Determined to get our steps in after our indulgent brunch, we made our way to McCarren Park and then to the Brooklyn Flea for some vintage shopping. Williamsburg is a magnet for vintage aficionados, and the corner of Bedford and Nassau is bustling with racks of Hawaiian shirts (yes, it’s a thing) and stacks of used Levi’s. Vintage shops are everywhere in the ‘burg, but this corner sports a bevy of them.

Aelfies

A stack of rugs peeking out of a wide doorway caught my attention. This chic shop is only open on Sundays and worth a trip if you’re on the hunt for a rug (which I always seem to be). The carpets are designed in Brooklyn and handmade in India. Crafted from 80 wool/20 cotton, the bright patterns mix ancient techniques with a modern aesthetic. Check out the website here:

www.aelfies.com

Designers Collab

I loved the high/low glam of Designers Collab, an airy shop on the corner of The masterful merchandisers here have created a haven for those on the hunt for globally sourced home decor, furniture, artisan jewelry, and small-batch candles and treats for skin and body.

https://www.designerscollab.com

Leif

You’ll want to spend some time in this venerated gift shop on Grand Street. Let’s just say I coveted pretty much everything, from candles to pillows to apothecary to bags to ceramics and block-printed tablecloths. Everything is artfully arranged in a muted palette. You don’t get quite the same experience online, but have a look: https://www.leifshop.com. A must-see.

Ephemeral Tattoo

Get inked with no regrets: I’m wholeheartedly anti-tattoo, but Ephemeral Tattoo at 111 North 5th Street has piqued my interest. These artist-created medical-grade inks are made to fade in a year! https://ephemeral.tattoo

Catbird

Lovers of delicate jewels and those on the hunt for wedding and engagement rings should stop by Catbird on Bedford Ave. A cozy annex is by appointment only (or zoom) for a more personal experience when choosing that lifetime ring. https://www.catbirdnyc.com/our-locations

image courtesy of Catbird

See where to EAT in Williamsburg, here.

And where to STAY, here.