Double Take
Being a professional shopper (with 35 years of expert training under my belt), it’s not unusual that I often receive compliments on my style and wardrobe. Like math or juggling for some, shopping is just another skill, one which I’ve always excelled at. Just the other day, three people asked me where I purchased the stunning “Mike & Chis” charcoal gray hooded bubble sweatshirt I was sporting. Truth be told, it was a $90 Japanese knockoff, which I bought at my favorite new Flatiron boutique, Yamak.
A deceptively cheap ’n chic, husband-and-wife-owned clothing and handbag shrine, Yamak sells of-the-moment local and international brands that won’t break the bank. A second addition to its Bleecker Street flagship, Yamak is hardly the kind of place you’d expect to encounter at a frenetic intersection filled with fast food chains, shoe cobblers and Home Depot. When I stumbled upon the store last month (it opened in late August), I was awestricken by a buttery, deep burgundy leather tote with glimmery gold buckles (Anna Corinna), a fitted tweed blazer with ruching (Nanette Lepore), a flirty tunic top and a beautiful gold leaf necklace (Krush). And that was before I even ventured inside!
While no larger than the size of a walk-in-closet, Yamak still manages to stock a surprisingly large lineup of in-demand labels for night and day. You’ll flip over the flirty ’n feminine frocks from Amanda Uprichard (a silk cobalt tunic dress with gemstones), Soia & Kyo (an haute Houndstooth coat), Free People (a military blazer with pleats), LaRok (a fancy black capelet), Gold Hawk (sexy party dresses), Yumi Kim (a purple Kimono-inspired top) and Raven Tailored (slenderizing wide-legged trousers). And since us gals can never have too many handbags, Yamak sells a killer selection of mid-priced lines such as Lamb (the leopard print bowling bag is a must), Cynthia Rowley (a cool quilted number), Aaneta (a gray slouch bag), Francisco Biasia and Tano. Mad hatters will love the head-turning collection of pageboy caps and felt fedoras. And for accessories junkies, there’s a mind-blowing assortment of baubles by Alexis Bitar, Kenneth Jay Lane, Lee Angel and Wendy Mink.
In my humble opinion, Yamak’s true gems are the no-name, below-the-radar brands, which Kanako (Yamak’s owner and buyer) culls during her frequent trips to Japan. Stop by often enough and you’re bound to spot a crazy bargain, just like the sweatshirt I found from “Mike & Chris.” Don’t worry… no one but you will know.
Exclusive Deal Just For YOU! Yamak is offering Fashion Junkie subscribers a special 10% discount off any items of your choice at the 23rd street store from Friday, October 26th though Friday, November 2nd, 2007. Present a print out of this email at the cash to receive your discount. Happy shopping!
Special Fashion Junkie Announcement! On the heels of Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the environment, I thought it only fitting that I do my share. That’s why I’ve decided to reduce your email clutter to 2 days a week. Starting next week, your “Fashion Junkie Fix” will now be sent to your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Don’t panic! Every Fashion Junkie Fix will still be chock full of the same fashion and beauty coverage, so you won’t be missing out.
- Yamak
- 6 West 23rd Street (between 5th & 6th)
- 212-255-7771
- Mon.-Fri. 11am-8pm, Sat. 11:30am-8pm, Sun. 12-6pm
- yamakny.com
- $49-$650
- store credit or exchange within 7 days of purchase
Filed: Shop Talk
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