Pumps & Pleats: Handmade wares at Eidolon

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

Tired of chain stores? Then head to Eidolon for handmade apparel and accessories crafted by Brooklyn designers.

Located on the busy Fifth Avenue strip in Park Slope, the cozy boutique showcases the work of more than two dozen local designers. The shop is owned and run by three innovative ladies: Amara Felice, who creates colorful clothes and accessories, apparel designer Andrea Fisher, and handbag designer Yukie Ohta. Mimi Ohta is joining the group with her delicate jewelry and hair accessories.

Not only are Eidolon’s shoppers able to purchase one-of-a-kind items, but they can often view swatches and ask for an out-of-stock piece to be remade.

By offering goods crafted right here in Brooklyn, Eidolon, which is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary, boasts an eclectic and stylish collection of the latest apparel, handbags, jewelry and accessories.

The new fall fashions include a draped black dress with a subtle red flower print and a classic tweed blouse in gray and blue shades.

Felice’s swingy skirts come in vibrant prints, like one with streaks of purple and another in black with white and brown circles.

While the prices at many posh boutiques might stun a recessionista, Eidolon maintains very affordable prices. Take the intricate jewelry pieces, for instance. A pair of dangly earrings fashioned out of a penny is just $25. A pendant made of pearls coated in resin is less than $50. And stunning necklaces featuring crocheted metal and beads are as low as $48.

The most surprisingly adorable piece is a pair of hair barrettes adorned with glitter-encased resin shaped in a circle.

Even the handbags are reasonably priced.

For an everyday look, grab a structured tote in fall’s warmest shades of brick red and brown.

For a night out, there’s color-block clutches made of the softest leather or similar styles cut from cotton and velvet fabrics from Mood (the shop made famous on “Project Runway”). These divine clutches are just $68.

At these prices, any Brooklynite can afford one-of-a-kind fashions!

Eidolon is located at 233 Fifth Avenue. For hours call 718-638-8194, visit www.eidolonbklyn.com or e-mail eidolonbklyn@earthlink.net.

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.