A number of mainstream chains have opened in the East Village, including Muji, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Urban Outfitters. Nonetheless, the neighborhood remains a mecca for lovers of vintage apparel, thanks to boutiques including AuH2O, East Village Vintage Collective, L Train Vintage, 9th St. Vintage, and Nomad Vintage. And it’s also home to scores of one-of-a-kind shops it’s hard to imagine anywhere else.
Out-of-print cookbooks fill shelves upon shelves at this legendary shop, punctuated by artisanal, vintage, and antique kitchen accessories and tableware. The term “treasure trove” is overused, but for foodies, history buffs, and anyone who wants to make their next dinner party special, this store is exactly that.
Having started as a decoupage artist, today John Derian designs stationery, furniture, and other home goods as well. He also has two shops on East Second Street. John Derian Co. sells decoupage housewares and decor made by him and his team as well as finds from around the world; the other sells new and vintage bedding, rugs, tablecloths, and decor as well as vintage-inspired furniture from Derian’s line for Cisco Brothers.
A pizza cutter that looks like a bicycle, a mini Frogger arcade game, a hand-knitted baby rattle designed to look like a smiling carrot, and truffle tapenade made in Queens are among the gifts and little luxuries you can buy in this compact, eclectic shop. It also sells gift boxes curated around specific themes, such as Black-owned businesses, LGBTQ entrepreneurs, and New York-made kitchen essentials.
Selling clothing and toys from newborns up to preteens, An.mé strikes the perfect balance of charming and chic. There are animal-print onesies and handcrafted booties designed especially for novice walkers, strawberry-shape sunglasses and pajamas made of soft bamboo viscose adorned with constellations, shorts with fabric Stegosaur “spikes” and unfussy dresses for even the most active girls.
This shop began selling fine jewelry made in New York City from sustainably sourced and reclaimed materials with an emphasis on simplicity and timelessness. It now also offers an equally thoughtful assortment of tableware, vases, and home accessories with the same focus on quality materials and artisanal finesse.
