Looking Forward by Looking Back: Drinks and Vintage in Nolita

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Welcome to Drunk Shopping, our feature celebrating the time-honored tradition of getting totally wasted while the sun's still shining before buying a bunch of debatably useful stuff that the sober you would be too timid or too restrained to take home. Each Friday we'll cobble together a new itinerary starting you off with a boozy Saturday or Sunday brunch before meandering through a few neighboring retailers and happy hours notable for seasonal specials, limited time availability, fantastic deals, recent openings, or new shipments.

Congratulations Jessica S.—you're one of three Drunk Shopping contest winners! Jessica will be taking home a sweet Pierre Hardy-designed Sequoia bag; but more importantly, she has the unparalleled honor of dictating this weekend's Drunk Shopping expedition, a new year's jaunt through Nolita.

There is something about the new year that has us feeling all nostalgic. Maybe hearing Auld Lang Syne has us thinking about once upon a time—but in any event, we figured we would take this sentiment and turn it into a fabulously old-fashioned boozy brunch. Since there's nothing that says memories like vintage, we're taking you on a inebriated traipse through Nolita and the Lower East Side to find the perfect classic pieces for your wardrobe.

To properly set the mood for our walk down memory lane, start your day off with brunch at Barmarché. The chandeliers, Baroque mirrors, and black and white photographs will have you fondly remembering Old New York in no time. Their expansive American Nouveau menu is sure to have something for even the fussiest eater in your group, and while there may be a bit of a wait, that's nothing that their $6 Bloody Marys, mimosas, peach bellinis, or St. Germain fizzes can't solve.

Once you've fully imbibed and indulged in liquor and pancakes, its time to revel in the shops that keep New Yorkers looking classically chic. Because there are so many gems in this area, here's a list of must-hit stores (in no particular order) that will have you looking timelessly classic.

Amarcord: Dedicated to upscale European vintage, this store boasts an expansive collection of high-end digs (think Dior, Missoni, Gucci, and Valentino).

Screamining Mimi's: Since the late '70s, Screaming Mimi's has been the destination for unique looks of years past. Their quirky classics and assortment of exceptional accessories dating from the '50s to the '90s are perfect for helping you achieve your retrograde flair. Oh, and they sell sharkskin suits.

INA Men: What's not to love about a store that acquired the Sex and the City wardrobe library when it wrapped? This men's only outposts boasts designer clothes at half the price, and if the piece hasn't sold in 30 days, the price is slashed and will continue to drop until sold. One caveat: their sizes tend to run small as most were runway pieces.

Edith Machinist: Make your way over to the LES for the city's most extensive collection of designer shoes dating all the way back to the '60s. The staff here is super friendly and will find you that perfect pair of Fendi flats for a super affordable price.

Now, what would a vintage shopping trip be without a proper pre-dinner cocktail to cap off the experience? Head over to the newly opened Beauty and Essex where you might complete your shopping experience in the restaurant's pawn shop. Yes, this restaurant boasts a real working pawn shop stocking tons of goods. Walk through the shop and into the restaurant to indulge in a cocktail or two or three or four. You've earned it!

Nicely done, Jessica—we need to check out this pawn shop!

Enjoy! And please do share your Drunk Shopping tips, tales, and war stories in the comments!

· Drunk Shopping archives [Racked NY]