Hudson, have you heard of it?
What I shopped, and what I bought.
At some point on Sunday, when my arms were weighed down by hangers holding cool swimsuits and relaxed chino shorts and Scandinavian activewear while wearing a pair of little blue sunglasses I knew I would end up buying, I realized: Hudson — specifically, its main drag, Warren Street — is maybe the best shopping street in New York right now.
When I say shopping, I do not mean FASHION. I do not mean trend. I do not mean luxury. I’m talking about good old fashioned fun, bee-bopping around, low-stakes shopping. It reminded me of being at the mall with my friends, feeling the limitless possibility of discovering something — a top, a skirt, a lip gloss, a handmade rain bonnet —that might just become my entire personality.
What was once a quaint road predominately lined with expensive vintage furniture is now a true high street with something for everyone: multibrand womenswear, independently-owned menswear, cool-girl denim, Swedish makeup, a cozy bookstore-and-beer place that’s been there forever, my favorite made-in-New York brand, handmade Japanese shibori-dyed clothing, so much good vintage, a heavenly farmshop, and plenty of treats to keep you going along the way.
Over just two glorious hours — I could have used six, but we got a late start that day and things close early — here were my favorite stops, and what I bought:
I was vaguely familiar with Westerlind, but had never been to their Soho store before (which the associate at the register told me they primarily use for events anyway), and their only other locations are in upstate/weekend-away towns: Rhinebeck, Millerton, and Great Barrington, which I find fascinating.
It’s a mix of ready-to-wear, activewear, and swimwear — FUN. Think: gorpcore sneakers next to Danish knits next to long flowy linen dresses. The website doesn’t do the assortment justice. I walked out of there with a Left on Friday red swimsuit, sunglasses, and this key lime running number.Face Stockholm is one of my favorite beauty secrets. They make a lipstick that truly looks good on EVERYONE. So much so that New York Magazine once wrote about it.
Arden and me modeling Cranberry Veil It’s a Swedish brand with only one U.S. shop, and it’s this one: light and airy, with plenty of room to play makeup until your friends drag you out of there.
I picked up another lipstick, a pistachio (!) eyeshadow that makes me feel cooler than I am, and a clear lipgloss because in that moment I was very much enjoying being a girl.I had no idea that my all-time favorite denim brand, B-Sides, had opened a store in Hudson. (I live much of my life in this Slim Lasso Jean). Imagine my rollercoaster of emotions when I then discovered they’re closed on Sundays. I peeked through the window, and consoled myself with a promise to return on a future summer Saturday.
Finch has existed in many iterations over the years, all in Hudson, but right now it feels and looks better than ever — their vintage furniture assortment is incredible. I spotted at least three chairs I would do bad things to own, and fell in love with this French Deco vanity/desk.
Nikki Chasin’s clothing makes me feel feel SO good — it’s the kind of stuff I know I will have and love forever. So it was a special treat to bring my group of friends to her shop, where I knew we would all find our own special treasures. If you’re new to Nikki, this button-down, this sweater, and this tee are all great places to start.
On this trip, I grabbed this convertible top (reasoning that it was two shirts for the price of one), my friend Noelle got the most amazing skirt-and-top combo for her brother’s wedding, and my friend Anya picked up a handmade handkerchief rain bonnet that she will not be able to go down a block in Brooklyn without being complimented on.
And, three more recent Little Gems:
S&P Luncheonette — for breakfast. Solo breakfast to be exact. This plate + this song on the stereo = instant mood-lifter.
COS has especially good pants and shorts right now. I have these in two colors. Easy breezy yet polished if you need them to be.
Couples Therapy is back — are you watching?? I binged the first four episodes and now need to ration the rest.
Fun fun fun!!!!!