Shopping in your hood is so cool. Nothing is better than running by the little store a block away from home to pick up a little something to lift your spirits….when I am in NYC, my neighborhood is Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I have been visiting this neighborhood for almost four years and it has really become to feel like a second home.
When I am here, I have my usually stops, they are listed on the shopping page. One of my favorite shops is ALTER. The men’s and women’s stores are across Franklin Avenue from each other. I love Roy and Tommy. They are truly gifted, smart and so cute.
Last fall, Roy got me into some of my favorite pieces that I have worn a ton…they were items from Pre-Loved out of Toronto. I had heard about them through the sustainable design circuit, but leave it to ALTER to recognize excellent design and to Roy to get me to try it on.
Pre-Loved, a Canadian based design company, creates garments from reclaimed items such as button down shirts, trench coats, vintage curtains, sweaters and wool trouser which are cut and sewn into fabulous one of a kind pieces. I love the brand because of the obvious good design.
Tonight ALTER hosted an in-store launch event for Pre-Loved’s Spring 09 collection. I got a chance to chat with founder Julia Grieve, who is an incredible woman with loads of energy and a true vision. The story behind Pre-Loved is amazing and inspirational. It was great to hear about the intentional design direction to make sure each garment has multiple ways to wear it. Julia mentioned that people just started doing it, so now, Pre-Loved does it for every single one of their pieces. My favorite piece for spring from Pre-Loved at ALTER is the Zuri tee. Loose and fun, this piece is right on style target. Thanks Roy and Tommy….fun night.
Just a note, I have my other favorite places I have to stop in every time I am in Greenpoint ~ Dalaga| Always fun for boys and girls, Haden Harnett | Must have accessories, WORD | Cute and hip bookstore, Junk | Cool vintage and antique chatchkes and furniture.
I am sure you have fab finds in your hood. Check them out, keep them around and be cool. RL