Shopping on Austin Street

Now, how many of us can truly claim to be able to afford designer wear? Sure, we’d love to have all those amazing clothes we’ve always dreamed off, but our wallet seems to frown at our thoughts. Well, at Fox’s (70-39 Austin St between Continental Ave and 70th Rd; 718-261-4100) you can pick up really cheap designer duds. This discount chainlet has colorful dresses, tribal-print skirts and tie-dyed wrap sweaters all under $100. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Yet another place you get great deals on clothes is Maiko (71-11 Austin St between Continental Ave and 71st Rd; 718-268-8002). If you are extremely brand conscious, you might want to steer clear of this place. But Maiko more than makes up for its lack of well-known names by pricing trendy clothes for just $39. If you want something for your wardrobe that looks like it just came from an up market glam boutique, Maiko gives you that privilege. And matching accessories, bags, and jewelery are in the range of $15 to $20. That’s what you call icing on the cake!

Speaking of accessories, for all those people out there who believe in being different and having accessories that nobody else does, Stoa (71-60 Austin St between Continental Ave and 71st Rd; 718-263-1660) is your Mecca. The shop is run by Marie Sinanian and Rena Monogenis and they have made a name for themselves by selling all sorts of contemporary jewelry that are as quirky as they are interesting. So, if you don’t find it unusual that bangles can be made out of telephone wires, or you don’t mind sporting cufflinks with crossword-puzzle designs, you will feel completely at home in this place.

All that shopping made you hungry? Why stuff yourself with junk food when you can get nutritious as well as yummy wraps at Organic Market (107-14 71st Rd between Austin St and Queens Blvd; 718-575-0082)? This deli serves wholesome non-processed meals which are lip-smacking in the way nothing should be allowed to be! Organic Market also has a juice bar, in case you are looking for a healthy drink to go with your whole-wheat wrap stuffed with honey mustard and grilled chicken.

For dessert, don’t even think of going anywhere but Homefront (72-24 Austin St between Ascan Ave and 72nd Rd; 718-793-6008). If you are not moved by the charming country cottage vibe of this place, you will be swayed by the homemade fudge served here. Priced at just $3, they are sinful enough to command a second look, and third, and fourth…

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