Pumps & Pleats: Banish the autumn doldrums with funky Redberi fashions

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

It’s time to buy fall clothes. But who wants to wear the same chunky gray sweaters and worn black boots as every other gal in town? Uh, no one.

Fortunately for Brooklynites, there’s a quaint women’s apparel and accessories boutique in Prospect Heights selling a mix of chic and funky styles you won’t see on anyone else.

The racks at Redberi offer oodles and oodles of smart fashions that can easily be mixed and matched to create a fall wardrobe that’s both chic and eclectic.

Tired of boring blouses for the office? If you’re brave enough, don a black button-down shirt with puff sleeves for $88.

Even Hayden-Harnett, a Greenpoint-based designer that’s a personal fave of Pumps & Pleats, is represented with a silky tunic in the line’s sweet boudoir print for $192.

Handbags, shoes, scarves and hats are scattered throughout Redberi, appearing to offer shoppers inspiration for the perfect accessories to match their funkilicious outfits.

For $237, a Latico black leather satchel with braided handles adds a dash of sophistication to any outfit.

A functional yet fashionable tote in a rich wine color features ruching, pleating and braided straps. It might sound too busy, but this bag blends several styles for an über chic arrangement.

At the far end of the shop floor, there’s an entire display of Hobo International skinny leather belts in every shade of the rainbow.

For an added punch of color, try an electric blue leather clutch or a coordinating periwinkle scarf.

For a more subdued but still cool look, try a super soft oversized leather handbag in muted shades of mustard and burnt orange.

Several expertly-crafted fedoras, in black, brown and charcoal gray, are displayed on mannequins. My favorite is the trend-of-the-moment mini top hat, which is secured on a thin black headband and features black feathers shooting out of the top and an ocean blue pin in the shape of a vintage car and stylish female driver. See, fashion can be fun!

Redberi is located at 319 Flatbush Avenue. For hours, call 718-622-3875 or visit www.redberi.com.

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.