The Blonds' Weekly Date Night Begins at Toy Tokyo in the East Village

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New York City has more stores than anyone could physically tackle, but somehow we always keep returning to the usual suspects. To break out of the rut, we've asked some local shopping and fashion gurus to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around our fantastic city that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.

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They've been a couple for over a decade, but Phillipe and David Blond, the founders and creative directors of their own label The Blonds, make a point to set aside one night every week and have date night. A favorite first stop is Toy Tokyo in the East Village where the duo stocks up on Roger Rabbit-inspired paraphernalia. Then they'll head uptown to 58th Street to catch a flick, and finally end up downing libations in the West Village. But before their weekly one-on-one date night is complete, one half of the duo can often be found trying on red-soled stilettos.

We have been a couple for over 10 years so every week we plan date night. A stop at Toy Tokyo is always fun for us, as we collect anything that has to do with Jessica Rabbit, female villain figures and Barbie. We have figurines, dolls, and toys of these bombshells all over our apartment and they constantly inspire us. The Paris Theatre is one of our favorite places to escape. It has such an intimate feeling and it's always exciting when they draw back that velvet curtain. It feels like seeing a movie in the 1950s and is much more exciting than being in one of those 30 screen multiplexes.

Paris Commune is one of our favorite restaurants and we often finish up our night there. One of the owners (Hugo) is always so charming and makes the experience warm and personal. Our favorite treats are the Stuffed Walnut-Crusted Brie, and the Creme Brulée (or any dessert for that matter). It's also great for cocktails too, just make sure you ask for a Jungle Red. An added bonus is that just down the road is the Christian Louboutin store on Horatio Street where you will usually find Phillipe after dinner...for obvious reasons.

· The Blonds [Official Site]
· All The Blonds Coverage [Racked NY]

Toy Tokyo

91 2nd Ave NYC, NY 10003