With the ever-changing retail landscape of Soho and Nolita, it was time to troll the streets and see what’s new (what’s belly up) and whats wortwhile. Today we went to the Piperlime and Christian Siriano stores, both of which opened in past 3 weeks.
Piperlime: This fresh big store– the only bricks and morter one of this popular on-line company — offers mid range women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. Here you wont find originality, but rather items from Rachel Zoe, Splendid, Olivia Palermo, BCBG and about 12 other designers. A good one-stop shopping excursion in lieu of a visit to Bloomies. The large shoes and boots section has worthwhile offerings in the $150- $300 price point. Overall: good addition to Soho for those who find the area overrun with chains and unaffordable boutiques. Piperlime, 121 Wooster St, between Prince and Spring
Christian Siriano: High hopes dashed with this store.Felt like so many of the individual boutiques (with short lives) in NYC. Designer’s inspiration vs what women want to wear. At first glance, this small store does not even inspire a thorough glance. Dark and drab dresses and separates in the $300 – $600 category. Funny, but the online store feels fresher. Feh. Christian Siriano, 252 Elizabeth Street
See www.shopgotham.com for NYC shopping tours