Pumps & Pleats: Cute & cheap, rejoice!

Photos by Chaunté Vaughn

By Michèle De Meglio


The recession wants to ruin your holiday shopping. Don’t let it!

Since most of us can’t afford to gift flat screen televisions and digital cameras to our loved ones, it’s time to find something cute and cheap. And boy does Pumps & Pleats have the store for you!

Head on down to Fred Flare in Greenpoint to discover a magical world of all things adorable and odd. Yep, that’s the mix.

Remember when Spencer’s Gifts was located in Kings Plaza? That shop carried graphic T-shirts emblazoned with clever pop culture references, collectable figurines and candy packaged in prescription bottles. Well, Fred Flare is like that — only bigger, better and bolder!

There’s clothes, accessories, books, knickknacks and so much more. In fact, you can get a gift for anyone at Fred Flare!

Need something for the office mate who steals your desk supplies? Try an eco-friendly stapler that doesn’t actually use staples. An added bonus, it’s shaped like a top hat.

Does your kid hate to brush his teeth? Get him some bacon-flavored dental floss.

How about your teenybopper niece? Give her the funky blue jacket that Bella wore in “Twilight.” Her 14-year-old friends will be so jealous!

Looking to please that cute hipster chick you’ve been too scared to talk to? Get her a structured purse shaped like a quaint cottage.

Have a brother with a bad temper? Feed his fury with a coffee mug outfitted with a brass knuckle handle.

As long as your present recipient has a sense of humor, he or she should be super happy with whatever you pick up at Fred Flare. Happy holiday shopping!

Fred Flare is located at 131 Meserole Avenue. For hours call 718-349-1257 or log onto www.fredflare.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.