The coolest concept + pop-up stores in New York City
It was probably halfway through 2020 that I began making plans to create the life of my dreams. What would that look like? How do I gain back ownership of my own time, have the freedom to pursue creative endeavours, and as the world opens back up—travel more? A few career moves later and the launch of my own fashion brand, I began working towards achieving other lifestyle goals that mattered most to me. And first on that list, was attending New York Fashion Week.
Last month, I attended SS22’s NYFW—the first instalment since the pandemic hit in 2019. A week-long marathon made up of viewing beautiful designs and trends from emerging and established brands alike, I booked a hotel in the best place possible— SoHo, the heart of the fashion district—where I could have easy access to the industry events. After many strolls through the Garment District, visiting Brooklyn’s finest deadstock facilities (I have my own fashion label, Söderling Studios), and literally meeting other creatives on the side of the street, it was showtime.
I attended the Sandy Liang SS22 runway show and the REVOLVE Gallery event, I stalked my favourite influencers at post-runway events, and I attempted to get a photo with my favourite fashion-crush Batsheva Haart from My Unorthodox Life (unsuccessfully). All the glitz and glamour was fun in all, but I couldn’t help but wonder (cue, Sarah Jessica Parker) that most of the inspiration on this trip—for my writing, and for my own fashion line—came from off the runway.
In today’s blog post, I outline my favourite spots discovered in New York’s most fashionable—and unassuming—corners. In my experience, the best shopping experiences often take place when you least expect them (wandering around is fun) and these concept stores and pop-up shops in NYC are a result of just that.
T.A. NEW YORK
I love this place. I first heard of founder Telsha Anderson after listening to her story on the podcast So…What Do You do Again? (hosted by Vogue writer, Naomi Elizee). Telsha launched her concept store in the heart of COVID-19 (can you imagine?) and she has grown her clientele and fan base ever since.
I treked up from SoHo to make a visit and it was 10000% worth it. I love the aesthetics (colours!), the ode to vintage magazines found throughout the storefront, and the fact that there was an incredibly sweet sales associate to walk me through the cool brands available here (Christopher Esber, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and Beaufille to name a few). She also recommended other concept stores throughout New York to hit up—a win-win.
Location: 332 W 13th St, New York
Instagram: @t.a.newyork
CAFÉ FORGOT
I walked to Chinatown to visit Café Forgot and let’s just say Wow, coolest store ever.
Café Forgot is known around Instagram for having a super cool garment conveyor and with just a click of a huge red button. You can scan through all of the styles currently available, and it felt like I had my own personal closet at my fingertips.
Some of the cool brands they stock are Magic Girl World (I purchased this amazing, floral sports-wear top), Melo Baby Official (I purchased a super cute yellow, beaded necklace), and Sparkle Diva Topia (I purchased a cute little cherry clip). They also stock Blobb, and Colin LoCascio. Café Forget further solidifies that Y2K style has officially returned, and I would highly recommend it if you’re looking to shop for emerging New York brands.
Location: 29 Ludlow St., New York
Instagram: @cafeforgot
BUSY UPCYCLE
Busy Upcycle is a sidewalk pop-up shop that I unexpectedly came across in Chinatown. Selling vintage clothing and re-purposed pieces, I stumbled upon a beautiful satin/silk, jacquard-print pink workwear set. I’m calling it the ‘Diana’ as the top has slightly enlarged shoulder pads, with a calf-length pleated skirt to match.
Busy Upcycle is not just a roadside storefront: one of the founders mentioned to me that they also take in deadstock materials, unused buttons, and notions to produce upcycled pieces. They had an amazing collection of re-purposed items and of course vintage, too.
Location: 41 Orchard St., New York + 81 Hester St., New York
Instagram: @busyupcycle
HAPA VINTAGE
I stumbled upon Hapa Vintage while walking through SoHo towards NYU. The sidewalk pop-up curates luxury vintage pieces, and I personally loved the green Prada heels, their amazing collection of accessories (hello, pearl-beaded purses) as well as of structured work blazers. A must-visit as the founders—two ladies with Hawaiin and Tokyo roots as described on their website—were incredibly sweet and style-po.
Location: Varies. See Instagram below for upcoming pop-up locations.
Instagram: @hapavintage_808
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Hello, fashion week.