Alex and Ani
52 Purchase St, Rye (914) 481-1506; alexandani.com
Named after founder and designer Carolyn Rafaelian’s two daughters, this shop is sure to attract a swarm of tween and teen after-school shoppers with its focus on “positive energy” jewelry bearing allowance-friendly ($24 to $218) price tags. The first location in the County, Alex and Ani started with one store in 2004 and has grown to 26; an additional 51 shops carry its merchandise. So that makes a whole lot of positive vibes emanating from embellished bangle sets, “Russian gold” (rose gold) necklaces, shiny silver hoops, and so forth. Check out its signature expandable wire bangles ($28+). Personalize them with a wide range of charms to reflect your own interests, whether Greek mythology, college sororities, symbols of sacred roots, or Major League Baseball teams—hey, those Mets can use all the help they can get.
a bushel & a peck
7 Dunwoodie St, Scarsdale (914) 202-5822
“We’re trying to bring the focus to the appreciation of hand-crafted items, rather than cookie-cutter ones that are mass-produced,” says Stephanie Goldsmith, who, with her sister Marisa, recently opened this sweet doll-sized artisanal gift shop. They have assembled a charming selection in their teeny space, which itself features reclaimed and recycled fixtures and displays. The colorful tableware and home décor includes a noteworthy selection of painted glassware ($10 to $35); textiles, such as cotton placemats (four for $44); and custom wood-and-wire hangers ($28). Other gift items include handmade vegan soaps ($7), hand-knit scarves, and beaded and hand-wired jewelry, some featuring semi-precious stones ($14 to $145).
Leicht
200 E Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 218-3433
If treating your kitchen to a facelift is on your to-do list, do stop by the newest location—and Westchester flagship—of Leicht, the number-one leading premium kitchen brand in Germany and Switzerland today. While the European-made luxury brand is known for its streamlined, German-engineered, modern design sensibility, in a nod to its suburban location, the showroom also features its traditional styles; all products are Leicht’s own brand. Also offered are modern bathrooms, including vanities, tiles, fixtures, plumbing, etc. Kitchens start at $600 per linear foot and cost $18,000 and up, depending on size, accessories, and finishes. Best-selling concepts include acrylic or lacquered finishes, two-tone cabinetry—darker tone on bottom with acrylic or high gloss on top—and taupe-and-wood combinations.
