Williamsburg: Catbird

Hanging in the window of Williamsburg’s tiny jewelry and knick-knack boutique is a banner that reads, “Beauty in the Little Things.” This is Catbird’s motto. Trinkets like horseshoes, tiny China tea sets, and cat coasters sit alongside colorful wrapping paper, stationary and cheeky notes. The shop’s white, antique displays house a variety of dainty gold and silver rings, earrings and necklaces from the likes of Katie Diamond, Jezebel, and Bittersweets. Catbird even carries locally-made wedding and engagement rings that sparkle with black and cognac diamonds. In addition to offering a wide array of glittery baubles, the store’s shelves are also stacked with delicious soy candles, soaps and perfumes, making it the best-smelling boutique on Bedford Avenue. The collection also includes Catbird’s signature candle line in scents like “Tarot Deck” and “Campfire.” All in all, this curated treasure trove is worthy of much exploration.

219 Bedford Ave; Brooklyn, NY 1121
Phone: 718.599.3457. Website
Open daily from 12-8pm

E. Village: Obscura Antiques and Oddities

On a block crowded with typical East Village fare, Obscura Antiques & Oddities stands out. In the window sits a smiling vintage doll with an oversized head and eerie, non-blinking eyes.  Next to her stands an antique mannequin wearing something that looks like a straitjacket. This isn’t your typical antique shop. Mike Zohn and Evan Michelson—owners and stars of the Science Channel’s “Oddities”—scour flea markets, auctions, and antique shows across the nation to collect these one-of-a-kind pieces. An open casket, complete with a human skeleton, rests alongside the register, next to a taxidermy raccoon; a mummified human head sits in the center of Obscura’s main display case, surrounded by vintage photographs, delicate books and antique beakers. Obscura Antiques and Oddities is a must-see.

280 East 10th Street; New York, NY 10009
Phone: 212.505.9251. Website
Open Weekdays 2pm-8:30pm; Sat 1am-8:30pm; Sun 1am-7:30pm

Meet The Shiny Squirrel

Five years ago, Jessica Goldfond started a blog. Little did she know that her showcase of whimsical photographs, fashion pieces, artwork and jewelry would evolve into the multi-faceted Shiny Squirrel brand. Part affordable art and design online retailer, part showroom, part public relations firm, and part blog that started it all, The Shiny Squirrel is a little bit of everything.

“I’m a one-stop-shop,” she tells me over cocktails at Williamsburg’s Hotel Delmano, “PR, branding, showrooms, pop-up shops, everything!” Goldfond represents about twenty artists and designers, including indie jewelry darlings Species by the Thousands, Elizabeth Knight and Digby & Iona. “I realized there was no affordable space for designers and artists to sell and market their art,” she says, “and I had seen so many people swallowed up by showrooms.”

Nearly everything showcased on the website—from prints and sculptures to brooches and necklaces—is one-of-a-kind, handmade by emerging artists and designers. Read More

E. Village: Rue B

Every wall of Avenue B’s most romantic jazz bistro and cocktail lounge is crowded with black and white photographs of beloved icons. Ray Charles, James Dean, Frank Sinatra and a nude Marilyn Monroe hold court over the dimly lit space, looming above diners as they munch on bruschetta and bowls of imported olives. Behind the bar, General Manager, Stalin­­­–yes, like Joseph–serves up a bevy of creative libations. “We put a lot of labor into every drink,” he says, muddling fresh strawberries for Rue B’s signature cocktail, the Strawberry Patch. “We want every drink to be perfect.” Diners are invited to find a dark corner and sip concoctions of fresh blood orange, guava or morello cherry while enjoying the nightly jazz combo. A rotating roster of guitarists, trumpeters, bassists and pianists play each night of the week­­­–on Thursdays, there’s a singer. Arguably the coziest and classiest joint in Alphabet City, Rue B is the perfect place to settle in for an evening of booze and blues.

188 Avenue B; New York, NY 10009
Phone: 212.358.1700. Website
Open Weekdays 4pm-4am; Weekends 11am-4am