The tree-shaded streets in Nolita are still in full summer bloom, but seeing harbingers of change. A crop of new stores with fresh concepts have recently opened, offering some very different shopping experiences and bringing with them new personality to Nolita — international and local brands alike.
Whether you are a minimalist or maximalist, or somewhere in between, there is a lot that looks intriguing for the fall season ahead.
Meilleur Moment is a store offering a minimalist take on modern fashion. It is a Chinese brand with a store in the Marais in Paris. Everything is clean with a nod towards designers like Phoebe Philo or Khaite. You can find these looks in Nolita at a fraction of the cost.
It is a full collection, from coats and jackets to blouses and tees. The colors are calming neutrals, with attention paid to the textures of fabrics. And the neutrals can work together to build outfits.
The separates in soft silks are about as dressy as the looks get. But the silk skirt with the chiffon skirt project a quiet vibe. It’s really all about comfort and ease.
The fall collection has started to arrive. The cashmere sweaters are in a textured yarn that is fluffier than the usual basic cashmere styles. It is a very luxe look. There’s some merino wool, too.
Super casual looks combine striped sweaters and tees with jeans. There are plenty of solid tees, too.
And there are a variety of styles of white cotton shirts. Classic button-down to oversized tweaked shapes, they can go over the simple slim dresses, with the brand’s pants, jeans or skirts. It’s an interesting variety of styles.
Meilleur Moment, 257 Elizabeth Street
Around the corner, on Spring Street, is Rixo, a British brand that went from a pop-up to a U.S. flagship in Nolita. The company, run by two friends, is almost ten years old. The clothing is vintage inspired; and the decoration is vintage.
The boutique has an unusual feature; a deck leads to a small and charming back house. As many of the buildings in Nolita are walk-ups, there is a lot of light.
At this moment, there is a sale in the house. Most of Rixo’s pieces are dresses, but you will also find tops, skirts, some knitwear, and loungewear. And Rixo pieces do not date as they all have the vintage vibe.
Back in the main building, styles are grouped by color. The pieces are feminine and most of the pieces are prints that Rixo designs themselves.
A small collection of shoes, in prints and solids, complements the clothing. They also offer some of the silhouettes in ivory or white silk as part of a wedding collection.
And there are some solid pieces in other colors with the same delicate vintage look. There are bags that coordinate with the clothings as well as decorative belts in metal. The cases also hold a small collection vintage-inspired jewelry.
Rixo, 19 Prince Street
A few blocks away Fried Rice offers a more New York, urban vibe. The clothing is designed by a woman, and it is designed to be genderless. She chose the name because the neighborhood reminded her of one of her favorite things, all mixed up in a good way.
There are lots of interesting shapes in denim, and lots of different finishes and overdyes. And you will find a selection of shirts that complement the denims.
And there are quite a few jackets that use interesting design elements. Most of the clothing in the store has an edge, and is not too basic.
Mushrooms are a thing these days. Anything displaying stylized mushrooms does well at retail with a certain crowd. Maybe that is due to the popularity of edibles, and the notion that they are loaded with health benefits.
And you will also find a lot of tees. Some branded, and others not. The DJ deck is also a fun touch.
Fried Rice, 239 Mulberry Street
T.W.I.N is a small boutique with a family collection and connection. The two owners are twins, but they are not identical in looks or in their design choices.
The shop is full of clothing that is designed in New York, and made in China, using deadstock fabric. Deadstock refers to left over, unused fabrics by clothing brands and textile mills. Using deadstock fabric is generally considered sustainable as it helps reduce waste by reusing materials that would otherwise go to waste.
T.W.I.N stands for “That’s What I Need,” as painted on the floor. Because they use available fabric they produce less of each style in the same fabric, but may offer the style in several different ones.
The clothing is also cut in inclusive sizing, from XS to 3XL, depending on the style. In using the best manufacturing practices, the clothing is designed to last. It’s good to be independent!
T.W.I.N, 219 Mott Street
Tombolo is another boutique with a big personality. The brand describes its looks as “maximalist inactivewear.” And they also look to their grandfather’s closet for ideas. Interesting inspirations, indeed.
The boutique brings a taste of the sea to Nolita. The beachy clothing is surrounded by fish in all shapes and colors. They do clothing for both men and women.
The shirts are the main vehicle of humor. The shapes are basic, but the prints and appliques are not. The brand does many collaborations and also sponsors an “artist residency.” They use the artist’s work as a jumping off point for print design.
Shirts, shorts, pants, swim suits, and even very relaxed suits are on display.
Tombolo is also very active in raising money for good causes. The Billion Oyster Project and the Arctic Ice Project are two of the many causes they have supported.
The pieces are a fun statement and are worn by many celebrities. Originality works.
Tombolo, 208 Mott Street
A Day’s March is a Swedish brand that is brand new to New York and the States. The clothes, like others in the column, are designed to last for years. The owners want to help you get through life easily (and looking good).
The store carries both men’s and women’s clothing. It is quite a large space, and was painstakingly renovated. The brand also has stores around Scandinavia and in London.
The men’s wear is at the front of the store, with an area for women at the back. The shapes are easy and the colors are neutral. Men can find a full range of clothing, from blazers and light outerwear to beachwear and hoodies.
Women can choose from many different categories, too. A lot of the clothing is made in Portugal and the prices are affordable.
You will find hats, sunglasses, small leather goods, canvas bags and sneakers for men and women. There are also sweaters in cashmere and wool. The clothing is not gender neutral, but the brand’s aesthetic uses similar silhouettes for both men and women.
Scandinavian style is growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. The clean looks are flattering and well made. A Day’s March makes getting dressed easy.
A Day’s March, 32 Spring Street
