A city fit for a Prince.
Mercantiles
44.9778º N, 93.2650º W According to BuzzFeed, “A hipster is just a Brooklynite who wishes they were from Minnesota because it’s ‘more real.’” For ye frustrated ones, there is a long list of outfitters in Minnesota to add some realness, and an even longer list of why Minnesota is totally awesome. The area between Minneapolis’ North Loop and the Mississippi River is full of factories converted into desirable brick condominiums with refined eateries and barrooms, and modish design shops on the street level.…
Two Words: Hasami Porcelain.
Mercantiles
34.0522º N, 118.2437º W Los Angeles is the perfect place to wander the lot of bright and sun-filled shops in search of vintage and handcrafted discoveries — and then getting back in the car to drive to another part of L.A. and wander some more. (Sorry! NYC pedestrian joke). The shops in Venice are cheerful, accented with light colors and tones welcoming to relaxed passersby. Tortoise General Store has a warm storefront of exquisite handicrafts for the home such as cookware, kettles, and soaps. It’s…
Sign me up Santa Fe.
Mercantiles
35.6870º N, 105.9378º W The El Museo flea market is a sizable collective space of artisans, vendors and craftsmen who set up their own traveling boutique — much larger than a standard booth — featuring handmade jewelry from materials such as copper, turquoise or leather; vintage saddles, bags and boots; antique prints; and woven textiles from a range of local and Native American artists. It’s also a destination for soap and candle makers, photographers and painters to showcase and sell…
Climb trees.
Mercantiles
42.0409º N, 74.1182º W On Tinker Street across from the village green—the heart of charming Woodstock—set among tie dye and tarot, yogis sipping green juice and sampling artisanal chocolate, Woodstock General Supply is a cabin-esque outdoorsman’s haberdashery and outdoor woman’s port of call. It has an expertly curated collection of clothes and bags, candles, notebooks made from stone instead of trees, and grooming products for you and your bearded comrades. The first time I came across this shop was several years ago,…
Scene One. Sunny. Daytime.
Goods and Brands, Mercantiles
34.0522º N, 118.2437º W At the intersection of Lincoln and Venice Boulevards, Deus Ex Machina is effortlessly cool in its indoor-outdoor combo café and motorcycle cum surf shop. This Australian-born fuel factory fills the coffee cups of its patrons, offering light fare and ample shared tables. Take a break from your latte and screenplay to test out motorcycle helmets or better yet, your own Deus-brand motorcycle or surfboard for the freeway and those Pacific swells. Did I mention they produce…