If you think that boutiques with the most stylish and fashionable clothes are only found in Manhattan, think again. KrisTEES, located in Astoria, offers an amazing selection of modern, chic apparel created by a variety of designers in addition to beautiful jewelry and art by local artisans. And this Saturday, May 7th, KrisTEES will be holding a special event from 2 pm to 6 pm to debut new head-turning summer collections.
KrisTEES, owned and operated by fashion maven Kristie Foster, is well known for having the most in vogue, independent labels such as Mel en Stel (photo above), Ann Yee, Rodebjer, Erin Kleinberg, and Nicholas K. The shop carries sophisticated, visually provocative pieces, aesthetically made yet completely wearable for a variety of occasions.
Premiering this Saturday will be new designs by L.J. Lambillotte (photo above), Gar-de (photo below), and Diana Orving—all standout items made of silk and fine cotton blends. These luxurious pieces make an outfit look effortless, whether you complement them with accessories or not.
Kristie, a fashion industry professional, created KrisTEES to bring a more edgy women’s boutique to Astoria, offering contemporary, unique styles from a global pool of designers who take creative risks and use bold color choices to construct eye-catching, extraordinary apparel. The store specializes in hip, easy looks for any occasion—a night on the town, a day in the office, or just hanging with friends.
KrisTEES also offers clothes that can be found nowhere else from designers Queens 77, Peter Valcarcel, and LJ Lambillotte. Also, each season Kristie works with local artists to create signature items especially for her boutique. This spring, she created t-shirts and tote bags with a sketch of the Hell’s Gate Bridge created by Mieko Anekawa.
The store doesn’t just have the best clothes in town—the perfect accessories are available as well. If you want distinctive, one-of-a-kind handbags, KrisTEES offers selections from The Divine Tribe who combine leather with exotic skins from eel, snake, ostrich, stingray, and more. For something more classic and feminine, Pamela Kay (photo below) offers purses that accessorize any outfit.
Neighborhood jewelry designers are featured as well. Just Kim presents lovely remodeled vintage jewelry, while emily jane by Emily Plaskett creates floral-inspired statement pieces (photo below). Lithos du Monde’s funky but elegant designs use Swarovski crystals or semi-precious stones, and Asami Hotta (last photo) offers exquisite necklaces along with feather earrings.
Kristie’s emphasis is not just on the clothes and accessories, but on her customers—she wants to make sure that each and every woman who purchases an item in her store is happy with her purchase. “Kristie is completely honest with her clients,” Peter Valcarcel says. “She will tell them if something they tried on isn’t working for them or if it isn’t the right color.” When picking out new pieces for her store, she looks at the fabric first, then the design—no matter how exciting a new top or dress might be, if the fabric isn’t high-quality, there’s no point in anyone, either her or her customers, investing their hard-earned money on it. And her loyalty pays off—she rarely has people come back to return or exchange items they’ve purchased. In addition, if she receives a new item that she thinks one of her regular clients would love, she’ll call or e-mail to let them know.
Other fashion connoisseurs have noticed KrisTEES. In 2009, Time Out New York featured it as one of “The Best in the Hoods” and again in April 2010 as one of New York’s “Best Indie Shops”. And the Spring 2011 fashion issue featured several items from her boutique as “must haves”. Lucky Magazine has also recognized the shop numerous times for the selection of merchandise it has to offer as well as the designers featured in the store.
KrisTEES always has beautiful artwork by Astoria artists on display, and the event this Saturday will feature Susan Springer Anderson and her new collection. Only at this event will Susan be offering 10% off the purchase of one of her works.
Stop by KrisTEES this Saturday to see the latest trends in summer fashion, pick up some gorgeous clothes for your wardrobe, meet an inspiring local artist, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and—if you haven’t already—pick out that special something for mom for Mother’s Day. And if you can’t make it this Saturday, come by another day for the most delightful, eye-catching clothing, jewelry, handbags, and art by some of the best designers and artisans in New York.
KrisTEES
24-01 23rd Avenue, Astoria
718-204-5031
www.kristeesny.com
Store hours and directions:
Wednesday to Saturday: Noon to 8 pm
Sunday: Noon to 6 pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Take the N or Q train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
