But if I could give Her Majesty one piece of advice for King Henry VIII’s former residence, it would be to bring in a little Sweet William. In gardening circles, sweet william is also known as dianthus. But in my circle (which is really the most important, no?), Sweet William is a decadent children’s boutique in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Just like a gardener knows how to cultivate young buds, owner Bronagh Staley knows how to cultivate just the right selection of baby and children’s clothing and accessories. Drawing on her background and contacts as former fashion editor of Cookie Magazine, the bright colors and tender styles that Bronagh brings to Sweet William are the perfect addition to any child’s spring wardrobe. It’s a modest, focused collection that brings together the most unique, high-quality, eco-friendly, and, in some cases, locally designed goods. While the collection is constantly changing, you might find pieces from Pop Up Shop, Mini Rodini, and locally created, hand-embroidered onesies (soon to be expanding into dresses) by Coral & Tusk. You’ll also find pieces from Angela Devine, a mother of three from Montana who designs the clothing and then works with Bronagh to pick the fabrics for the pieces that will appear in the store.

And, when it comes to the toy collection, you’d be hard-pressed to find any plastic toys. Bronagh opts for the handmade, old-fashioned knitted, felted wool or wooden toys such as the Alpaca toy penguin from i golfini della nonna. 

  Photo Credits: Ashley Reardon

There’s plenty here to keep you coming back for more (if you don’t have children, you’ll be racking your brains to figure out who you can buy the delicious pieces for), but keep an eye to the future, when Bronagh someday hopes to open another location in NYC. In the meantime,with that spring in your step, skip to my lou and skip on over to Sweet William. 

Sweet William
112 North 6th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-218-6946
http://www.sweetwilliamltd.com/

Well here’s one real resolution we can, and should, stick to day after day…get your daily dose of fiber. You’ve seen and heard the studies. Fiber is good for your digestion, lowers your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and more. But did you know fiber can keep you warm? And that it can be the perfect thing to cuddle up to on a cold, winter night? Did you know it could be a great addition to your wardrobe or your wrist? 

We’re not talking about fiber derived from the dense, dry, cereals, breads, and crackers that leave your mouth puckering because you’ve used all your saliva just trying to get it down. We’re talking luscious, silken, and sinewy fibers for knitting, crocheting, felting, or other craft of your choosing. Sound appealing? Then you need to head to The Yarn Tree.

Named for “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” owner Linda LaBelle has put her own “spin”  on the world of yarns. You might even consider her a shepherd of sorts. You may have heard of farm to table restaurants. This is a farm to store yarn shop. Linda is proud to share the names of some of the sheep and goats on the farms providing the wool. She can tell a number of stories about the small spinneries and dying shops that process the wool. And she has a wealth of ideas for using the yarns, drawing on her background as a costume designer for Matthew Barney’s Cremaster Cycle and her experiences traveling around the world to meet with other fine artisans. 

Photo Credits: Ashley Reardon

And if you need more than stories to satiate your appetite, join her and the other instructors for classes in knitting, crocheting, felting, spinning, or weaving. The classes are the perfect excuse to buy some Alpaca, Yak, or Hemp Silk yarns. 

However you choose to indulge, just find some way to work these fibers into your daily diet.

The Yarn Tree
 347 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-384-8030
http:///www.theyarntree.com

“Perhaps a more appropriate philosophy for these soon-to-be-hardscrabble times is the uplifting mantra of personal style, which is based in confidence about who you are and what you find beautiful, as opposed to adopting an external prescription for fitting in.” 

Top fashion icons know precisely how to use accessories and inimitable pieces to turn an otherwise plain outfit into something that looks like a million bucks. (Hint: The Sartorialist is a great way to get ideas of the one piece that makes an outfit.) So how can you take this piece of coal of an economy and turn it into a golden egg? Start by giving your shopping process more thought. Consider what pieces of your wardrobe could be reimagined. Then, head to Dalaga.

In it’s original incarnation, Dalaga was a sales venue for owner Michelle Mangiliman’s own line that she designed and manufactured herself. She got her start selling at a boutique called 52 Mason in San Francisco. But over three years ago, after moving to NYC, she settled on a space in Greenpoint to open her dream boutique. Along with the geographical transition, she’s also transitioned from the time-consuming task of creating her own line, to now scouting out and hand-picking men’s and women’s merchandise from fresh new designers such as Mary Meyer, By Boe, Round Designs, Revl, and Cloth Logic. 

Michelle’s concept for the store is ‘boudoir meets mysterious interior garden,’ which reflects Michelle’s sophisticated and sensual approach to fashion. The space makes you feel as if you’ve walked into someone’s closet, enticing you to experiment with your wardrobe. And with all there is on hand in the store, there are plenty of options with which to reinvent your personal style. The best part is that 75% of the items in the store are at sweet, wallet-friendly price point of $100 or less.

Photo Credits: Ashley Reardon

So, take your cue from the rest of the fashion world. Get your head out of the sand, and use the current economic environment to focus on your personal style and re-emerge as that beautiful, vibrant being you were always meant to be.

Dalaga
150 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-389-4049
http://www.dalaganyc.com 

Walking into this bookstore feels like you’ve stepped inside someone’s personal library. It’s warm, comforting, and entices you to browse the shelves. But in fact, you’ve stepped inside owner Christine Onorati’s playspace. Christine opened her independent bookshop in Long Island and in 2007 she moved it to Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Having majored in publishing, Christine has a knack for knowing what books will capture the hearts and eyes of the reader.

She has carefully crafted a selection of literary fiction, non-fiction, cooking books, gift books, children’s books and more, all catering to the hipster clientele that frequents the shop. You’ll find selections like McSweeney’s The Beliver and James Mollison’s book The Disciples, featuring panoramic photos of fans who have styled themselves after their favorite rock star.

And feast your eyes on the words in the tantalizing collection of beautiful photographed cook books and fine food books, including Milk: The Surprising Story of Milk Through the Ages by Anne Mendelson and Jacques Torres’ A Year in Chocolate. Mmm, chocolate. Now there’s an addiction worth having. Here’s hoping there’s a follow-up to this book called, Why Just a Year? Have Chocolate Everyday.

If food and cooking isn’t what you’re looking for, then go to the kiddie nook in the back of the store. The bright colors and animated shapes that pop out of these books will surely capture your attention as much as any word will. You’ll be wanting to pick up all those books you had as a kid, like Lewis Carrol’s The Complete Alice Collection. But don’t get so distracted by the oldies and goodies that you neglect new titles like Wonder Bear by Tao Nyeu, a graphic designer/illustrator and recent graduate from NYC’s School of Visual Arts. 

Photo Credits: Ashley Reardon

And if you’re not sure what to buy and need inspiration, join one of their many weekly events happening at the store, including readings and signings by authors and a book club, or enroll in their book-a-month club.

The WORD is out on this great little shop, so head on over and get your fill.

WORD Bookstore
126 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
http://wordbrooklyn.wordpress.com/

The first item that you might hear about are the Indian Trading Beads from the 1800’s. One can’t be sure, but these might have been some of the very beads used by the Dutch to purchase Manhattan. Imagine that negotiation…”we’ll give you these wonderful beads for this incredible piece of real estate which will someday be a thriving metropolis…”!

Or there’s the Anchor Stone Building Blocks from the 1800’s that could tell more than a few tales of the tiny little hands that have delicately polished and eroded the stone pieces. Made of quartz sand, chalk and linseed oil, these blocks will be around far beyond any modern day blocks, leaving you plenty of time to construct to your heart’s content. 

And remember the View-Master? They’re still around, but you won’t find one like the antiques in Kill Devil Hill. Made of bakelite, these mid-century View-Masters were produced for photographic postcards and photo albums.

And, there’s so much more. I could go on and on about the beautiful antique projector, the wool coats (high quality wool coats at incredible prices like $45 and $80!), the neon signs, and the ultimate lighting for your cozy cabin. Need I say more?

Photo Credits: Ashley Reardon

Kill Devil Hill
170 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
347-534-3088
http://killdevilhillbrooklyn.blogspot.com 

Cheers!

As everything is sold in individual bottles, this is not the place you’ll want to go to  stock up on beer for your Super Bowl party, unless you want to be the coolest guy or gal at the party and look like you really know your beer. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to check out the winter ales (or other seasonal beers) from Scandinavia, Olfabrikken from Denmark, traditional lambic beers, and the Piccolo Birrificio Chiostro — an Italian beer brewed with absinthe leaves. 

And if you’re ever in doubt of what to buy, manager George Vitray is on hand to help you translate your tastes into a selection that won’t disappoint. 

Because New York State laws require you to be a grocery store in order to sell beer, Spuyten Duyvil also carries a nice hand-picked selection of non-perishable food items such as McClure’s Pickles, Rick’s Picks, Mast Brother’s and Claudio Corallo chocolates, and many other specialty items. Combined together, the beers and food items make for the ultimate gift basket that no one will recycle to the office kitchen. 

Spuyten Duyvil Grocery
218 Bedford Avenue (in the Mini Mall)
Brookly, NY 11211
718-384-1520

Stepping into the store, you might feel a bit dizzy and giddy from all the eye candy. So here’s a little guide to get you through. Start by hunting down Siri’s own line of clothing and hand-crocheted jewelry under the name Sirius, including this gorgeous, limited edition black cameo agate stone drop. Then go to the handmade baby onesies by Alacrity designs. Then check out the avant-garde designs by Feral Childe, including the hand-cast resin belt buckles and the hand silkscreened wool dresses and tops.   

Photo from Treehouse Etsy site

You’ll find numerous other hand-crafted accessories including jewelry, handbags, and shoes. One of my favorites is the hand-embroidered tote bag by Chez Sucre Chez. 

Photo from Chez Sucre Chez Etsy site

Photo Credits: Jason LaFrenais

Finally, if you’re feeling inspired to add something of your own to the shop, join Siri in knitting, crochet, embroidery, or jewelry making classes. Whether you shop or create, be prepared…you just might want to become a lifelong member of the club.

Treehouse
430 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-482-TREE
http://www.treehousebrooklyn.com

Two years ago, husband and wife duo Douglas Friedmutter and Basia Grocholski, opened their well-edited gift shop in Greenpoint. Basia has a background in graphic design - specifically in building brands, and Douglas has a background in business. After building brands for other companies, Basia and Douglas decided they wanted a brand of their own. Drawing on their Polish backgrounds, they named the shop Brooklynski, meaning “Of Brooklyn.” The shop first opened in Greenpoint, but has since moved to Graham Avenue in Williamsburg. 

Brooklynski has some gifts you may have come across before–the Agelio Batle graphite pencils, Archipelago candles and home fragrances, and Snow & Graham Stationary. Then, there’s a selection of gift-worthy books including czech artist Miroslav Sasek’s This is London, The Art of the Slow Cooker, and The Printmaking Bible. Frankly, in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of these items, especially if you need a nice gift for someone you don’t know well. But the real gems in the store are those that are true to the store’s name–the variety of accessories from Brooklyn designers. Basia and Douglas are loyal to their Brooklyn neighbors and sell a lot of local designer’s products on consignment.

First up, the Good Ship fold up tote bags from a local textile designer, Julie Maclean. Made of vintage or recycled fabrics, each bag is a limited edition that is perfect for your eco-friendly friend. 

For the ladies, pick up a fascinator or hat made by Diana. And for that man in your life check out the silk screen ties from The Fair School or the glass cufflinks and belt buckles from Scarlett Hot Glass.

Finally, for the little ones in your life, how can you resist the Manuella Doodle Dolls? They’re more worldly rather than local, but equally unique.

Photo Credits: Jason LaFrenais

Feeling confident now about your gift-giving abilities? If you still feel a little shaky, just drop on in and the lovely staff will help you pick out the perfect gift.

Class dismissed.

Brooklynski
351 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-389-0901
http://www.brooklynski.com

Such is the (much paraphrased) story of Enrique and Kimberly Sevilla, and their nearly one-year old daughter Lavender. Enrique and Kimberly, long time residents of Williamsburg, opened their store Rose Red and Lavender in November of 2008, after discovering there were no flower shops to speak of in the area. Both Enrique and Kimberly have a background in retail and retail store design, so their standards were high. They set out to create a modern, rustic environment that would showcase the natural beauty of the plants and flowers. 

Novel gifts abound in the store and each item seems to have been selected to gratify the senses. There’s absinthe supplies, Appalachian folk art dolls, Saint Parfum home fragrances, and beloved garden gnomes. And there’s a fair share of whimsy with the unique container arrangements Kimberly puts together using found items like the sweet porcelain girl container with Hen and Chicks succulents.

A large part of the store is filled with unusual potted plants and flowers, including the carnivorous Pitcher plant, staghorn fern, and amaryllis (both planted and bulb kits). There is also a selection of beautiful cut flowers including anemones, the new and rare “trick” dianthus (the green, whispy carnation), thistle, colorful spray roses, esperance rose, flowering quince, and…the icing on the cake…hard to find miniature orchids. Oh, and how can we forget…Lavender. Kimberly even grows some of the plants and flowers in her garden behind the store.   

Photo Credits: Jason LaFrenais

Fearful that you’re black thumb will get the better of the nice plants you purchase? Come spring, Kimberly will be offering classes in container gardening. So, head on down and whatever you do, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.  

Rose Red & Lavender
653 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-486-3569
http://www.roseredandlavender.com