Here’s Lo-Down contributor Jessica Delfino’s weekly roundup of Lower East Side shops, sales and new collections to keep your eye on.
The current vibe of the Lower East Side is “movin’ on up,” plain and simple. Tenements are turning in to condos, open mics and crack heads are dwindling, and more red carpet events are popping up. Conveniently, Jodamo (321 Grand Street) sits on the corner of Grand and Orchard Streets, a current hot bed for hipster activity; though it certainly hasn’t always been that way for the 32 years this family-run business has called the “Pink Building” home. Here, the fellas can get fitted for a classy $600 suit for the Met Ball, or purchase clothing by the likes of Hugo Boss and Versace — $400 Brioni designer jeans, anyone? Right here in our little ol’ Lower East Side. Who knew?
Jodamo is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Saturday.
Curvaceous K (179 Stanton Street) features contemporary styles in sizes 14-24, for all of us “big boned” ladies. This Saturday, May 10, shoppers can get a make over for $65, (normally $150) with a minimum purchase of $25, by Barbie Armstrong (featured make-up artist for Full Blossom Magazine). The event also includes 50% off Mother’s Day purchases and 70% off all Curvaceous K’s clearance items.
Curvaceous K is open Sunday through Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., closed on Wednesday and is open Thursday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Every square inch of Delicate Raymond (73 Orchard Street) sparkles or flickers with colored stone and shiny metal necklaces, bracelets or other adornments. Michelle, the store proprietor, makes her own jewelry, and is following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Nicky Noodles, who was also a jewelry maker. His image sits in tribute in the shop, framed atop a jewelry display. Nicky Noodles also happens to be the name of the 13 year old pooch who serves as the store’s tiny mascot.
The store boasts a large collection of $5 vintage ’70s and ’80s dead stock jewelry. Michelle got over 900 new pieces in the day I was in the store, and I admit I was excited to peruse the fresh booty.
Delicate Raymond is open 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Saturday.
Right next door to Delicate Raymond is The Dressing Room (75A Orchard Street), one of my favorite clothing stores ever. It’s not just that you can drink and dress, thanks to the full bar located inside, though that definitely helps, I also love the giant gold frame where you can catch a free movie screening; not to mention the “Waiting Boyfriend” drink special consisting of a Miller High Life and a shot of whiskey for 5 smackers.
The upstairs area features local designers and higher end items and downstairs is the massive consignment area. It all makes you feel like you’re back in high school, hanging out in your best gal pal’s room, trying on clothes.
The Dressing Room selectively consigns gently used pieces and is currently buying for spring and summer. You can clean out your boudoir and make 50% of your item’s selling price in store credit or 30% in cash. Any of your threads that don’t make the cut will be donated to Bowery Mission, if you’d rather not schlep back over to pick them up.
The Dressing Room is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m., Thursday through Saturday 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Vintage and thrift stores are some of my favorite ways to shop, because I’m a treasure hunter. I like to pick and dig, find something special and get it for a song. Turns out I’m not the only one. Stores like the saucily named Le Petit Mort (37 Orchard Street) are becoming more and more popular, as they curate selections of very cool clothing finds along with artwork and accessories.
On my first stroll into this small vintage clothing boutique that seems to curate towards an ’80s/’90s hip hop style, I noticed a Bill Cosby album on display and a pair of red boots that spoke to me for $65. Alas, they were too small. Bright and interesting artwork that matches their colorful textiles lines the walls.
Le Petit Mort is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Jessica Delfino is a comedic musician who has lived and performed in the LES for like, forever. She first fell in love with beautiful clothing as a kid when her mom let her dress up in her vintage stash. Jessica was called “One of NY’s 50 Most Fashionable People” by Time Out NY. Check her out at here or email her at: jessica@thelodownny.com. She’s also @JessicaDelfino on Twitter.
