Published on 7/23/08
Published on 7/23/08
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Addy & Ferro
Record album covers from the ’70s, including quite a few from original dreamgirl Diana Ross (Mahogany), plaster the walls of this laid-back joint, indicating the boho vibe of its goods. Folks looking to jazz up their closets should pluck pieces from up-and-coming casual labels such as Friend or Foe, whose guys’ T-shirts are printed with pictures of musical greats like saxophonist John Coltrane. 672 Fulton St between South Elliott Pl and South Portland Ave (718-246-2900, addyandferro.com). Mon–Fri noon–8pm; Sat 11am–8pm; Sun noon–7pm.
Atlantic Center and Atlantic Terminal Mall
Regardless of how you feel about real-estate developer Bruce Ratner, his two bustling retail behemoths rival any Manhattan supercenter, bringing suburban diversion to Brooklyn. Four-wheeling types can cruise into the Atlantic Center’s parking garage before moseying through its three levels of thrifty big-box stores including Old Navy, Marshall’s and Burlington Coat Factory. Cross Fort Greene Place using the enclosed pedestrian bridge to the Terminal and you’ll find Target, Daffy’s, DSW and sundry other megachains. Atlantic Ave at Flatbush Ave (718-834-3400, atlanticterminalstores.com). Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 10am–7pm.
B2 Gear
Run by local high-school interns, and catering to twenty-to-fortysomething women, this petite brick-lined nook outfitted with a trippy moving display shelf was created by nonprofit Youth America to help students learn entrepreneurial skills (B2 is short for “Bridge to Business”). You can still load up on girly, budget-friendly basics including ultrafemme, slightly skimpy tops, trendy jeans and bar-ready purses on which you won’t mind spilling a cocktail or two. 777 Fulton St between South Oxford St and South Portland Ave (718-643-1860). Daily 12:30–7:30pm.
Carol’s Daughter
Art from Africa and Asia adorns the homey first outpost of this Brooklyn beauty company founded by Lisa Price, and touted by spokeswoman Mary J. Blige. Its bevy of all-natural skin-care and bath goods are tailored to women of any complexion, offering items like rosemary-scented Lisa’s Hair Elixir for thick, coarse locks, jars of lemon-and-rose-imbued hand cream and colorful soaps concocted to smell like almond cookies. 1 South Elliott Pl at DeKalb Ave (718-596-1862, carolsdaughter.com). Mon–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 11am–6pm.
Cloth
Putting the green in Fort Greene, owner Zoë van de Wiele’s wood-wrapped eco-friendly boutique brims with organic-cotton womenswear from Stewart + Brown, along with supersoft casual garb from beloved brand Velvet. The shop also stocks label American Vintage, whose classic pieces are designed with a preloved feel. 138 Fort Greene Pl at Hanson Pl (718-403-0223, clothclothing.com). Tue–Sun noon–7:30pm.
Fitted by the Best
Climb the stairs to this light-flooded aerie for au courant streetwear. Owner Toni Giselle fills her shop with affordable but slightly upscale clothing for both genders, including adorable Soundgirl tops, 5 Pointz graffiti-inspired tees and funky hoodies. What’s more, its lineup of personal stylists and one-on-one shopping service can help the clueless assemble an edgy look. 69 Lafayette Ave at South Elliott Pl, second floor (718- 858-0050, fittedbythebest.com). Tue–Sat 11am–7pm; Sun noon–6pm.
Moshood
Alone among the scads of African shops dotting the ’hood, this Nigerian label’s flagship won’t make you look like you’re sporting a costume from The Lion King. Moshood’s garb marries traditional styles with a Western aesthetic. Dashikis and caftans are cut slimmer than their classic counterparts but are still roomy enough to be comfortable, and wrap skirts are offered for both genders. 698 Fulton St between South Oxford St and South Portland Ave (718-243-9433, afrikanspirit.com). Daily 10am–8pm.
My Little India
You won’t find Bollywood-like excess at this rustic housewares resource: Its Subcontinental chairs, tables and bookcases tend to be more artful than ostentatious. Folks not blessed with palatial digs to squeeze in one of its hand-carved dark-wood dining tables can console themselves with chai tea and French soaps. 96 South Elliott Pl at Fulton St (718-855-5220, mylittleindia.net). Mon–Wed 11am–8pm; Thu–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun noon–8pm.
Stuart & Wright
Don’t let the French Garment Cleaners sign fool you: The former 40-year-old laundry service is actually home to this skylighted shop. Helmed by two former employees of Tribeca style hive Steven Alan, S&W beckons to tastemakers with appealing European goods from cult labels including A.P.C., Isabel Marant and Cheap Monday. Though pricey for the nabe, its rugged-but-chic clothing and accessories make worthwhile investments that, unfortunately, you’ll have to get dry-cleaned elsewhere. 85 Lafayette Ave between South Elliott Pl and South Portland Ave (718-797-0011, stuartandwright.com). Mon–Sat noon–7pm; Sun noon–6pm.
Yú Interiors
Decked out like a swank apartment with bright-orange walls and an envy-inducing mix of antiques and spanking-new goods, this cheery domestic resource should please homebodies. Trick out your apartment with stone Buddhas, midcentury chairs and Thomas Paul pillows. If you’re more focused on pampering yourself and not your home, don’t miss its modernist briefcases and posh bath salts. 15 Greene Ave at Cumberland St (718-237-5878, yuinteriors.com). Tue–Fri noon–8pm; Sat 11am–8pm; Sun noon–6pm.
Your guide to Ft. Greene
“ Food & drink
“ Fort-ified wine
“Art
“Art star: Whether you’re a Brooklyn Academy of Music newbie or an old fan, here’s how to get more BAM for your buck.
“Shopping
“Sport & spa