Yes, we too, are bummed that Topshop won't be boozing us up while we max out our credit card on incredibly cute tops and frocks. But fret not: We've found 4 brand-spankin'-new spaces that combine shopping with other perks, like cocktails with your suits, coffee with your denim, and even a haircut to go with your newly-purchased couture. That's right, folks. Forge ahead for the shops that are bringing you the best from all worlds.
Elsa/Against Nature: Not to be confused with newly-opened cocktail bar Ella, Elsa takes over the old Hanger Bar space (also, coincidentally, a place that sold clothing and booze) with made-to-order suits and strong and delicious cocktails. Get your Doyle Mueser blazer tailored while you sip an "Elsa," a champagne, brown sugar, and orange bitter concoction straight from the old Freemans cocktail consultant. Now that's some happy shopping. 217 E 3rd Street, New York; 917-882-7395. Or go to www.elsaroom.com.
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The Smile: This cafe-and-clothing-store-in-1 is the brainchild of Earnest Sewn's Carlos Quirarte and Matt Kliegman. Set to soft-open (by invite only) next week on Bond Street, the restaurant-shop promises to leave no garment hanging (literally—everything will be folded) and will boast a yummy menu from Melia Marden. New York tattoo artist Scott Campbell is also setting up shop in the basement. Chest piece with that V-neck shirt you just bought? Hell, yes. 26 Bond Street, New York; no phone.
Collective Hardware: Stuart Braunstein's massive building on Bowery just dropped last year, and we're still kind of in awe by everything that goes on there. There are recording studios in the basement, a show room on the main floor chock full of one-of-a-kind designer goods, an art gallery with installations and photography, a hair salon and tattoo parlor, editing suites, sound booths…the list goes on. Talk about engaging all the senses. 169 Bowery, New York.
Partners & Spade
In the '60's, Claes Oldenburg opened up "The Store" in his New York studio and sold stockings, shirts, dresses, and pie for mere dollars a pop—but as art. This half-gallery, half-store kind of reminds us of that, because why else would water bottles and cigarettes be displayed high up like art objects, only reachable by ladder? Or a collection of vintage staplers laid out repetitively like parts of a Judd exhibition? When you're done being entertained by the pure senselessness and joy of the objects, you can walk away with a pack of two-dollar Altoids from the shelf labeled "Impulse Items," and feel like you're taking home art.
40 Great Jones Street, New York; 646-861-2827. Or go to www.partnersandspade.com/
In the '60's, Claes Oldenburg opened up "The Store" in his New York studio and sold stockings, shirts, dresses, and pie for mere dollars a pop—but as art. This half-gallery, half-store kind of reminds us of that, because why else would water bottles and cigarettes be displayed high up like art objects, only reachable by ladder? Or a collection of vintage staplers laid out repetitively like parts of a Judd exhibition? When you're done being entertained by the pure senselessness and joy of the objects, you can walk away with a pack of two-dollar Altoids from the shelf labeled "Impulse Items," and feel like you're taking home art.
40 Great Jones Street, New York; 646-861-2827. Or go to www.partnersandspade.com/