This little stretch of the Bowery between Prince and Spring is fast becoming a new  footwear mecca as Vans Vault joins Supreme and Camper Lab.

 

Have been watching the new Vans Vault store get built out over the last few months. It opened last Wednesday (March 6) and it is gorgeous in that thoughtfully gritty downtown kind of way.

• Lots of plywood, plants, art – absolutely one of the coolest spots on the Bowery, next to Camper Lab and two doors down from the new Ace Sister City Hotel which will hopefully be opening one of these days….
• They carry all the major Vans styles but in spiffier, hardier materials.
• The classic slip-on that I love is available with a padded insert for more comfort while walking (definitely getting a pair of those).
• Vans Vault is also doing a collaboration with Modernica – so you can get a limited-run Modernica fiberglass shell chair, custom-printed with Vans archival patterns.
• Apparently the Modernica edition shoes come in a gorgeous wooden box!
• Will be shopping here for sure (especially as all the footwear/sneaker stores on lower Broadway close).
• Address: 219 Bowery (between Rivington and Prince)

 

Read on below for another cool retailer I just discovered in the neighborhood.

 

Wildfang (252 Lafayette bet. Prince and Spring)

 

 

This outpost of Portland’s Wildfang has been open for a few months. I discovered the brand online and was THRILLED to see that their one and only NYC store is literally around the corner from me.

Here’s what I love about it:

• Their styles: I was looking for a jumpsuit. What I found online looked fabulous. Wildfang’s “thing” is menswear for women.
• Their store is fantastic – reminds me a bit of the Vans Vault store – lots of plywood, open and airy with tons of plants. The staff is helpful and super friendly.
• Their attitude and the vibe – it’s all about badass women, wild feminists, etc. etc. Not usually my thing but they do it in such an inclusive, forthright, authentic way, it’s irresistible. I love that they feature a wide array of women in their ads – all ages, sizes, ethnicities. It feels very holistic to the brand, it’s not some “diversity” quota play.

 

Which brings me to the downside, what doesn’t work for me.

• None of the clothes (the jumpsuits, coveralls, pants, shirts etc.) are a good fit on me. I tried on everything. It looks great on the hanger and online. On my body, however, each piece looks worse than the next. Awkwardly cut with strange lumpy bits and pieces. I would not feel great wearing any of the items. I love the idea of the brand so much, I did end up buying one pair of pants that were passable and a top. But, overall, the brand is a miss for me.  Sad. 😢
  

 

Bottom Line.

Yay for 2 great brands/stores in the neighborhood and double yay that at least one of those brands is going to join the ranks of my go-to’s. I wish I could say both brands were a great fit – but hey, one is better than none.