Brooklyn for the Holidays

When shopping in Brooklyn it’s tempting to think that Fulton Mall, Kings Plaza, Flatbush Junction and the new Gateway Mall are the only places to fill your holiday shopping needs. Oh but there is so much more. In this, one of the two largest boroughs in New York City there are still wonderful shops tucked away in plain sight and full of unique specialty items for friends and family.

Pieces is a wonderful little boutique for the fashion saavy shopper located on busy Vanderbilt Avenue in the Prospect Heights section. There Latisha and Colin, the husband and wife team who own and operate the store, tend to your every need with professionalism and courtesy. Their boutique houses men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from designers such as Catch A Fire, Private Circle, Ann Ferriday and True Couture. They will soon be able to tame your fashion jones online with their new venture into e-commerce. They will be launching www.pieceofbklyn.com later this month.

Further downtown on the Fort Greene’s Fulton Street you are greeted by an array of culturally relevant shopping opportunities. 4W Circle of Art, for example, employs the concept of cooperative ownership. This shop has been around for about a decade and has seen many bright designers and entrepreneurs get their start under that roof. The store is home to various designers of clothing, home, jewelry and hair accessories such as the natural hair adornments of New Bein’ Enterprises.

Down the block another staple in African centered clothing design is Moshood. Designer Moshood Abiola first graced us with the unique Afrikan Spirit logo over ten years ago. His designs celebrate ease and fluidity over restriction and capture the spirit of the motherland right here in the concrete jungles of urban America.

Designer Courtney Washington also calls Brooklyn home. In his boutique you will find something for everyone. He believes that women come in all shapes and sizes, and his aim is to make every woman look - and feel - beautiful. He offers style, and comfort is a keynote, with adjustable drawstring waists and flowing jackets.

Jacob’s Eye Home Designs and Fashions on DeKalb Avenue, Sarafina’s Gifts on Myrtle Avenue, Ties That Bind Collectibles on Fulton Street, the list can go on. Whether you are looking for specialty children’s clothing at Hot Toddie Children’s Boutique, classic reading from great Black authors, discount books and novelties at Indigo Books and Café or Nubian Heritage, or unique spa essentials from MyLittleIndia’s spa collection, all can be found in the very heart of Brooklyn. Grab your Christmas list get in your car or ride the rails because holiday shopping roads lead to Brooklyn.