Sunday, February 12, 2006

Japanomania

A list of Japanese Resources in New York

Kimono House
(212) 505-0232
93 E 7th St
There are two kinds of Japanese fashion: so ultra-hip that the New York kids haven't even heard of it yet and so traditional that young Japanese and Japanese-Americans find it conservative. There's no end of places for the first group to shop at--check out East Ninth in the East Village some time--but there are very few places for the latter. Kimono House fills that void. With a gorgeous array of kimonos for men and women, obis and sandals, it is just the place to regale yourself in an outfit that would make grandma proud. On the more everyday side, there are samurai tote bags, obi evening bags and tea sets at reasonable prices.


Old Japan
This small retail store in the heart of the West Village has been in business since 1990. Specializing in affordable Japanese Antiques, Vintage Silk Kimonos, and Japanese Gift Items. They buy only what they love, the pieces that capture the refined beauty of Japanese Antiques, or the hand-made, rustic objects of everyday use that have become known as Mingei, Japanese Folk Art. The owners visit Japan once a year and carefully hand-pick each item and because the store is limited in size, they carry only the things are the very best, within a reasonable price range. In addition to finished items, Old Japan is a great source for Kimono fabric pieces, which they sell by the cluster and by the bag.

Unmentionables Worth Mentioning

http://lovemybubbles.com/ -- a site devoted to unique items solely developed to enhance a girl's, er, profile. Link to the DailyCandy article.

Bra Smyth
905 Madison Ave.
212.772.9400
Bra Smyth is devoted to offering the finest in designer lingerie, intimate and other apparel from the most distinctive European and domestic collections. For nearly a decade, discriminating shoppers have enjoyed the top-tier taste levels, quality and service offered by Bra Smyth's retail establishment in New York City, its mail order catalog, and via the Internet. The mission of the Bra Smyth site is to bring the convenience of the Internet to our trademark superior level of quality and service, combined with an outstanding, ever-changing selection of personal fashion, handpicked with the fashion consciousness of a family serving the intimate-wear customer for nearly 7 decades. Visit www.brasmythdiscount.com for huge discounts on items no longer in the current catalog. The Bra Smyth store is an unforgettable lingerie shopping experience, with over 3000 bras and Europe's finest bathing suits in stock year round. Find designer collections of silk and cotton loungewear including robes, nightgowns and slippers from around the world. Trained fitters and two full-time seamstresses fit and customize bras and loungewear.

Intimacy
1252 Madison Avenue, at 90th Street
212-860-8366
Does keeping your jugs from jiggling feel like a full-time job?
You've tried the Wonder Bra. And the Water Bra. You even attempted the inflatable bra — until that unfortunate change-in-cabin-pressure incident. Staying abreast of the latest cup ergonomics can leave a girl with no time to enjoy her tatas.
Surrender your asset management to the experts at Intimacy. The new outpost of the original Atlanta store brings a shot of Southern charm (and feminine know-how) north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The sweet, well-trained staff will make sure that the bra fits the part, taking into account your naughty or nice in-the-nude mood. They even customize.
There's something here for every corner of the lingerie drawer, like Cosabella and Hanky Panky briefs and Jessica Rabbit-worthy teddies by Mary Green. The shop is a veritable Sinderella story. Your bosom will jump for joy. Without any unsightly bouncing, of course.


The Town Shop
2273 Broadway (between 81st/82nd Sts.)
(212) 787–2762
Finding the perfect bra is an art, not a science -- or so this shop has been claiming since 1888. The Town Shop has been featured in many fashion magazines including Lucky, Glamour, InStyle and Harpers Bazaar as well as the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report. In addition The Town Shop has gained accolades in New York Magazine's "The Best of New York 2003", as the "Best Place to be Fitted for a Bra".

Bra Tenders
1-888-Get-A-Bra OR 212-957-7000
630 Ninth Ave @ West 44th Street, Suite 601
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
In a cozy, colorful, yet hectic shop on Ninth Avenue is Bra*Tenders, host to thousands of styles and brands of undergarments. With an expertise in theatrical, bridal, and full-busted custom-fittings and sales, EVERY woman can find products that will undoubtedly enhance her figure and make that little black dress look 1000 times sexier. In addition to walls and racks filled with every type of bra imaginable, Bra*Tenders has an overflowing stockroom containing a plethora of panties, accessories, and hosiery ranging in prices from $5 to $175.
Call to make an appointment for a fitting.