October 28, 2019
Boutique Hopping on the Upper East Side
__ Read articleBoutique Hopping on the Upper East Side
Just down the street from Algin Management’s no-fee apartment rentals on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, you’ll discover a grand assortment of one-of-a-kind retailers with seemingly endless offerings for your wardrobe and home. Here are some of Algin’s favorite boutiques and shops in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.
After 30 years of designing clothes for the likes of David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Helena Bonham Carter and Thom Yorke, what does one do next? For agnès b, the answer is simple: you keep creating. Her tradition of understated French cool continues with simple tailoring, clean lines, and an effortless style. Unencumbered by “fashion” she’s more interested in design, dabbling in art and film, and musing about within those experiences through clothing that’s classic but forever forward looking. And it doesn’t just stop at men’s and women’s pieces. Agnes b also has something for children and babies, all cut to signature shapes and colors that reflect the brand while still expressing the exuberance of the youth who wear the clothes. A visit to the store will quickly show you, but for a deeper exploration, pick up one of the many style books you’ll find there to discover that what you wear isn’t simply an expression of your tastes, but also an extension of the self.
Pachute, the Hebrew word for “simple,” is both the name of a wonderfully compact boutique on the Upper East Side and the guiding principle behind the vision of its founder. Setting out to “carry designs that awaken” and offering “limited editions and small selections of excellently-made pieces that make sense,” the shop delivers with goods that cater to “simple” needs, albeit with the subtle complexity that such items require. The suede boots in all the right shades of grey and brown are all perfectly textured: not too broken-in to eliminate them from your workday wardrobe but not so new as to overdress your favorite jeans on a weekend-day-out. The jewelry is understated, though bold, and of an heirloom quality that lends it to pairing with outfits throughout your closet.
For an equally inspired selection of high-end women’s clothing and jewelry, plus a wonderful selection of…well, everything else, do take some time to visit Blue Tree. With an eclectic collection of fashion, fragrances, home items, art, candles, books, and even vintage LPs, the shop boasts that no rules apply, save one, when it comes to stocking the shelves: the vision of founder Phoebe Cates Kline (yes, that Phoebe Cates) and her desire “to have it be like a general store but according to me.” Blue Tree succeeds marvelously in that vision, building a reputation for surprise and reinvention in its inventory that makes each visit a new adventure. It’s what has enabled the store to amass a following that goes far beyond the Upper East Side. Ms. Cates Kline’s favorite things also include a few odds and ends for men, kids, and babies.
Of course, getting around to all these places in a city like NYC is best done on foot. Do so in style with just the right pair of boots or shoes from Aquazzura. The very definition of what we expect from fine Italian footwear, Aquazzura’s designs are as comfortable as they are chic, and the expert craftsmanship means that they’ll be so for a long time to come. Just ask any number of trendsetters and influencers who sport Aquazzura footwear at every turn, including Jennifer Lawrence, Beyoncé, and Amal Clooney. Stop by, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect boots, pumps, or even sneakers.
Algin Management’s no-fee apartment rentals in NYC bring you close to some of Manhattan’s best shopping. Find a gift to dazzle a friend or discover a new look to transform yourself, just blocks from home. Then return again and again for a never-ending rotation of new and fascinating treasures. Your neighborhood has it all.