Shop Dirty to Me: East Village NYC

September in New York is such a great time of year, Fashion Week and Fashion’s Night Out is on, it’s finally cooled off and you can enjoy walking around without much fuss. Best of all, a few holidays to open up some free time!

Being that last Monday was Rosh Hashanah, myself and creative director gal pal went to shop around East Village as NYC prepares for fall. East Village and Soho are my favorite stomping grounds. She is accustomed to Upper East Siiiiide so I thought I’d show her a few of my best digs ;P.

How does a downtown girl kick off a long day of shopping? With cupcakes of course! Not just any cupcakes, “Sugar Sweet Sunshine” cupcakes!!

 

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…” “Sassy Red Velvet” is the BOMB, yo.

Of course Lil’ Miss Upper East Side argues to me that Magnolia’s is the best in NYC.  A feature on Sex and the City: a better cupcake does not make. After further consideration however,  she offered that it is equally delicious but insisted I take her photo next to this sign. ;)

Appropriately coffeed and well sugared, I set out to show my pal “how the other half  live“. Stopping first, at this great collage on the glass doors of a boutique. I love a pieced together mood board don’t you? Sadly, it was closed so we didn’t get to see what all these images represented inside.

Pressing on, we found a new jewelry store, not even open to the public yet, but we got Felix to let us in with our strangeness, wit and charm. Felix, owner of Incaze, sells wholesale and retail fine jewelry that is hand made in Turkey. He is also looking to expand his showroom to an independent fashion label.

We took a look around and found lots of reasons to come back when he is open for business.

Meandering through Orchard, Rivington and Ludlow streets, we found all my favorite cute little places like Mint Julep.

Pixie Market, Honey in the Rough, Factoriem, Think Closet, Some Odd Rubies and Bio .

Time for BRUNCH she says! Looks like we are right in the “hood” of one of my favorite restaurants, Freeman’s. The ambiance alone will make you swoon. Nestled inconspicuously away at the end of Freeman Ally, it’s a gorgeous three floor rustic, apothecary looking huntsman’s home.

The Pinot Noir house wine quotes The Raven “Nevermore” <3

After a fine filling we were in the mood for vintage. Well I know just the place, David Owens Vintage !

The lovely dame inside showed us so many fabulous furs, lingerie, Hermes scarves and these dirty little men’s Ties. They made me giggle like a school girl. What genius thought of that? Apparently, Dolce & Gabbana, that mischievous little impish duo. I can just imagine the promotion a man gets wearing this to the “boy’s club” with his big boss.

Next stop, Allsaints and Top Shop in SOHO where we found some great leather motorcycle pants and drapey dresses in the most luxurious knits.

With that, my friend was ready for a mani, pedi and a nap.

I waved good bye to my dear friend and considered an afternoon night cap at  Top Hops.

I had passed by it earlier that day and met this gentlemanly fella who happily chatted with me about the delicious world of IPA’s.

And that is how I roll, fashion, art, and the creative lifestyle. Sure we get dirty sometimes but it all comes out in the wash ladies. ;D

( maybe next time I’ll take her to Brooklyn )