Pumps & Pleats: Shop Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio

There are two nabes in northern Brooklyn that are beloved by fashion mavens.

Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill are quite chic! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

In fact, the cozy communities are so close that you could spend a single afternoon perusing all the boutiques they have to offer. Let’s do it!

For your first stop, pop into Smith & Butler (225 Smith Street, 718-855-4295, www.smithbutler.com).

The split-level shop offers casually cool (albeit pricey) apparel and accessories for both men and women. There’s also a wide variety of name brands you know and others that will make you say, “What?” Uh, that’d be the Warriors of Radness clothing line. Kinda strange.

Fear not, there are some wallet-friendly pieces, notably perfectly faded Levi’s.

For trendy fare, head on down to Epaulet (231 Smith Street, 718-522-3800, www.epauletshop.com).

The tiny shop boasts super stylish (and super funky) apparel for ladies and gents but it’s most famous for its rubber shoes.

Epaulet carries a huge collection of Melissa jellies. These aren’t your standard jellies. They come as sandals, ballerina flats, pumps or boots, and in a variety of crazy shapes and colors. Check out the collaborations with fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

Keep on strolling until you hit Brooklyn Industries (100 Smith Street, 718-596-3986, www.brooklynindustries.com).

The local chain carries affordable jeans, sweaters and purses but cool graphic t-shirts make this joint a standout.

Pumps & Pleats favors the Brooklyn-themed pieces, such as a tee announcing “Made in Brooklyn.”

And so begins your Cobble Hill trip!

Be sure to hit Rapisarda (177 Court Street, 718-797-6863, www.rapisarda.com). The colorful jewelry and handbag boutique stocks the hottest accessories from Brazil. Be on the lookout for fab resin bangles, feather earrings and knuckle rings. So cheap! So cute!

Before you’re done, slip across the street to Diane T. (174 Court Street, 718-923-5777). The airy shop carries high-end women’s apparel handpicked by owner and veteran fashion buyer Diane Tkacz.

Choose from Catherine Malandrino, Citizens of Humanity and Marc Jacobs. Is this heaven?

Oh! After you’re done searching for party dresses, head down a block or so until you reach Trader Joe’s. You deserve a treat!

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.