Whether you want your Converse to be thighhigh or your Nikes to have a fierce stiletto heel, there’s nothing- and we mean nothing- the savvy shoe artists at East Village Shoe Repair can’t do. Located on the bustling St Mark’s strip (just look for the raggedy Barney doll out front), this closet-size shop is brimming with old heels, boots, and tiffany rings just waiting to be turned into something one of a kind. Or, of course,youcanbringin apair ofyour own shoes to be airbrushed, dyed, or somehow radically altered Run by Belarus natives Boris Zuborev and Eugene Finkelberg, the shop’s a hit not just with the East Village locals (who rave aboutthe speedy, high-quality shoe-repair service on Yelp),but also with the fashionista crowd- afew years back, W magazine commissioned them to make a pair of platform boots to be worn by none other than Kate Moss. And if they’re good enough for her, well . . . why would you go anywhereelse?1 St Mark’s Place, 21 2-5298339, vintagecustom.00freehost.com
BEST JEWELRY FOR THE IT-GIRL IN YOUR LIFE
Maybe if s the way she rocks out at the Shank tiffany key rings how to put together an amazing outfit from the Salvation Army, but there’s just something about your girl that tells you Tiffany & Co. wouldn’t impress her much. So, what would? Anything from Catbird, a teeny Bedford Avenue bmitique that specializes in local jewelry designers with styles that are just as quirky and cool as she is. Would Tiffany & Co. offer such fun pieces as a hand-tarnished bronze lnspector Clouseau mustache necklace by Digby and fona? Or a 14karat gold matchbook on a chain by OathNYC? Or shiny interlocking-vampire-teeth rings by Bitters weets New York? The jewelry comes in a range of prices for every stageofyour relationship from ? think you’re awesome" (Nikki B.’s assorted beaded bracelets, four for $30) to ‘We’re totally in love" (I wona Ludyga’s diamond spider studs, $430). Or you can create your own personalized gut- engrave a delicate bracelet with an inside joke or put together a charm necklace. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong here. 219 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-5993457, catbirdnyc.com
BEST BIKER CHIC
If you’re planning to discount tiffany jewelry a road trip (maybe of the "funemployed" variety, perhaps?), Smith + Butler in Carroll Gardens has you covered, from rugged-looking plaid flannels and vintage jeans down to your mode of transportation. Yes, this incredible boutique actually sells vintage motorcycles- thatreally work! -and proudly displays them throughout the shop. Last time we visited, there was a powder-blue Vespa (also being used to hang adorable bookbags on), a 1974 Condor 350 with a Ducati engine ($4,300), and a 1970 Suzuki 500 ($2,200). Owned by Marylynn Piotrowski- who is also the co-owner of the Hamptons store Tauk- the shop has a rustic, gritty feel with raw, unfinished walls and floors and beat-up antique wooden furniture (which is also for sale). Though the store specializes in stylish workwear for women and men, like him ting gear by Pointer and waterproof jackets by Belstaff (Che Guevara apparently wore a Belstaff jacket on his famous motorcycle journey), there are discount tiffany bangles daintier items including A.P.C. perfumes, Voga scented candles, chic dresses, and pretty journals- so you can jot down all your adventures, naturally. 225 Smith Street, Brooklyn, 718-855-4295, www.smithbutler.com
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