the PIPELINE: Style on Tap

• April 1, 2009 9:58 AM
• Just Opened

Just Opened: Topshop

A virtual store tour and multiple shopping orgasms from NYC's latest fashion import. By Xiyin Tang, Photos by Jeff Thomas/Image Capture





We just got back from the Topshop press preview, and boy, are we psyched. And yes, we have officially bought into mass Topshop hysteria. Inside the three-story space, we spotted items that have been sold out on the web for months now, including an amazing, bright floral corset dress that looks like a cross between Thakoon and vintage. There's also a heavy set of chains reminiscent of those heavy metal Givenchy ones from two seasons ago, and though it's no bargain at $100, we'll probably scoop it up any way. Lots of Hervé Léger-inspired bandage dress pieces, too. Price points are reasonable. Now get out there and fight for it. Opens at 11 a.m. April 2nd.



























Topman

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• February 10, 2009 2:03 PM
• Just Opened

Antiques, Sweet Dresses, and Cool Jewels Collide in a New Itty-Bitty Boerum Hill Boutique

By Christene Barberich

The new boutique Council on Atlantic Avenue isn't technically open until Valentine's Day, but in anticipation of its upcoming debut, the three owners/friends—Miranda Bennett, Pamela Johnston, and Genie Lee (Southern Gothic antiques)—have been inviting curious passerbys in here and there. And as it turns out, the mix of appealing wares co-existing in the tiny space ranges from one of Bennett's floor-sweeping silk dip-dyed gowns, Johnston's pretty signature accordion necklaces, or Lee's fantastic array of affordable antique furnishings (a miniature armoire from the '70s almost came home with me) was worth the sneak peek. Though the space is diminutive, the trio's clever space-saving merchandising gives the shop an airy feel, and considering the great buys they have on view, expect the stock to change frequently.

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• December 22, 2008 8:00 AM
• Just Opened

From Philly to Paris, the Best Store Openings of 2008

By Karen Day, Sarah Moroz, & Xiyin Tang

In a year clouded with closings, foldings, lay-offs, and mergers, we're extra-glad that these innovative boutiques braved the odds and struck out on their own. Whether it's New York darling Steven Alan bringing his cool, classic goods to sunny Cali or beloved Swedish line Acne opening up their first U.S outpost, 2008 was a year for new beginnings despite the less-than-hot economic condition. Below, we've gathered the finest new boutiques so that you can put your hard-earned, cleverly saved pennies to good use.

• New York—Acne Studio

Well before Sweden became fashion's birthplace of over-dyed skinny jeans, it was the home of Acne, a multi-faceted design company that infused the hallmark of Scandinavian aesthetics into a truly modern trend-free collection. This year, Stockholm's finest brought its singular vision of subdued utilitarian idealism along with the brand's creative director Jonny Johannsson and Acne architect Andreas Fornell to a light-filled shop on Greene Street--the label's first "studio" in the States. Johannsson extended his penchant for unfinished work-room style details into a quaint space accented with original Acne-fashioned furnishings, a cluster of potted tulips, and clever hidden door panels concealing the back-room office and fitting areas.

Acne Studio, 10 Greene Street; 212-625-2828; www.acnestudios.com.

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• Los Angeles—TenOverSix

This accessories haven features items by A.P.C., Band of Outsiders, Rachel Comey, Martine Sitbon, Vena Cava, Gryson, Rogues Gallery, amongst others. The feel is pure fun, with a little bit of a gallery vibe: bags are hung on walls, jewelry is framed, and shoes are poised on chairs and suitcases.

TenOverSix, 7420 Beverly Blvd.; 323-330-9355; www.tenover6.com.

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• November 14, 2008 10:36 AM
• Just Opened

Just Opened: Smith + Butler Redefines the Idea of Biker Chic

By Sarah Moroz, Photos by Olivia Jade Horner

New-shop-on-the-block Smith + Butler is proud of the community it belongs to. Opening next Monday (officially), the store embodies the kind of easy-going elegance that is at the heart of Brooklyn and many of its loyal inhabitants. Named in honor of the corner it's located on, BK is as much a part of the store as the merch. Much like her Montauk boutique, Tauk, shop owner Marylynn Piotrowski has filled it with forever classics and modern staples alike. "Tauk is the young surfer crowd," Marylynn says of her first shop. "And Smith + Butler is the grown-up version…it's for the person who still loves to be active but wants some polish, too." Here, labels include Wrangler, A.P.C., Woolrich, and Barbour, to name a few. Local talent has also been tapped, such as yet-undiscovered Save the Manimal—an inspired brand of moccasin boots and leather accessories locally made in Park Slope.

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• November 14, 2008 9:38 AM
• Just Opened

Just Opened: Smith + Butler

A new shop in Brooklyn redefines the idea of Biker Chic. By Sarah Moroz, Photos by Olivia Jade Horner

New-shop-on-the-block Smith + Butler is proud of the community it belongs to. Opening next Monday (officially), the store embodies the kind of easy-going elegance that is at the heart of Brooklyn and many of its loyal inhabitants. Named in honor of the corner it's located on, BK is as much a part of the store as the merch. Much like her Montauk boutique, Tauk, shop owner Marylynn Piotrowski has filled it with forever classics and modern staples alike. "Tauk is the young surfer crowd," Marylynn says of her first shop. "And Smith + Butler is the grown-up version…it's for the person who still loves to be active but wants some polish, too." Here, labels include Wrangler, A.P.C., Woolrich, and Barbour, to name a few. Local talent has also been tapped, such as yet-undiscovered Save the Manimal—an inspired brand of moccasin boots and leather accessories locally made in Park Slope.

But what really makes Smith + Butler stand apart from its fashion neighbors? Motorbikes. That's right. Vintage '70s Triumphs are for sale on consignment, fusing a design showcase/market feel. Thanks to the influence of shop co-owner Jay Alaimo (a savvy bike collector), the surfer can switch to the open road with a little nod to Steve McQueen. While playing off the working-class roots of nearby Red-Hook, Smith + Butler is also quite classic--housed in a 100-year-old building with oversized doors and windows, the space also has high ceilings, and antique furnishings were plucked from upstate further lend a certain Americana feel. Now, all that's left to complete the easy rider reverie: A shimmering red bike helmut, which, in our opinion, is so cool and beautiful we'd sport it on any bike (with or without motor).

Smith + Butler, 225 Smith Street (at Smith Street), Brooklyn; 718-855-4295.

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• October 22, 2008 11:35 AM
• Just Opened

Just Opened: Scandinavian Grace Sets Up New Shop Upstate

By Kelley Hoffman

We love Scandinavian Grace for bringing the best design pieces from Northern Europe to our neck of the woods. But the Williamsburg store is expanding, to in fact, the actual woods. A new flagship shop opened on October 17 in the Catskills, complete with a 4500 square foot showroom, along with a garden and café (full of drinks and treats from Scandinavia) to boot. The store carries many of the favorites found in the Brooklyn store (we're personally found of the Iittala Ultima Thule Glassware, Sagaform Cheese Dome, and Vik Prjónsdóttir Beard Caps) and introduced us to collections from All In Wood, G.A.D. and Carl Hansen & Son, and vintage mid-century wears from Copenhagen Vintage. If you're looking for some inspiration outside of the city, we'd highly suggest a day trip to check out the new set up alongside the upstate autumnal splendor, before you have to put that beard cap into actual use.

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