spotlight on hoboken style

when strolling down washington street in hoboken, you will certainly see enough banks, nail salons, bars and non-descript chain stores, but... if you walk down the quieter, tree lined streets you will find the real hoboken style:

on first street, between grand and adams, check out solid threads, a clever store "created by a t-shirt connoisseur who slowly honed his craft of creating random, funny, vintage shirts by drinking heavily at least three to four days a week, sleeping no less than 12 hours a day, and getting to as many 'two for Tuesday' sales at the local Salvation Army as he could." see the full collection of completely original t-shirts (many jersey styles), hoodies, hats, baby clothes and accessories. solid threads' new project is communitee service which will link a local charity or cause with a custom-designed tee-shirt that will be marketed to promote the non-profit organization. to apply for CommuniTEE Service, e-mail brian@solidthreads.com with a brief description of the cause.

then, amble up to the corner of seventh and willow streets where you will find a cozy boutique and studio of m avery, where you can buy a variety of handmade bags, laptop carriers, yoga duffles, specialty bags, belts, and more. you can also request a custom made bag or take classes to make your own.

and, if you are in the nyc area this weekend (june 16 & 17), check out brooklyn's renegade craft fair at the mccarren park pool with over 200 vendors, including one of my favorites, bossanovababy. go get yourself or someone you love a one of a kind gift and be part of the burgeoning (anti-mall) DIY craft community!