Hello dear friends, why yes, this blog does still exist…I’ve been on an (unintentional) break enjoying my first Chicago summer, and boy, has it been ahhhhmazing!
What was also amazing this summer was attending my sister-in-law’s (SIL) bachelorette weekend in New York City back in July. My SIL, Jenna, and three of her friends came together to celebrate in one city. We shared a little Airbnb in the East Village neighborhood and spent three days going out and exploring – perfect for a bride-to-be send off.
Where to Shop in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg Neighborhood
Although we stayed in East Village, we ended up venturing to Brooklyn for a day. We stayed mostly in Williamsburg (a neighborhood within the Brooklyn borough). I was super excited to visit this area as I had never been.
I’ve gone to New York a handful of times before this trip, but only for work where I’d stay close to the office without much time to venture out. Many indie or interesting brand or store concepts I follow hail from Brooklyn, so I knew I was going to enjoy it. Between wandering the streets, stopping for bites to eat or cocktails, we were popping by different shops or makers and I was in heaven.
Eat at Smorgasburg
I briefly want to touch on where we ate because it was epic. Every Saturday at East River State Park you will find 100+ food vendors. This is like the flea market for your tastebuds!
There’s tons of options; it’s a unique experience and it was great to be able to eat by the water and look at the city scenery. Plus, it’s an easy way to be exposed to many different types of food and small restaurant businesses in the city.
Get Fired Up at Heatonist
If there’s one thing that my SIL loves (besides her now hubby), it’s hot sauce. When we walked passed a little black storefront and realized it was an entire shop dedicated to hot sauce, we knew this stop was perfect for her.
These “purveyors of fine hot sauces” carry a wide range of styles and heat levels in this compact little shop. Complete with a tasting bar and perfectly curated shelves, this place was a hot stop (see what I did there…). 😉 Needless to say, this is a unique place worthy of a trip and a few bottles were brought home by our group.
Hunt for the Local Color NYC Truck
Mobile boutiques are super fun and we stumbled upon the Local Color NYC walking around. Aside from these little shops being cute and trendy, I’m usually not that into them. This one, however, was different specializing in local and American made goods.
With a range of items from local artwork and jewelry to ethical clothing, I thought this little shop on wheels was different and worth popping in. I love their passion for celebrating independent artists and small businesses – this is what makes them stand out from most boutiques.
The gal inside the shop knew the different artists and was telling us about the different pieces, giving this experience that “extra something” that I’m always looking for. Bonus: everything in the truck is $100 or less, holla!
Find Treasures at The Stone Flower
As we bopped along Bedford Avenue we went into an eclectic accessory shop called The Stone Flower. Things in here weren’t exactly my style, but I loved the different antique cameras, funky decor and trinkets they had, along with their purse/handbag selection.
If I had more hair, I’d also be into their wide selection of hair accessories – bows, headbands, scarfs and the like. I probably could have utilized something, but I’ve never been creative with my hair styling.
If you’re looking for some affordable jewelry, then this is your stop. They have a never ending selection of styles and colors within a budget-friendly price.
Browse street vendors such as Yambala Designs
I think it goes without saying that New York is the place for street vendors. I literally felt like I was in heaven: walking outside on a beautiful summer day, popping into different little shops and then BAM…a seemingly never-ending slew of tiny tables up and down the sidewalk. I was stopping at so many I kept having to catch up with the group, but it was so worth it!
My favorite stop was a dainty jewelry stand by Yambala Designs. Many pieces were made with gemstones and the artist was explaining the different meanings, her choices behind each piece and more – this is why shopping small is the best.
Get new (and old) duds at The Little Brooklyn Market
For getting your vintage fix or a new head-to-toe outfit, The Little Brooklyn Market is a must. This place is a somewhat hidden as it’s inside this “mini mall” entrance which is basically a hallway of different storefronts. Go all the way to the back where you’ll find a graffiti entrance and you’re there!
This place was hopping with people, so you know it’s gotta be good! They carry local designer brands and vintage finds and each section (I think) is by a different designer. Everything had this neutral-ish aesthetic complimented by both flowy and edgy pieces, so it was difficult for me to determine which pieces were by which maker – they all just seemed so cohesive!
I think anyone could easily find something here that they’d like – a nice way to take a little bit of Brooklyn with you.
I also didn’t realize there were tons of signs saying “no photography” until I was on my way out of the shop…oops…I just wanted to blog about it, nothing harmful! So, if you’re reading this, The Little Brooklyn Market people, I’m sorry!
Although there is so much more to explore, this is my little slice of Williamsburg Brooklyn memories that I brought back with me. I’m hoping to return to Brooklyn soon and explore other areas and neighborhoods within this fun, jam packed borough!