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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.
Hey! Have you noticed our newest feature Shopping Confidential? We get in touch with one of fashion's various movers-and-shaker taste-makers and ask them to tell us all about their very favorite off-the-beaten path New York shops. From buttons to books to bakeries to a slew of exceptional vintage and antiquities stores, we've already put together quite an impressive list—and there's a nice, little concentration in the East Village. Let's pay a Drunk Shopping visit, shall we?
We recommend starting with brunch at the delightfully-appointed Belcourt—a seasonal bistro with multiple Bloody Mary options, a range of egg dishes priced around $10, and a plate of biscuits sent directly from heaven. Then hit the pavement and we'll get shopping.
Before heading north, double down to Cobra Guitars, where Wade Oats, lead guitarist of The Virgins, browses a range of unique, house-made guitars and basses while he has his numerous instruments expertly serviced. This place is also apparently a good stop for those needing a Peter Tosh musical moment?
From there head north: Emma, teen-blogger behind the Emma Edition, loves a vintage shop called AuH20. She's particularly devoted to the shop's reconstructed vintage fashions and the treasure hunt $10 rack. From there, beer mavens should visit Good Beer NYC, a favorite of Bruce Pask, fashion director of T. Shoppers are encouraged to build-their-own six packs with a vast selection of microbrews and imported rarities.
More importantly, you can grab a pint from one of the shop's taps before moving on up to Obscura Antiques & Oddities. A fantastical shop, it's favored by Amanda Kain—founder of lux tee shirt line Kane Label. Why? The "totally off-the-wall stuff—taxidermy creatures, old funeral photos, Victorian hair wreaths, poison bottles."
Another option: Stop by the Kiehl's flagship to peruse the various lines and perhaps grab a soda from the newly installed Brooklyn Farmacy fountain.
And finally: A few more drinks! Brunch was fancy so cocktails need not be—we recommend Kabin: A cabin-themed dive with a daily two-for-one happy hour that starts up at 5pm. Cheers!
Enjoy! And please do share your Drunk Shopping tips, tales, and war stories in the comments!
· Wade Oats of the Virgins Gets His Guitar On at This East Village Shop [Racked NY]
· NYC's Answer to Tavi Recommends East Village Vintage [Racked NY]
· Where T Magazine's Fashion Director Gets His Suds [Racked NY]
· Amanda Kain's Off-the-Beaten-Path Store Is Literally Named Obscura [Racked NY]
· East Village Kiehl's Trades In-House Cookie Stand for Soda Jerks [Racked NY]
· Drunk Shopping archives [Racked NY]