Undeniably Dapper Menswear
Attention all sartorially savvy dudes—J. Crew has opened a second dedicated menswear store in Tribeca. In response to popular demand at the first locale, the additional Ludlow Shop, named for the label’s signature Ludlow suits, focuses specifically on offering the handsome suiting for every style—nineteen versions to be exact. The store not only carries J. Crew’s signature line, but other products and brands as well. Shirting by Thomas Mason for J. Crew, fine shoes by Alden for J. Crew, and accessories from Drakes and Corgi all make for a well-rounded wardrobe. There are even personalized services including custom tailoring, monogramming, and complimentary couriers to be taken advantage of. Infused with the brand’s signature clean-cut style, the store’s interior design with throwback vintage details (think British music magazines, vinyl records, and vintage art books,) has been receiving praise. Complex dubs its décor as, “a mixture of laid-back elegance, classic masculinity, and an old-world tailor shop feel.” A trusted brand, affordable price points, and cool atmosphere—we think this new menswear hunt has all the ingredients for a flawless shopping experience.
J. Crew Ludlow Shop, 50 Hudson Street (at Thomas Street); 212-587-3139
Home to designer Juliana Cho’s carefully curated collection, West Village boutique Annelore has a brand new sister location. Known for her sweet printed dresses, feminine silk tops, and expertly tailored jackets, Cho has fittingly set up shop in Tribeca. The expansion bodes well for the NYC based designer, who plans to use the larger space as an in-store atelier as well. Keeping production quantities to a minimum, the designs are exclusive to Annelore, never to be found in an off-price retailer—a much sought after characteristic in apparel today. As is a shopping experience with your personal style icons, Gretchen Mol, Julianne Moore, Liv Tyler, and Keri Russell have all been spotted frequenting the boutique. Manufactured locally in the Garment District, the celebrity sought after label ranges in price point from $330—$800, competitive with the contemporary market. Boutiqued observes, “The higher price point only speaks to the quality of each piece, which is evident in every handmade detail, cuff, and seam.” Annelore is the perfect spot for chic modern designs. Stop by the new digs and you may even get some styling tips from the designer herself—now that’s what we call personalized service!
Annelore, 18 Jay Street (near Greenwich Street); 212-775-0077
Shoes to Put Spring in Your Step 
We’ve been loving Melissa shoes through the years marked by collaborations with Jason Wu, Vivienne Westwood, and Gareth Pugh; so it thrills us that the first domestic location opened last month, where else but right here in Soho. The brand’s Sao Paolo location usually receives all the buzz with its gallery-inspired atmosphere featuring various, ever-changing art installations. But the Brazilian locale’s vibe has come our way and the new Galeria Melissa opens with eyes on Eli Sudbrack. Recognize the name? Two words: Gaga’s Workshop. Racked NY describes the space perfectly; “Creative director Edson Matsuo wanted the interior to act as a blank page for featured artists, but that doesn't mean the store has no style on its own. The geometric lines on the white walls and the jutting shoe platforms make the space feel ultra-modern, though the colorful, recyclable footwear keeps things from getting too cold and space-age.” We’re super stoked about fulfilling jelly shoe dreams for everyone this spring, especially in energetic discotheque atmosphere. Men’s loafers, kid’s Mary Janes, and a variety of women’s styles, all made from recyclable PVC, start around $80 ranging to $350 for some very fancy Swarovski-embellished pairs.
Melissa, 102 Greene Street (between Spring & Prince Streets)
Step one towards major growth expected in the upcoming years, Yigal Azrouel opened the first brick and mortar operation for his designer diffusion line Cut 25. The Soho location joins neighbors like Derek Lam, Opening Ceremony, and Alexander Wang, and is one of three New York City shops, to be followed by locations on Bleecker and Third Avenue (upper 60’s) later this year. The store’s interior is very conceptualized, with the intentions for easy floor changes to allow for collaborations and installations. Azrouel worked with designer (and nephew) Dror Benshetrit, recognizable in his own right from collaborations with Cappellini to home goods for Target, on the very clean, neutral store that allows his brightly colored designs to pop against the wooden fixtures. Aside from the technicolored knits, breezy dresses, and edgy leather jackets, the store will carry Stila cosmetics, Worth & Worth hats, and Holst & Lee jewelry. Azrouel is planning the addition of sunglasses, shoes, and swimwear to the Cut 25 collection by 2013, which we expect to be just as lust-worthy as the current stock. The designer coins his line as “buy it now”. Focused on a younger demographic, Azrouel tells Thread NY, “It’s about affordability. Trendy pieces -- buy it now and wear it now. It’s really important to me to make clothes that people can actually afford to buy.” As young, trendy shoppers ourselves, we sure appreciate it!
Cut 25, 129 Grand Street (at Crosby Street); 212-966-5080
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