pieces for the price of 1 at RRP. Consignment stores aren’t necessarily ‘cheap’, the prices are cheap for the products, massive discounts from their original cost but don’t expect everything to be under $20 like you’d find in a thrift store. Investment pieces at great prices would be a good way to describe it. Either way, I’m a big fan of this way of shopping and have acquired a great selection from such stores. If you’re ever in NYC, I highly recommend Tokio 7, which can be found at 83 East 7th Street in the East Village.
Next up we have The Bullett Shop. Bullett media is an awesome online magazine and creative agency, previously in print, now completely digital, I read articles on their site most days, I highly recommend it. While I was in the city Racked NY (a brilliant source for independent stores, pop up’s and sample sales by the way, I absolutely recommend you consult this site if you’re ever in a major North American city) posted about The Bullett Shop which is a pop up beneath their offices. I’m so glad I heard about this while I was there, it was such a gorgeous little space with some really amazing stock. They were selling back issues of their printed magazine as well as a very well curated selection of clothes, shoes and accessories. They had some amazing prices on vintage products too, Junya Watanabe for Comme Des Garçons for $100, Céline for $150, Marc by Marc Jacobs for $50, real real bargains and beautiful pieces too. The store is at 47 Walker Street (between Church and Broadway) and is supposed to be around until at least August.
Finally there was Brooklyn Flea. This place was such a great experience, it was actually 2 markets in one as it’s usually outside somewhere during the summer months but, since its still very much winter, they were both based together inside a huge warehouse. It wasn’t all tat either like you might expect at your average flea, it was all really cool stores stocking vintage clothes, handmade and custom products, not to mention an amazing food market with so much choice. I think the 2 markets are up and running at their usual locations again for the summer months and you can find out more here.
So those are a few gems around New York that I highly recommend. Of course there are endless shopping locations, my personal favorite being Soho, and stores to visit all over the city, you can easily fill your entire time looking in shops but I think it’s the independent and unique places that really make a trip something special.
On a larger scale, Macy’s are having a spring flower show and it’s very beautiful.
What are your favorite places in New York? I’m intending to return very soon and would love to know what to check out next time.
