New Jewelry Shop
Diana Heimann Jewelry Salon
White Plains (914) 467-5880
“I prefer that the spotlight be on the woman who selects and wears a beautiful necklace and not on the brand,” says owner and designer Diana Heimann. “Women should not be branded.” You’ll ooh and aah over the singular works of emerging, under-the-radar, and delightfully different designs by Alex Sepkus, Dubey & Schaldenbrand, and Heimann’s own beautifully crafted designs.
Fair-Trade Clothing
Denali Four
Cross River (914) 977-3565
Hankering for a guilt-free fashion fix? Do visit this wonderful shop specializing in fair-trade clothing—gorgeous, handmade, wearable works of art crafted by artisans and members of women’s cooperatives who are compensated fairly and work under humane conditions. We adore the stunning, one-of-a-kind signature wraps and sweaters, many hand-woven in women’s homes in Peru and Uruguay; the hand-blocked, pastel-colored cotton scarves ($20) and colorful hand-sewn cotton sundresses ($67), both from India; and the belts made from local grasses by indigenous North Argentine women.
Store You Wish Was Your Closet
Mary Jane Denzer
White Plains (914) 328-0330
If this ultra-chic fashion boutique were, in fact, your closet, never again could you complain that you had nothing to wear—though you could whine about the balance of your bank account. After 30 years outfitting the county’s most fashionable ladies, owner Mary Jane Denzer is arguably the county’s high priestess for the dress-to-the-nines set with serious fashion funding sources. Fashions are presented as the works of art they are and include designer collections, special occasion, sportswear, and accessories by Christian Dior, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, John Galliano, Pucci, Bill Blass, Christian Louboutin, et al. (And should a spot for the Porsche prove elusive, just pull right up to the parking valet.)
New Gift Shop
Expressions
Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 478-7278
We are so over candles. Fortunately, there are more inspiring gift options at this funky boutique, born when owner Karen Leone’s previous shop outgrew its SoHo digs. Sure, every gift store wants you to believe it carries one-of-a-kind items; this one actually does. Expect an eclectic collection of mostly artisan-crafted wares including Artfully Done handmade photo frames ($40-$95), colored-glass-handled magnifying glasses ($12.95-$15.95), and for those older boys seeking grown-up toys: the intricate Sanis collection of car and truck desk-top clocks ($24.95-$42.95) complete with moving parts. And with such pocketbook-pleasing price points (most items are under $75), you’ll have funds to spare for a little something for your favorite gift recipient: yourself.
New Source for Artisanal Gifts
Beehive Co-Op
Mount Kisco (914) 218-8700
The “think global, shop local” philosophy is alive and well at this airy shop offering exclusive wares handcrafted by local emerging artisans. “We feature only upcoming, independent designers,” says owner Petra Geiger. Price tags are pleasing, too, ranging from $3.95 for lip balms handmade in small batches from natural honey and peppermint to a $250 bauble the likes of which you’ve never seen before: a Lego-like ring with diamond insets.
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Photo by Cathy Pinsky |
New Hip Women’s Boutique
Industry
Dobbs Ferry (914) 478-8200
If finding that number-one, must-have fashion staple—butt-flattering jeans—is right up there with shopping for a stomach-flattening bathing suit on your list of Things to Dread, head here for all the hip labels with none of the “We’re too cool to help you” ‘tude. The patient, denim-expert sales staff cheerfully will bring you scores of sizes and styles from Seven, Hudson, True Religion, Chip and Pepper, etc., until you find The One(s). Then they’ll fix you up with the perfect trendy tank, tee, or tunic to top ‘em off.
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Photo by Cathy Pinsky |
New Hip Men’s Shop
Z-Life Denim Lounge
Rye Brook (914) 937-5433
The trendy testosterone set is flocking to this new ultra-cool men’s boutique for its Barney’s CO-OP in the ‘burbs offerings and lounge-like shopping experience. Showcasing a fashion-forward blend of West Coast casual and East Coast sophistication, Z-life is heavy on hot new under-the-radar labels and premium denim. Owner and former Liz Claiborne exec Adam Zuckerman travels to Asia, London, and LA to unearth upstart designers (Union, Superdry, etc.) and emerging trends (distressed Japanese denim) in addition to featuring the requisite established labels like Seven, Stitch, Adriano Goldschmied, John Varvatos, Lacoste, and Rag & Bone. PS: do check out the snazzy vintage Rolexes.
