Heart Beat
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Type of Place: Women's Clothing
Jewelry
Description:
I recently found myself in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn--on the day that a local dessert legend, Cake Man Raven (of Cake Man Raven Confectionary), was hosting his annual block party. This was quite a shindig, with music booming (much of it live) and crowds of revelers dancing in the streets. I have to say, it was a joy to watch the people of Fort Greene uniting to do the Electric Slide. If I'd remembered the steps, I would have joined them; but I made sure to get onto the impromptu dance floor for "Ain't No Stopping Us Now."
And nearby, I found a clothing shop perfect for festivities: Heart Beat offers adorable dresses and other party staples, somehow sold for significantly less than they would be elsewhere. On entering, I saw quickly that the clothes were terrific but assumed they'd be priced like those in other chic boutiques. Wrong: Shop owner Ousmane informed me that 99% of what's on the racks here goes for less than $100. But that's no indication of the pieces' quality or appeal. A gorgeous plum minidress with tuxedo ruffles down the front, from Ya, is marked at $74; an orange cotton-knit halter top from Lani is $50. I had to share "Wow"s with another shopper when I saw that a black cotton-knit wrap dress from Crystal Candy, fresh but classic, was priced at $44. A 3-tiered strapless cotton-knit minidress from S-12 in gold, pumpkin, and brown ($50) is great for now and will carry perfectly with a jacket into the fall, as will a brown halter dress with ivory embroidery ($44.50; apologies to the designer, but in my excitement I forgot to write down their name). And how about this steal for all seasons: a gold silk party dress from Piko 1988, originally $80 but now 70% off.
Jewelry, from independent designers based locally and in L.A., is here to top off the looks--and also very reasonably priced. Stylish, festive, and well-made clothes for about half (sometimes less than half!) of what you'd expect to pay? Strike up the band: That in itself is some cause for celebration.
- Pamela Grossman; July 27, 2008
Heart Beat
739 Fulton St.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 643-1243
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