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Long before I landed in Brooklyn, Williamsburg had developed
a reputation as the epicenter
of New York’s new bohemia.
Certainly, media hype on the "coolness" factor
has taken
away some of the edge but it’s still one
of the funnest places to live and work.
Since we run fredflare.com out of our Williamsburg warehouse
and also live and hang out
here, we’re often asked about
the neighborhood. In fact, Keith has even been giving little
shopping tours of Billyburg, as I like to call it, for quite
a while now. One day he’ll be with
fashion merchandising
students from Minnesota; the next week you’ll find him
scouting trends
with buyers in town from Japan. If it’s
artsy, new or trendy there is a good chance you can
find it
here. After all, this is where electropop was born!
So, since many of you have been emailing me with shopping advice
for your trips to NYC this
summer, we thought we would set
up a lil’ shopping guide just for you. While by no means
comprehensive, this guide highlights some of our current faves
and is a great introduction to
the neighborhood. Come on by!
Also, please keep the emails coming at lulu@fredflare.com.
I love hearing from you!
Just minutes from Manhattan, Billyburg is closer and easier
to get to than most places in NYC.
Just take the L train to
Bedford. We call it "the party train to Brooklyn" because
at any hour of
the day the fashions and attitudes are ready
for a night out! Sometimes there are so many
fashion trends
surrounding you, even at nine in the morning, you’ll
find yourself debating your
fave. Lately we have been enjoying
the asymmetrical haircuts for both boys and girls. We also
always enjoy dramatic 80’s makeup for both day and night,
also for both boys and girls. Much
love to 80’s high-heeled
boots paired with awesome homemade clothes! The street fashion
in
Williamsburg is really unlike anywhere else. Even before
you visit the great boutiques,
galleries, bars and restaurants
of the area, be sure to check out the local looks!
Click
here to print the Billyburg Shopping Guide. I also
wanted to add some of my fave eat, drink and shop hangouts
in the neighborhood. Here they
are:
Yabby is at 265 Bedford, near
North 1st. This is a great bar/restaurant with large outdoor
seating area full of thrift store couches,
chairs and retro lamps, all with a sorta crash pad home-away-from-home
vibe. I actually do spend most of my time away from home at
Yabby in the summer since they have the best Mediterranean
snacks around!
Pete’s Candy Store is
at 709 Lorimer, near Frost. It looks like it used to be a luncheonette
or maybe it really
was an old candy store. They also have great outdoor seating,
plus a crazy backroom that looks like a train car and a puppet
theatre-sized stage separate from the bar where you can hear
different music each night. One of my favorite things about
Pete’s is the BINGO on Tuesday nights. We gather with
some of the older neighborhood ladiez and play for crazy dollar
store prizes. Visit petescandystore.com for
more info.
Luxx is
at 256 Grand, between Driggs and Roebling. It has had just
about as much hype as
Billyburg itself, yet still remains
one of the coolest places in town. The fashion and sounds at
Luxx never let you down! The DJ spins the latest electroclash
sounds but it has a laid back feel to it. You can just hang
out, drink, dance and show off your cute outfit.
Fabianne’s is at 215
Bedford Av, near North 5th. It’s
a good place to get coffee and a yummy treat. They always have
a great display of baked goods, too. When the weather is nice,
they open up the place and let the fresh air in. Great for
people watching.
Mini Mini Market is at 218
Bedford in the Mini Mall. This is a great store! They have
an awesome selection of designer and
novelty merchandise, including fred flare. You can always get
a great look, or just a flourish, without spending tons of
money. Also the best place in town to pick up a quick present
for your best friend!
Ugly Luggage is at 214 Bedford,
near North 5th. They have the best lamp selection! You can
pick a vintage lamp with a newly-made
retro shade. They also have fun mystery grab bags for a variety
of prices. I’ve never taken a chance on one but I love
the idea…
Sparky’s is at 135 North
5th, across from the Mini Mall. This is a great place for hot
dogs, both veggie and regular.
They have tons of different toppings, delicious macaroni and
cheese, great cheese fries, good candy.
Anytime is at 93 North 6th
between Berry and Wythe. They have the best veggie burgers
around with delicious tator tots! Anytime
delivers anytime but it’s better to grab a stool and
press up against the windows to watch what’s going on
in the neighborhood. Nightime is better than daytime at Anytime.
The Nines is at 320 Graham,
between Ainsley and Devoe. It’s
newly discovered for me because it’s off my beaten path
but they have a great selection of vintage and local designers.
Great selection of new and old jewelry.
Blu Lounge is at 197 North
8th and Driggs. I saved the best for last! This is fred flare’s favorite happy hour spot.
This place has a velvet lounge vibe and the bartenders are
the best in town to hang out and chat with. Best of all, you
get half-price drinks from 3pm to 7pm Monday through Friday.
You’ll probably find us there at least a couple times
a week. We love $2 Stellas! Drop by and say hello. See you
there!!!!
07/2003 |
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