Pumps & Pleats: Deals and steals in the Fulton Mall

Story and photos by Michèle De Meglio

Ever get that urge to just shop, shop, SHOP?

In such a dire scenario, heading from neighborhood to neighborhood in search of cute boutiques just won’t do. You need quantity! I’m talking dozens of stores all in one place.

When you get that retail bug, head to the Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn. This outdoor shopping strip occupies just a few blocks but there’s an overwhelming number of affordable shops carrying apparel, handbags, shoes and jewelry.

The big chains are all there — Macy’s, Rainbow, Strawberry, The Children’s Place, Foot Locker, Bakers Shoes and several Payless ShoeSource shops.

But there’s also lesser known stores offering great deals.

Get some bling at Cool Cat Jewelry. Outfitted with hot pink displays, there’s no better place to find affordable — and often funky — baubles.

The appropriately titled Brooklyn USA shop offers trendy apparel for both men and women at wallet-friendly prices.

You can always pop into Conway for a super buy. Right before Christmas, window displays featured men’s cable-knit sweaters for less than $10 and beanies for $3.

You have to check out the famed Dr. Jay’s, which dubbed itself an “urban fashion leader” selling such brands as Akademiks, Baby Phat and Ecko.

In the Fulton Mall, you don’t even have to venture inside to find a sale. The sidewalks are stocked with vendors selling books (just $5!), scarves and hats (also just $5!), and various accessories, such as belts and cell phone cases.

A Pumps & Pleats favorite is the $10 handbag stand bursting at the seams with faux-leather purses inspired by super expensive bags. Now that’s cheap chic!

The Fulton Mall occupies Fulton Street between Flatbush Avenue and Boerum Place.

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.