Editors’ Picks 2013: The Best Shopping in Westchester

photo courtesy of south moon underYes We Know It’s a Chain But…
Brands for Millennials
South Moon Under
32 Second St, Ridge Hill, Yonkers
(914) 375-3700; southmoonunder.com
When it comes to the Instagram generation, South Moon Under—by way of Ocean City, Maryland—delivers, with a Coachella-crowd-pleasing selection of Free People; denim from hot-right-now Hudson, J Brand, et al; and year-round, spring-break-ready swimwear from Trina Turk and L*Space. Junior-level creatives picking up mint skinnies to pair with a Splendid blouse and Jeffrey Campbell booties for the office can simultaneously take care of their Saturday night going-out outfit, chain-strap Rebecca Minkoff clutch included—plus a statement neckpiece to pull together the look for brunch the next day. 

 

 
photo by cathy pinskyNew Shoe Boutique
Walin & Wolff
62 Purchase St, Rye
(914) 305-6601; walinandwolff.com
Can you ever have enough high-end designer shoes, handbags, or sunglasses? (Obviously, that’s a rhetorical question.) So we’re especially stoked about this sophisticated new shop located a convenient stroll away from our Rye office. With an impeccable retail pedigree—it’s owned by a pair of fashion insiders, one who is a former chief executive officer of Saks Fifth Avenue—count on Walin & Wolff for ultra-stylish accessories ranging from fun flats to sky-high strappy sandals and including elegant sunglasses and the latest crayon-colored totes—the latter perfect for stashing the Amex you shouldn’t come here without.

 

 

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photo by cathy pinskyUnique Jewelry 
Just Funki
New Rochelle
(914) 772-8148; justfunki.com
Looking for a piece of jewelry no one else will have? Say hello to Just Funki, where Yonkers resident Rhonda Hamilton specializes in out-of-the-ordinary statement pieces in gold, sterling silver, copper, and brass. Her edgy, extremely funky necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, which often incorporate semi-precious gemstones, are all limited-edition originals. A home line is also in the works—think chandeliers and furniture; at press time, Hamilton was looking into a larger space. 

 

 

 

 

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photo courtesy of paper sourceYes We Know It’s a Chain But…
Paper Boutique
Paper Source
711-A White Plains Rd, Scarsdale
(914) 713-8565; paper-source.com
It might’ve been better if you’d never discovered Paper Source, unless you already have a crafting room to stow all of your fabulous new paper purchases: seriously stylish Rifle journals, contemporary stationery and fine papers, custom stamps and invites. And take note, Pinterest-project hoarders. Step in for a jolt of inspiration by way of Martha-approved, DIY party décor—fiesta-ready flag-banners and designer/illustrated gift-wrap—and afternoon-activity kits and art supplies. Good luck resisting the seasonal gift selection, sunny desk accessories, and too-cute calendars, all in on-trend prints and patterns like a flying-off-shelves macaron motif, while you’re there.
 

 

 

 

 


Bras
Suzette Hosiery
Cross County Shopping Center
5180 Xavier Dr, Yonkers
(914) 476-3553
When a lingerie shop has an inventory of bras with cup sizes ranging from A to P, and back sizes from 26 to 56, you know it is serious about making sure you get a proper fitting. And with brands like Wacoal, Chantelle, Goddess, and Jezebel, you know you’ll be getting that support with sex appeal.

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Eclectic Antiques
Hank’s Alley
24 Kaldenberg Pl, Tarrytown
(914) 524-9895
It’s easy to miss Hank’s Alley, tucked away from the town’s main drag in an old firehouse, as you antique your way through Tarrytown. On most days, you’ll find Hank Bucci here, presiding over his collection of wares, which ranges from used and antique furniture to fabulous floor lamps (one of which adorns the bedroom of a Westchester Magazine editorial assistant). You’ll find vintage jewelry, clothing, and linens, kitchenware, paintings and prints, etc. His low prices and willingness to negotiate make him a magnet for area dealers, so items never stick around for long.

 

Hand-Knit Fashions
MAG Tricotes
One Christie Pl, Scarsdale 
(917) 951-6450; magtricotes.com
No wonder Martha Stewart raved about the charming Malvina Guretsky and her collection of handcrafted couture garments on her TV show—they are simply exquisite. Hand-knitted in Russia or hand-crocheted in Italy, the gorgeously detailed frocks ($750 to $2,000), separates, shawls, and outerwear are created by Guretsky and designers who also work for Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren. Featuring hand-dyed Japanese silk, Italian cashmere, hand-spun Mongolian camel fiber, handcrafted Murano glass beads, and hand-sequined Italian yarns, the offerings, including a baby and young girls line, are indeed MAG-nifique. Do take note, mothers of the bar/bat mitzvah child (custom orders are encouraged) and generous grandparents with deep pockets. 

 

Monogrammed Gifts
Wish
3 Purdy Ave, Rye
(914) 967-2910
What could be more thoughtful than a personalized special something with the recipient’s name or initials? Head here for scores of clever options, including fleecy robes, colorful striped beach towels, canvas totes and insulated picnic baskets, lacquered trays, blankets, throws, and women’s cotton sweaters. Turnaround for the above items is a day or two. Choose from 30 in-stock colors (more, if you have more time) and six fonts. Other monogrammed options with varying longer lead-times include wooden steak boards, ice buckets, crystal, and plastic party cups. Oh, and did we mention that there’s no additional charge for monogramming here?  

 

New Vintage Women’s Clothing
Uncommon Threads 
12 N Central Ave, Hartsdale
(914) 468-6568
With a great eye for fashion but a limited budget, Charlene Saiz had amassed a striking collection of reasonably priced vintage that quickly outgrew her closet space. Hence, this new shop focusing on fashions from the ’40s through the ’90s that the delightful young Saiz handpicks from textile houses, friends who work in the biz, and, yes, her own collection. You won’t find the chi-chi stuff from Chanel et al, but rather more affordable designers like Armani and Donna Karan. 

 

Reinvented 
Shopping Center
Cross County Shopping Center
8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
(914) 968-9570
crosscountyshoppingcenter.com
If you haven’t been to this newly spiffed-up and revitalized shopping and noshing showcase, do plan an outing, pronto. Between 2007 and 2011, the owners of this County landmark, founded in 1954, have pumped more than $250 million dollars into it. You’ll find dozens of new fashionable shops, like H&M and Armani Exchange, fresh and fun new eateries like Panera Bread and the always caliente Chipotle, and 100,000 square feet added to a fully renovated Macy’s. Other pluses: beautifully landscaped gathering areas with comfy seating, new outdoor children’s play spaces, a free live summer entertainment festival, and 5,000-plus free (yes, free) parking spaces—a thousand of them are covered. 

 

European Fashion Boutique
Fiamor Boutique
27 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry
(914) 478-3898; fiamor.us
Fiamor is all about style—your own style. Browsing the racks of gorgeous, one-of-a-kind fashions in colorful, sumptuous fabrics at this classy but funky boutique might take you back to your childhood, when you’d sneak into your mom’s closet looking for fancy “costumes” and baubles to play dress-up with. Owner Mimi Filipova’s passion for fashion is obvious, as is her talent for combining East Village cool and Fifth Avenue chic at one convenient little Dobbs Ferry location. Tailoring and custom orders are offered, too!

 

New Trendy Boutique 
Mixology Clothing Company
120 S Ridge St, Rye Brook
(914) 481-1771; shopmixology.com
Sick of sticker shock and snobby ’tudes? More interested in the look than the label? Head here for trendy juniors’ and funky women’s fashions. The savvy Mixologist can rock cool brands such as Gypsy Junkies and Free People. Investment dressing it’s not, but if you’re looking for patchwork denim, hot striped tees, sexy bandage dresses, and hip accessories, this is the place.    

 

Yes We Know It’s a Chain But…
Shoe Selection
Shoe-Inn
106 S Ridge St, Rye Brook (914) 937-2929
If you’re dizzied by slogging through department-store shoe salons—only to leave empty-handed—breathe deep and escape to Shoe-Inn, where you can stock up on on-trend standbys like Sam Edelman ballet flats or pop in for occasion-ready styles, like Hunter Wellies for tailgating the game, or go-with-everything pumps for last-minute invites (or outfits). At their store in the Hamptons, expect seasonal staples from Tory and Sperry; but also wear-forever Fryes and classic Chloé, Kate Spade, Vera Wang, and Stuart Weitzman; plus rare pairs from buyers’ twice-annual Euro trips. 

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Our Best of Westchester Elimination Ballot is open through March 6!

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