Be a Jewelry Addict

Refinery 29 alerted me to the latest trend in jewelry– pieces inspired by our vices. Cast of Vices created “artifacts” out of our addictive habits, like smoking, drinking, pill popping, and other drugs. While some may think this is a horrible celebration of all things bad, it is in fact the opposite. The purpose of the line is to “cast a critical eye on pop culture and our obsession with self-medication and addiction.”

All jewelry is handcrafted and constructed from sterling silver and 14k gold. Take a look at some of the collection below.

-Caitlin

Good news for retailers!

Retailers rejoice! While luxury stores were once seen as doomed, things are looking up. Womens Wear Daily spoke with an economics professor who believes luxury stores will prosper come March. “I expect watches, high-end men’s suits, fur coats, things like that to see a boost. Families are going to reward themselves once the money is in the bank.” He continued to note that stock recovery will lead to bigger spending this year. While some disagree, saying there will be no frivilous spending, the future looks positive. Not only is retail loking brighter, but retail real estate is too!

-Caitlin

Tuesday Trend Find!

Forget someone on your holiday shopping list? Make it up to them with an animal-inspired necklace by Sabrina Dehoff. Handcrafted in Berlin, Germany, each piece is made from plum wood and gold plating. Choose from one of the single charm designs: a peacock, cat, emu, deer, cricket, or cute birdcage. The collection is available at Honey in the Rough in the Lower East Side, or at their newly opened online shop, www.honeyintheroughstore.com.

-Caitlin

Madison Square Market Now Open!

Madison Square Market

Take a walk down to Madison Square Park today until November 1st and enjoy the Madison Square Market. In flea market style, the park is lined with tents selling food, jewelry, clothing, and other goods. I took a trip today to scout out the area. The food portion is peddling everything from $6 bags of honey crisp apples, to the most fashionable dessert of the moment, cupcakes. Restaurants from all over the city are participating, including Fatty Crab, Viking Danish Cuisine, Wafels and Dinges, Cabrito, Suzette, Hill Country Barbecue Market, and even Ben and Jerry’s.  Fatty Crab overflowed with people, with a lunch time line stretching across the area. Before you leave, make sure to try a sample of Breezy Hill Orchard’s fresh apple cider or purchase a pumpkin.

As for shopping, I noticed a couple recurring trends, one being a large selection of recycled items.  Bags constructed out of recycled paper and plastic, and Nahui  Ollin had handbags made solely from candy wrappers. Angelic glass, just a few tents away had a variety of vases made from old glass bottles, the perfect way to add a vintage appeal to your apartment.

If you are looking for gorgeous handmade jewelry, this is the place to stop. A selection of distinctive pieces created with stones, silver, gold plating, and colorful beads, the market is brimming with jeweled accessories. The most common trend I spotted was charm necklaces. Usually a gold or silver chain with a single tiny charm at the end, maybe a small owl, pinecone, bird, or heeled shoe.

The market is open from 11am-8pm daily, and may be the best place to start your holiday shopping!

Remember: Click again to resize pictures

-Caitlin 

Madison Square Market

Viking Danish Cuisine

Standing in front of Suzette, who was selling wine and baked goods

GIANT line at Fatty Crab!

In the Breezy Hill Orchard pumpkin house

Angelic Glass recycled vases

Bags constructed from recycled paper and plastic

City art

Handbags made of candy wrappers

Statement gifts and funky accessories

Selection of charm necklaces

Butter Lane Cupcakes, made from local organic dairy

Best Indie Shops: Lower East Side

Wendy Mink Jewelry

Independent stores are by far the coolest place to shop in New York City for the newest trends. Luckily Time Out New York has done the work for us, by publishing a list of the best indie shops. I am proud to announce that two of the hottest Lower East Side indie shops are directly across from our space for lease, 75 Orchard Street.

Looking for stand out accessories like chunky necklaces and dainty earings? Take a look at Wendy Mink Jewelry. Mink and her Tibetan team make each piece by hand (as seen above). Most of their work is East Asia-inspired and ranges from $30-$650. Good news for those of us that are looking for lower prices, her “Cheap Chic” line features jewelry under $100, including crochet circle pendants for $28 and freshwater champagne pearl charm bracelets for $48.

For some of the best menswear in town, head to Robert James, another indie shop on the list. With a rustic and vintagey feel, the shop is filled with James’ pieces, but also a few other select designers. Robert James himself can be found at his shop seven days a week, available to answer any of your fashion questions. Items include outerwear, hand-sewn woven shirts, graphic tees, and vintage accessories. More good news for those on a budget, there’s a sale rack with $20 tees and $40 woven shirts!

While you are shopping, take a look at a beautiful space for lease, 75 Orchard Street. Call 343-472-8742 for leasing information.

-Caitlin

VOTE: What type of shop do you want to see in our West Village listing?

24 Horatio Street 

-Caitlin