Pumps & Pleats: Park Slope shopping guide

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio


Park Slope has long been considered a hip shopping destination thanks to its busy Seventh Avenue strip. But those in the know hit Fifth Avenue for cool boutiques and jazzy shops.


It’s time to go exploring! Take the subway to Atlantic Avenue and start walking down Fifth Avenue.


One of your first stops should be Flirt (93 Fifth Avenue, www.flirt-brooklyn.com).


At first glance, it’s easy to assume that the funky designs are vintage pieces. But actually, they’re not! The women’s apparel seems retro and bohemian but they’re actually brand spanking new — which means no worrying about suspicious stains. Eww!


Many of Flirt’s staffers are designers who sell their clothing and accessories in the shop. Check out Emily Geanacopoulos’ Applecart line for fresh and fun tote bags in bright prints.


If you want real vintage duds, head across the street to Beacon’s Closet (92 Fifth Avenue, www.beaconscloset.com). You can even sell your gently-used items at the store.


Keep walking until you hit Cog and Pearl (190 Fifth Avenue, www.cogandpearl.com). The airy shop has an eclectic collection of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry. Customers have spotted cool graphic T-shirts, oversized belt buckles, wallets emblazoned with animal faces and delicate glass and enamel jewelry.


For your next stop, visit GOLDY + MAC (219 Fifth Avenue, www.goldyandmac.com).


Check here for clothes and handbags from brands you know (Nick & Nora, Free People, BCBG’s To the Max) and brands you’re just discovering (Love Ady, Linea Pelle, Wink).


If you want a one-of-a-kind item, definitely hit Eidolon (233 Fifth Avenue, www.eidolonbklyn.com).


The shop was founded by Amara Felice, who creates colorful clothes and accessories, apparel designer Andrea Fisher, and handbag designer Yukie Ohta. Mimi Ohta joined the group with her delicate jewelry and hair accessories. With such creative ladies in charge, nearly everything in Eidolon is handcrafted.


Get a dash of fab at Bird (316 Fifth Avenue, www.shopbird.com). The boutique carries the hottest high-end designers, such as Thakoon, Alexander Wang and 3.1 Phillip Lim.


Even Stacy London, fashion guru on TLC’s “What Not to Wear” and a Carroll Gardens resident, is a fan of Bird. She wouldn’t steer you wrong!


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.