Save 15% at Pink Olive Online!

Whenever I’m in the market for a baby gift, I head straight to Pink Olive, where Pop Art blankets, modern plush animals, gift books and sassy onesies celebrate new life. While it’s true that presents picked from here score a home run every time, the real reason I like to buy for babies at this Park Slope, East Village, and online boutique is that I can also sneak in a little bit of shopping for myself. Owner Grace Kang (a former fashion buyer) divides her store into categories she calls baby, gifts and getaway. Her mission is to pamper customers both growing up and already grown. So along with the meticulous selection of clothes, bath products, paper goods and toys for young ones (all marked by a classic, feminine sensibility), she serves up molded soaps from Gianna Rose Atelier, Gossip Girl-inspired headbands, novelty bubble blowers in teh shape of ice cream cones, swimwear and other delights.

We Adore: These animal shaped hoodie towels (regularly $45, Store Adore price $38) are my go to baby gift.

We Adore: And for me? I may just add this Kenneth Jay Lane Amber Pear Necklace (regularly, $110, one sale for $27.50, Store Adore price $23) to my personal jewelry harvest right now!

Click here to get your 15% discount at Pink Olive.

In case you missed our appearance on Fox & Friends on Friday, you can click here to watch the video of the piece by co-host Alisyn Camerota. Click here to see a detailed listing of the the shops and sites we profiled and to download a map of our East Village shopping spree!

Thanks again to Fox & Friends for the fantastic story, and to all of their dedicated viewers who logged on to Store Adore.

Click here to watch the video of the Store Adore feature on Fox & Friends.

Click here to link to our blog post about the story, with detailed listings of the stores and sites we visited, including discounts!

We hope you caught us shopping this morning with Alisyn Camerota, the gorgeous, not to mention super fashion savvy, reporter from Fox & Friends. In cased you missed it, link to the video here, or read about our shopping spree–and score Store Adore-exclusive discounts–below:

Just when we’re all trying to tighten (neh, cinch) the economic belt, the season of spending it upon us. No, we’re not talking Christmas in June, but what with Mom’s Day, Dad’s Day, wedding season, baby season, and hostess gifts for weekends at the shore–not to mention a little refreshment for our own summer wardrobes–we’re shopping even more than we usually do. (And that’s saying something.) Here at Store Adore, we’re all for cheap thrills–guaranteed crowd pleasers that provide a real style bang for the buck. Check out a few of our favorite online and NY-based resources for affordable gifting. Plus, use our exclusive discounts for even bigger savings.

And remember to sign up for Store Adore to get notification of our exclusive deals along with a free $25 gift certificate.

Cheap Thrills Online

Elsewares (20% Discount!) Elsewares’ passionate commitment to magnificent designs and the artists behind them means not only that you’ll score super-cool stuff on the site, but also that you’ll support independent artists and companies with a conscience in the process. The folks at Elsewares scour the creative world for innovative apparel, accessories and home products from companies that practice healthy labor practices and focus on environmental sustainability. These adorable Egglings ($9.50) look and feel just like real eggs–just crack one open, add water and a seedpack, and you’ve created the mini-est garden ever. Or check out coasters from Sesame Letterpress ($12 for a set of 8 coasters): available in a variety of motifs, they’re hand-pressed in Brooklyn by a husband and wife team. We also love this iconic take on the classic diamond ring ($10) — perfect for a friend suffering from a recent breakup, that is if she has a sense of humor. Elsewares’ treasure trove of conversation pieces is diverse, affordable and 100 percent guilt-free. For help navigating, check out the gift guides, where you can sort by price (including an under $25 category), recipient and recycled material. Shop here for: friends with a conscience, housewarming, Dad’s Day, adorable accessories

Knock Knock (15% Discount with a Purchase of $50 or More!) Knock Knock: For people who have either way too much to do or not enough to do at all, sense of humor required. This clever line of paper-based goods (pads, organizers, sticky notes and more) and its corresponding e-commerce site are devoted to keeping you in line and on track—and always with a smile. You’ll find “Whenever” sticky notes titled “Today,” “Soon” and “Someday” ($15.99 for a set); sassy door hangers that you can flip to signal your mood (”Come on in and give me a hug” on one side, “I’ve had it–best to stay away” on the other) ($6.99 for a set of three); and funny file folders marked “to do,” “to ponder” and “to file” ($8.99) Knock Knock: It’s definitely who’s there. Shop here for: gag gifts, anyone with a family/office/kids/life/sense of humor

Mxyplyzk (Get a Free Gift Clock, Retail Value $32, with Any Online Purchase) Striking a unique balance between industry and whimsy, home boutique Mxyplyzyk (say it five times fast! Mix-ee-pliz-ick) has something for anyone with a quirky modern taste. This “Spy” Wall Clock ($28) boasts a fish eye mirror that reaches the far corners of a room–no sneaking the broccoli under the dinner plate while mom is facing the other direction! To engage kids in summer gardening, we love this adorable watering can ($14.99) in the shape of a classic rubber duckie. Shop here for: hostess gifts, kids, pets, a laugh

Click here for a full listing of websites offering values and steals and find our exclusive discounts here.

Cheap Thrills in New York’s East Village

If you live in New York (or are coming for a visit), there’s no better place for values and steals than the East Village. Print our Cheap Thrills East Village map, and check out the highlights of our afternoon with Alisyn.

Pink Olive (20% Discount in-store and online!)

We can’t seem to get enough of Pink Olive around here. Every item in this adorable shop is a true treasure, and barely anything is priced above $50. I purchased this absolutely adorable mini stuffed ladybug. With my Store Adore discount, it came out to just about $6!

Girly NYC

Alisyn and I laughed over hilariously sleep masks printed with phrases like “Wake me when it’s time for coffee” and ogled the frilly boy shorts, but what I’m really coveting is this Amanda Uprichard Dress–the ruffles are feminine but not clowny, and the subtle python print adds some extra sass. Find all this and more in Girly’s boudoir-like space.

Don’t forget to sign up for Store Adore to get notification of our exclusive deals along with a free $25 gift certificate.

Newly opened East Village boutique Lindhardt Design Studio is our latest retail obsession. Made by designer Lisa Lindhardt in her in-store studio, these sculptured rings, chain link wooden necklaces, cork bracelets, and beaded earrings have that found-in-a-faraway marketplace vibe, but with an added dose of New York sophistication. That’s because the pieces are compiled entirely of recycled materials and sustainable materials, and are often re-worked from pieces the designer sources from artisans in Africa. The store itself is a testament to the designers belief in environmentally conscious living–the floors are constructed from plank wood recycled from old churches and schoolhouses in Maine; the lamps are made from plastic garden shop planters; and the rustic jewelry cases are built from old barn wood.

Read our full profile of Lindhardt Design Studio, and read Lisa’s answers to our weekly store interview.

Linhardt: The popularity of oversized rings… I have always designed large rings but clients used to ask me for smaller, more dainty rings. Now, clients are embracing my large rings more than ever which makes me ecstatic since I feel in my element there.

Linhardt: A customer asked me to make a ring from a fake moss ball that I used to display jewelry on. So I poked sterling silver wire through the fake moss ball a few times and wrapped the edges around the band to create a bulbous moss and sterling silver ring. The customer absolutely LOVED it!

Linhardt: I would be happy to see the ubiquitous diamond for an engagement ring go for many reasons, mainly due to the questionable sourcing of the stones.

SA: What item has been flying off the shelves of your store recently?

Linhardt: My Minimalist 100% recycled sterling silver ring (left, $149) has been flying off the shelves. A client even recently asked me to design her engagement ring based off of this design. I am making a custom one for her in white gold and will set a chard of rough ebony tourmaline in a diagonal swoop through the middle.

More images from Linhardt below hand-formed Swoon necklace ($395) and cuff ($690) with polished finish in 100% recycled sterling silver.

For a mere weekend getaway, it’s mindblowingly difficult to travel light when it comes to footwear. By the time I’ve stuffed a pair of flip flops, an evening option, another evening option (since the shoes for the first night never seem to go with the outfit for the second), and a daytime pair into my carry on (not to mention sneakers for my morning run), I’ve barely got room for a bikini. Add with the recent announcement from airlines that they will start charging fees for even one checked bag, you can see why I’m always on the lookout for a versatile pair–something stylish that I can wear to brunch, a bar, and maybe even the beach. (I don’t expect it to get me to a seven minute mile, but probably nothing ever will.) The solution to my packing problem is this pair by Sand from Peacock, the East Village destination for the best in boutique-y brands. Boasting a comfy/sexy wedge shape, an ideal three inch heel height, a goes-with-everything metallic shade, and day-to-nighttime sparkly embellishments, these stunners are foolproof complements to every item in my summer wordrobe. And at only $132, well they’re worth their weight in suitcase space gold.

What’s the best way to plan a shopping trip in a new (or favorite) neighborhood, without ever getting lost or missing a great store? In our unbiased opinions, it’s with the Store Adore Map feature. There are three ways to plan the perfect shopping itinerary; pick the one that suits you best!

1. Access the Store Adore Map Collection

Store Adore’s team of fashion insiders from cities across the country have pre-made maps of their favorite shopping neighborhoods. Choose from comprehensive maps featuring every boutique in the district, or selective ones that focus on the very best shopping in the area. More maps are being added daily! Click here to get the maps.

2. Do it Yourself

Create your own customized map featuring the stores you want to visit. You must be a Store Adore member to make a map, so sign up here if you haven’t already (it’s free!).

3. Purchase a Customized Tour

For the ultimate shopping experience, hire one of our local experts to create a personal shopping itinerary that is custom-made for you! You’re guaranteed to love every store you visit, and you’ll enjoy special discounts, free gifts and other perks, too! Email Store Adore for more information.

In the mean time, check out our latest shopping tour! We’ve covered one of our favorite shopping neighborhoods in New York: The East Village.

Manhattan’s East Village is filled with shopping gems—from the quirky to the classic, the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets are home to a host of memorable, personality-driven boutiques. Click here to get the tour!

Here I am on a recent morning, wrapped up in my favorite grey cotton scarf from Calypso. It’s chilly in Boston, a bit damp too. So for those of you waiting for the maxi dress update, I apologize; it’s been postponed. I scoured the streets of the city yesterday, looking for slaves to style, but given the chilly temp, girls are not sashaying around in spring dresses. Not even long ones. So instead, I’m going to show you scarves.

Upon seeing a photo in Meredith’s Store Adore Intermix party Notepad post of two women wearing loose, warm weather scarves, I realized that everyone in Boston is wearing them. So, having failed to snap shots of maxi dresses, I resorted to photographing scarf-clad lovelies in Back Bay and Newton Centre.

Sabrina, a preschool administrator in her early twenties, is a self-described “sucker for scarves.” She wraps one on every day. This one is from Mint Julep in Brookline. She says, “I only remember because I spent way too much money on black scarves that day—I bought three!” Her print dress is French Connection, the leggings HUE (”I bought about 20 pairs at Bloomingdales Chestnut Hill—I live in them.”), and the ballet flats are Tory Burch Revas, available at Moxie in Beacon Hill.

Sam, a Netwton native and NYU student who’s working as a sales associate at Lola in Newton Center this summer, added this maize colored linen scarf ($69), to her outfit when she got to work that afternoon. The billowy shape echos that of her ivory bubble dress with banded bottom that she picked up in the East Village at Angela’s Vintage Boutique. “I always wear scarves. Everyone in New York does.”

Elizabeth, a student and part-time babysitter (pictured here studying at the playground), is wearing a green scarf that she bought in Spain. I love the way she’s so casually chic, with her messy ponytail, striped, fitted cardi pulled low on her hands, and white tee. Calypso has a selection of super soft and lightweight linen/rayon scarves in gorgeous colors like aqua, saffron, melon. (Available online, $75).

Hayley, whom we stopped in local ice cream shop, J.P. Licks, looks amazing in this short sleeve, scoop neck dress in shades of blue from Marc by Marc Jacobs. The navy scarf with fringed edges, which she got at Urban Outfitters (similar scarves in an array of colors ($85) are available at Pink Mascara) is a great touch, as are the pointy, silver metallic ballet flats, also by Marc by Marc Jacobs. And you can’t see them here, but Hayley is also wearing sky blue Bling studs by local designer JoJo, available at many Boston boutiques, including Twilight and Beauty Mark.

Alex, in town from Vermont and hanging out at my favorite Starbucks, is wearing a scarf she was given by her mother, who is part of a women’s collective that makes products using recycled materials. A little crunchy, but the colors and texture add edge. Pairing it with the violet top is an interesting choice, but I think it works. The top brings out the scarf’s violet threads, which are lurking beneath the reds and oranges. Unfortunately, Alex couldn’t recall the collective’s name, but you can find similar looks at Etsy.

Katie, a new mom from the neighborhood, was pushing her adorable daughter on the baby swing at the playground when we spotted her yellow, green and turquoise striped scarf. She reveals, “I found it at the Barneys New York outlet in Wrenthem.” (Who knew?!) The scarf spruces up her Splendid tee, purchased two blocks away at Intermix. And I love the fab orange flats from Coach. For a similar scarf look, try the Tie Dye Striped Scarf by Free People, in green or orange, (just $28!), at Shopbop. P.S. Katie was worried about looking tired from lack of sleep, but she looks great.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Tess & Carlos: Pretty prints in lightweight wools.

Matsu: Exquisite Italian weaves.

Stash: Trendy L.A. faves by Sir Alistai Rai. (Pictured here, $65.)

Since I started shopping for a living, I’ve realized shop owners are designers in their own right—from the layout of the store to the story they’re telling through the shop vibe, they pick up where the clothes leave off, and it’s really because of them that we get hooked.

I met Susanna Wong a few years ago when her boutique Saan Saan was just born, and fell in love with the place and the gal. A fashionista hailing from New York’s Chinatown, Susanna’s proclivities lean toward versatility and above all, uniqueness. She trolls trade shows and networks with local designers, which means most of the pieces at Saan Saan are impossible to find anywhere else (and I would know!).

The collection is utterly feminine: lots of soft fabrics, fluid drapes, motifs like feathers, and bright colors; the handbags are absolutely to die for, and the jewelry is completely addictive—collectible and affordable—even in this nasty recession. This month, Susanna gave Saan Saan a facelift, updating the shop to a gallery-style space with a spotlight on her new line of Saan Saan watches.

Considering how few choices we girls get when it comes to timepieces, these warrant special mention. The watches are delicate enough for a small wrist, with luminous pearlized faces in burgundy, white or Saan Saan’s signature turquoise. My favorite touch: three tiny faces showing the day, date and military time. I love that Susanna thought to fill a long-neglected niche like this.  Besides the watches, Susanna brought in Yellow Monkey baby clothes, toys and shoes to round out the beautiful collection. Anyone strolling the East Village should make a point of stopping by. It’s not every day we find a shop with such a unique perspective.

When my friends have babies, I am tempted to them a sweater. Or a necklace. Or something to say “Congratulations for shoving this watermelon out…It must have hurt! And since everyone is swooning over little Ethan (or Mason, or Madison), I’d like to give some kudos to you.” It turns out, however, that this simply isn’t done. (It’s kind of like giving someone jewelry or a t-shirt or a scarf at her wedding shower. I’ve done it before and everyone looked at me as if I had eaten all of the tea sandwiches.) So it’s baby gift or bust.

I’ll do anything to avoid Babys R Us (leave the years’ supply of diapers to a more practical friend), but since discovering Pink Olive, I’m actually pretty excited for the next time someone pops out a little Peyton (or Riley or Morgan). A former contemporary and denim buyer at Barneys, owner Grace Kang opened Pink Olive to pay homage to the art of gifting. Since she couldn’t find an appropriate retail space, she first launched online in late 2006, opening a store in the East Village in 2007 and another in Park Slope in early 2008. Her concept–a charming and meticulously thought out selection of gifts geared towards not only baby, but also grown-ups and travel–has caught fire.

Each and every shelf is so addictively merchandised, with gifts for all types playing off of one another with humor and charm. Here, I can scoop up the stuffed piggy and check off the baby gift, stumble upon a keepsake jar for mom’s blond moments, and reward myself with a Cool Change coverup and zebra flip flops for a job well done.