Converse Opened up in SoHo. This IS Your Daddy’s Shoe Store.

If you haven’t heard, Converse (that little company that created the most popular shoe in footwear history) opened up a brand new retail location at 560 Broadway in SoHo. The store boasts a wide array of limited edition sneakers and apparel exclusively branded to that specific outlet.

We were able to take some time out of our busy holiday schedule to see what all the fuss was about, and were definitely pleased with the outcome.

The walls were covered with floor-to-ceiling displays of the immortal Chuck Taylors, along with a nice selection of clothing inspired by the impossibly casual demeanor of classic American style.

So take a walk down to SoHo and pay respect to the definitive sneaker of the past century, even if you already own a pair.

The Converse Wall of Fame

A pop-up street vendor pushing vintage snap-back caps nearby, just because.

Check the link for more info on Converse SoHo: http://play.converse.com/play/blog/?p=6276

Multitasking at Old Made

Boutique/Concert Hall/Art Gallery, and soon to be record store, Old Made is making its debut in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Opened by Leah Adams-Kroll and Frances Pezik, the vintage store is stuffed with vintage dresses, blazers, sweaters, and even old board games, typewriters, shaving kits, and other knick knacks. The loft building will show off some of Brooklyn’s up and coming musicians and artists, while providing a living room-esque setting for visitors. Old Made is located at 441 Metropolitan Avenue between Marcy and Meeker Avenues, not far from space for lease 145 Borinquen Place.

-Caitlin

Buying at the Bowery Bazaar

Jewelry display at the Bowery Bazaar (picture via Racked)

Over thirty-six vendors fill the Bowery Bazaar, a new indoor market with a wide selection of clothing, vintage and new jewelry, hats, scarves, home goods, handbags, pasteries, and chocolates. Shoppers are invited to taste the freshly baked cupcakes, try on bracelets and rings, and speak with the vendors and designers about their products, creating a one-of-a-kind personal shopping experience. Elliott Dweck and I stopped by the bazaar, finding a variety of prices that can fit any budget. Visit the Bowery Thursdays through Sundays, but take your time rummaging through this market, as it is crammed with goods perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

-Caitlin

Halloween Week 2009: Costume Shopping

"The Black Cat" is a classic and easy option for the Halloween Procrastinator

With Halloween only a week away, the procrastinators (like me) need to brave the crowds and get costume shopping. This past Saturday I pulled on my Wellington boots, hid underneath my raincoat and fought the crowded costume shops to potentially purchase my ghoulish garb. Being female, I have a wide selection of provocative ensembles constructed out of mesh and dental floss at my disposal, but with a tendency to have a body temperature of 83 degrees even in the most sweltering heat, I don’t think those options are possible. More importantly, this is a public (and company) blog, and I would like to keep it PG at least.

My usual inclination to stay away from large chain stores drove me to try out a few vintage shops. The Buffalo Exchange, located at both E 11th Street in Manhattan and on Driggs Avenue in Brooklyn, is filled with new and recycled clothing, and for the season a variety of discounted costumes. While the usual hot nurse get-up falls around $59.99, the Buffalo Exchange sells it for only $24.99. If you need some extra accessories, Angela’s Vintage Boutique is next door. Save some money and support the consignment industry while creating a unique look this October 31st. I was tempted to buy a detective costume, complete with a magnifying glass and Sherlock-y pipe, but I decided to keep looking.

My next stop was Halloween Adventure at 104 4th Ave. If it’s the huge Halloween warehouse experience you are after, make sure to stop here. Just try to go at an off-peak shopping time, because 3pm on a Saturday afternoon a week before Halloween was a mistake. I could barely move, as the building brimmed with screaming children and frustrated parents, but I managed to get a few ideas. A black cat is classic, simple, and easy to accomplish. It’s an option.

A new Halloween shop has also moved right across from space for lease 2626 Broadway, with every possible costume in stock. Just don’t look for one of the most popular of the season the “Illegal Immigrant” (I’m not kidding) which basically consists of an orange jumpsuit; it’s sold out. According to Halloween shop employees, some of the other popular costumes of 2009 are Michael Jackson, Kate Gosselin, and anything Vampire-themed, with the popularity of the Twilight series. I also heard a rumor about the “Balloon Boy” outfit. With a giant balloon on your wrist, it’s a clever way to get a few laughs.

While my first costume shopping experience was not a complete success, I have some ideas in mind. I will be sure to keep you posted (with pictures!)  throughout this week.

-Caitlin

“The Black Cat” is a classic and easy option for the Halloween Procrastinator

Buy a jester hat at the Buffalo Exchange?

Low-priced costume accessories at the Buffalo Exchange

The busy “Halloween Adventure”

Gross.

A mask is a great way to make a quick costume!

The scary decor of Halloween Adventure

One of the best shops for great vintage finds

Pop Up Shop in Space for Lease 75 Orchard Street

The Rivington Work Jacket at Kai D.

Now through November, Kai D, a men’s pop-up shop will take over space available for lease 75 Orchard Street. Inspired by the functional pieces worn by workers who built Manhattan, Kai D says the Fall line seeks to “serve the needs of modern day artisans.” The shop’s garments take details from vintage military and hunting style, specifically lots of pockets.

Another feature of the store is the “Build the Future” tee-shirt collection, in which 20 percent of proceeds will go to New York Cares and the child-education program “Give Something Back International.” Visit the pop up and check out the space, and your shop may just be the one to follow Kai D.

-Caitlin

Homeless Chic?

Homeless display at Barney's- picture credit to OMG Blog

Barney’s recently started sporting a manequin display modeled after the homeless. OMG blog reported a display of “mannequins with sad clown faces dressed up as homeless people” right on the sales floor. Is this ragged, street style the new hot trend? While you could take a trip to Barney’s to achieve this look, it seems wrong to spend hundreds of dollars to look like you live on a park bench. The Lower East Side (close by featured space 75 Orchard Street) is filled with vintage shops to create a look for less.

At 149 Orchard Street is Hairy Mary’s Vintage, specializing in vintage dresses, tops, coats, footwear and accessories from the Victorian era all the way to the 1980′s. Hairy Mary’s strives to contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable planet by recycling and reconstructing old clothing. Co-owner Sharon Broit personally selects each piece to create an ecclectic collection.

Another downtown option is the Fox and Fawn. This shop works to create low prices on vintage boots, coats, dresses, and accessories, almost all costing below $100. What’s even cooler? The vintage haven hosts “secret” rock shows and holds art exhibitions, keeping you completely entertained while searching for that funky 1970′s print dress.

-Caitlin

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

I’ll Take a Tweed Blazer and a Scotch on the Rocks

J.Crew Men's Shop at the Liquor Store, TriBeCa

If you are a man that loves preppy/vintagey fashion and a little bit of brown liquor, this is the shop for you. Located close by our trendy TriBeCa featured property, 50 Hudson Street, is the J. Crew Mens Shop at The Liquor Store.  Veering away from the traditional J.Crew gear, this store is known for its vintage-French style, sporting items like Mackintosh coats, Italian suits, vintage oxford shirts, leather messenger bags, and an array of cashmere.

Formerly an old liquor store tavern, the mahogany and brass bar is stocked with vintage cuff links, tie bars, Rolex watches, and of course, liquor bottles. The dressing rooms are decked out in rotating art exhibits and vinyl albums, giving the entire store a unique yet classic feel.

-Caitlin

TriBeCa Men's Shop, 1968