Super Store Shout Out: Williamsburg

With the constant change of and improvement of Brooklyn, shopping is at an all time peak with new stores and local designer talent. This week we hung out on Grand Street and Bedford Avenue to see what was on deck for the pre-holiday season. While hitting the pavement searching for great deals, The Yarn Tree and Charlie & Sam were two stores out of many that ranked at the top of our list for super smart pre-holiday deals and original gift ideas.
At 135 Grand Street you can’t help but look in the windows at Charlie & Sam, (www.charlieandsambrooklyn.com), the mascots and owners of the hip designer boutique. Even though Charlie & Sam are close to the ground, they know how to sniff out the trendiest and most fashion forward labels for their store. Their owners, sisters Daniela Parker Bowles and Claudia Argiro were born into fashion and since developed their careers into their dream store and a love of their own.
The fashionable sisters have taken smaller independent designer lines, (local and non-local) and showcased them all in one place for the customer who wants to have unique, quality pieces that are original to the New York fashion scene. The prices range anywhere from $15.00 to $800.00 with something for everyone with a budget in between. Some of the labels include:
Recession Rags: a local New York accessory company that makes bags and scarves
Siwy Jeans: Womens’ jeans with all the details we need! Uplifting back pockets and hems that won’t drag on the floor!
Wish by Annette Cannock: A romantic and flowy Australian line of dresses, skirts and tops
Coclico: Eco-friendly sassy shoes that compliment any style for any woman
They have created a permanent fashion staple in the neighborhood. You can certainly count on them for bringing you original pieces from a large collective of new talent anywhere from Los Angeles to Australia and beyond. A ‘must shop’ for dog lovers-your own dog not required however always welcomed.
Around the bend at The Yarn Tree (www.theyarntree.com) at 347 Bedford Avenue, owner Linda LaBelle is quite the trendsetter when it comes to spreading her knitting and weaving knowledge around the globe. Stepping into her store you’ll find a smorgasbord of colored yarn and hand-made items. For starters, you can find any knitting or crocheting supply for anyone who has never worked with yarn before to the high-tech experts. As sweater and hat weather rapidly approach, her hat and scarf collection adorn the shelves with tons of ideas for you to make your own or buy one ready-made.
That’s only ¼ of what Linda offers. Aside from running her store, she teaches a large variety of classes from learning to spin yarn, felting, knitting and crocheting. Not only does she teach locally, through her charity, Stories of Hope, she raises money to travel to remote countries such as Rwanda and India to teach impoverished men and women craft-based techniques. Her selfless vision enables these people in need of skills to learn to make a living and pass it on to others. Through her craft based education, the products of her international students are sold in her store right here in Williamsburg. She has published a book on her travels and charity work, spreading her craft knowledge in some of the world’s most remote, third world countries. She encourages those less fortunate to build self confidence through crafting their own goods as well as giving them hope for a better future. Please stop by to visit, take a class to learn how to knit/crochet or support her cause by purchasing some of the creations made by her international students.
You will be inspired and amazed at how much local talent is right here in the neighborhood!
Are you an emerging designer? Register now for the BQE Design Expo on November 13th! Please visit www.bqedesignexpo.com for registration and information. The greatest local designer talent showcase to hit Queens!
For more style information, fashion education and bargain inspiration, please visit www.thedressrecycler.com. Your bargain fashion superhero!