NEW YORK POST
“HOT IN HOBOKEN - Following the Path to Jersey's Chicest New Shops"
By LAUREN DAVID PEDEN
Published: October 23, 2004
New York Post
Nolita, Williamsburg, and the Meatpacking District are the 'hoods that usually spring to mind when you think "shopping hot spots."
But there is a new name being whispered among the fashion flock: Hoboken.
That's right, Hoboken.
Long known for luring hip Manhattanites over the river with bars, rock shows, and cheaper rents, this corner of New Jersey is now poised on the cutting edge of retail chic, thanks to a slew of freaky-styley boutiques around Washington Street.
These stores, many of which opened in the last 12 months, are drawing savvy shoppers from around the city, giving an ironic twist to the term Bridge and Tunnel.
It is easy to get there too - just take the Hoboken PATH train from Manhattan to the first stop on the Jersey side and then walk two blocks to Washington.
Mom-and-pop joints like Schnackenberg's Luncheonette (where a hamburger will set you back $1.80 and a bag of chips 25 cents) can still be found next to boutiques selling Jonathan Adler pottery, G-Star jeans, and Vince cashmere hoodies.
In addition to low-key service with a smile, you'll also find no sales tax on clothing and shoes, bars that allow smoking, and, in 2006, a waterfront W hotel.
In the meantime, here's a little retail therapy walking tour of Hoboken, which will get you to and from the PATH with ease.
When you come up the stairs at the PATH station, you'll be on Observer Highway. Cross the street and walk north on Hudson street for two blocks. Turn left on first street and it's two short blocks to Washington St. where you'll make a right.
The serious shopping starts six blocks north, at Sway (620 Washington St.; [201] 239-9940), which stocks contemporary duds such as Ernest Sewn jeans and BCBG sportswear for gals, and G-star jeans and Robert Graham shorts for guys, in a contemporary interior boasting pop art paintings by SoHo artist Hulbert Walters.
Just next door, House Wear (626 Washington St.: [201] 659-6009) features a wonderfully eclectic and reasonably priced mix of home furnishings, clothing, and accessories. Upstairs you'll find a 21st-century coconut leaf ottoman ($196) plaid-and-suede 1950's fedora ($30) and mid century mirrored candles sconces ($78 each), while the basement is home to vintage quilts, rocking chairs, tables, armoires, bedroom sets and racks of vintage frocks.
Aaraa (628 Washington Street: [201] 386-0101) is a cheery, skylit yellow-walled emporium bursting with home accessories, clothing and jewelry from India, Pakistan, and Brazil, for less than half of what you'd pay at ABC carpet or Calypso. Bedcovers (simple or elaborately mirrored and embroidered) go for $40 to $400. Me & Ro style beaded hoop earrings are $35-$45. Pillows and seat cushions in hot pink, teal, or olive silk are $30-$40.
Luscious Paper (722 Washington St.; [201] 656-LUSH) is an inviting, rug strewn oasis of mouthwateringly lush handmade stationary, cards, wrapping paper, photo albums, invitations and tooled leather journals - much of designed by owner Aixa Sobin. Since she does it herself, prices are a fraction of those at similar stores (hello Kate's Paperie).
Next door, you'll find the cozy subterranean shop Patricia's Yarns (728 Washington St.- please note: Patricia's Yarns has moved to 107 4th street; [201] 217-YARN), which is chock-a-block with cubbies of sumptuous yarns, from Rowan Biggie Print ($14.25 a ball) to Manos del Uruguay's yummy-hued wool ($15 a skein) and sparkly Trendsetter novelty yarns ($7.50 a ball).
Looking for fashion-forward duds? Look no further than Pepar Apparel (1028 Washington St.; [201] 217-1911), a funky blue-floored loft-like boutique peddling brands like Nanette Lapore, Rozae Nichols and Fornarino for the ladies and Parke and Ronen for the gentlemen.
Homeslice (1030 Washington St.; [201] 963-7800) is the place for upscale housewears and jewelry, including Assouline coffee table books, and skincare products from Mur and Bliss.
With its atelier-like atmosphere, Danal (1214 Washington St.; [201]-795-2002) attracts stylish woman who want unique pieces. The store stocks to-die-for sweaters by Milan's Pier Antoni Gaspari (from $300) and skinny jeans from Dimage.
Finally, we love Lucy's of Hoboken (92 Hudson St.; [201] 714-9898). The shop's adorable terrier, Smeagol, presides over girlie girl get-ups from Diane von Furstenberg, Vince, Milly, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Joie, Ella Moss and denim by Seven and James.
The July 4th weekend, Friday July 4th to Sunday July 6
phone 201-217-YARN
fax 201-418-YARN
email patriciasyarns@yahoo.com