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New Yorkās best hidden gem! the owner makes all of the clothing at a sewing machine in the middle of the retail shop so she offers free on the spot alterations on anything she has made, there is an adorable shop beagle who greets you at the door, the music they play makes you feel like youāre in another era, but best of allā¦ they stock work from over 30 independent sustainable designers from all over the place! the owner Liv is so incredibly fabulous and lovely with a sprinkle of pre war charm, she has the best stories and styling advice and makes you feel right at home! Itās dress up party vibes there all the time and every time you visit you leave 20x cooler. Plus- they offer free repairs on any By Liv garment FOREVER. lifetime guarantee baby!
Feb 14, 2024
Related Recs
One of my favorite independent vintage shops in NYC! Lead by Olivia, this is a no fuss vintage shop thatās always got amazing hidden gems at decent prices. Olivia has great taste! My fave pony hair Miu Miu handbag is an Olivia find. A must visit if youāre near the East Broadway Mall!
Sep 25, 2024
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lockwood in greenpoint - super cute little gift shop, has lots of cards and other knick-knacks like fun claw clips or incense matches, plus a little nyc-themed section
greenwich letterpress in greenwich village - card shop with tons of small business and handmade cards, plus stickers and some other things
bluestockings in the lower east side - amazing leftist bookstore with lots of events. check out their instagram or eventbrite page!
strand bookstore in east village - i donāt go there much but itās a must for any book lover visiting, itās huge and has a mix of used and new books.
front general store in dumbo - super interesting little shop with lots of gifts and clothing!
housing works bookstore in nolita - mostly used bookstore with some thrifted clothing and a cafe! & very cozy vibes.
nypl shop in midtown - underrated gift shop imo, great to stop by after seeing the nypl polonsky exhibit!
beaconās closet in lots of places - thrift store, is a pain to go through on weekends because they get so crowded but youāre likely to get some good finds
peace & riot in bed-stuy - unique home goods and gifts!
min & mon in soho - pricey but very cute bags and theyāre made more ethically than typical designer bags!
May 12, 2024
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Not a native New Yorker but have lived here since 2011. Iām an actor + antique lover. Here are my top reccs for newcomers (restaurants + thrifting only) lmk if you want more!
šRestaurants with unique atmosphere + great food:
1. Freemanās Alley - lower east side. Unmatched vibes. hidden at the end of an alley. Amazing roasted Brussels sprouts. great cocktails and wine selection. Dark and moody and cozy.
2. Tea & Sympathy - west village
authentic spot for British high tea and pub fare. as tiny as a matchbox. Ridiculously charming. The staff are lovely. Thereās a british import store next door.
3. Buvette - west village
worth the hype. Incredible spot for brunch (or anytime meal). Unbelievably cute.
4. Lucali - Carroll gardens, Brooklyn
possibly the best pizza in the city. Beyonce and Taylor swift apparently love it too if that helps sway you at all. No reservations, you need to line up by 4p to get a table. Otherwise order a pie to go for $40 and walk around the historic neighborhood eating your pizza and admiring the brownstones.
5. Sake Bar Decibel - east 9th street
Hip underground sake joint with amazing food. Often crowded but the service is very quick.
šFor thrifting clothes:
Manhattan:
1. Beaconās Closet on 13th street (near the new school)
2.Housing Works on West 10th
3.Housing Works on 74th
4.Cobblestones on E 9th
5.East Village Vintage collection on east 12th
6. Crossroads Trading on 2nd ave
Brooklyn
1. Beaconās Closet on Guernsey (itās MASSIVE)
2. Awoke vintage
3. Monk Vintage
4. Buffalo Exchange on Driggs
5. Unearth Vintage on Smith street
6. Life Boutique thrift on 5th ave
7. The attic brooklyn
Jan 28, 2025
Top Recs from @bylivhandmade
My friend Mel just brought me a handmade pearl basket to hold my hard boiled egg, I cannot express the joy I am feeling right now.
Jan 24, 2024
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you should know/say hi to the people on your commute not just to foster community and be a kind warm welcoming New Yorker (all the real ones are) but also because it will make you a happier person! my local garage boys tell me Iām a princess every day, the weed smoking guy on the stoop with the cool motorcycle tells me when my outfits are slaying, and the deli guy and I vent to one another about our love lives on the reg! we <3 human connection
Feb 29, 2024
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Reset days are the key to avoiding burnout as a creative. Donāt think, donāt answer your phone, eat whatever you feel like eating, take a shower in the morning and a bath at 2pm, exist in a robe all day. your creative juices will recharge and youāll thank yourself later.
Feb 12, 2024