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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.
Image via Flickr
Twenty-five-year-old Kyle Brincefield is the owner of Studmuffin NYC, a line he built based around the humble metal stud. He embellishes his custom creations (everything from leather jackets to smaller accessories) with gold and silver studs, and sells his goodies both online and at Patricia Field's new brick-and-mortar shop.
Search & Destroy was one of the first thrift stores I stumbled upon about four years ago after moving to the city. I was instantly intrigued by a window display featuring about 100 dismembered doll heads, Mickey Mouse in a bondage swing, and other assorted misfit toys. I remember thinking there would be absolutely nothing in this store for me, until I traipsed up the 10 or so steps to this East Village thrifting heaven. From heavily studded jackets and vests to brightly colored lucha libre masks, S&D quickly became my go-to spot for a hot piece in a pinch.· STUDmuffin [Tumblr]
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