Pumps & Pleats: Old-school bling back in a big way

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

There’s Brooklyn pride and then there’s 80s Brooklyn pride.

I gotta say, the kitschy 1980s version is much more fun.

If you check out Mini Mini Market in Williamsburg, you’ll be greeted by a massive jewelry case loaded with Kings County-themed pieces that MC Lyte would’ve proudly worn.

The coolest has to be the Brooklyn Bridge necklace by Brookadelphia for $50. Sitting on a 14K gold fill chain, the bold pendant measures nearly three inches long and features the full bridge.

Pull your hair into a side ponytail, secure with a pink scrunchie and you’re 80s fabulous!

There’s another faux-gold pendant in big block letters spelling “BKLYN” and made to reflect light like a mirror. That will definitely garner attention on Bedford Avenue.

If you really want to send a message, pick up the $20 Brooklyn Double Finger Ring in gold or silvertone.

Here’s a tip for all you fighters –

When someone pisses you off, give him a good one with this baby on your middle and ring fingers. He’ll walk around with Brooklyn carved into his forehead for days.

Now that’s Brooklyn pride!

To make Salt-N-Pepa proud, Mini Mini Market also boasts a collection of faux-gold doorknocker earrings. You know, the ones with your name spelled out in script in the middle of a massive hoop. Every girl in my Canarsie middle school had a pair.

At Mini Mini Market, you can get your name on anything – from chunky rings to stud earrings and even a classic nameplate necklace. As the shop bills it, “Back in the day this was how you’d let the world know you were spoken for and you knew your boyfriend loved you even more when he sprinkled diamonds on it too!!”

Moving away from the sparkly jewelry case, Mini Mini Market is full of kooky – yet awesomely rockin’ – finds. There’s hot pink sunglasses shaped like hearts, peacock feather earrings, water bottles with apple prints, and wallets emblazoned with images of cats. But c’mon, who doesn’t need a ceramic unicorn?

The coolest or most cringe-worthy – depending on who you ask – part about Mini Mini Market’s Brooklyn-themed goods is that they’re likely bought by Williamsburg’s hipsters.

Oh, if only they were actually born and bred.

Mini Mini Market is located at 218 Bedford Avenue. For hours, call 718-302-9337.

Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.