Image from honeyintherough.com
The Lower East Side is pretty much the only part of Manhattan where a small indie shopkeeper can run a business these days. Rents on other parts of the island are too sky-high to contend with, and LES denizens are generally more open to cutting-edge (and sometimes truly out there) fashion. Honey in the Rough is a response to this - a small but mighty place in the heart of the Lower East Side, a sliver of a store that never feels cramped. It also offers a selection of labels that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Honey in the Rough doesn't try to overwhelm the consumer. As small as it is (easily smaller than this reporter's apartment), it's not hopelessly jammed with thousands of mediocre garments to sort through. Honey in the Rough is filled with a good edit of labels this reporter has admittedly never heard of, and individual pieces are given their space. Clothes hang comfortably. Beauty products are showcased accessibly. Jewelry is arranged logically. And a friendly owner sits at the helm, typing on her computer and chatting with regulars. It's an easy place to be, partly because there's soulful music on the sound system.
On a recent visit, the shop was having a sale to rid itself of winter wares. A copper-colored dress with batwing sleeves by Dagmar would look fantastic when worn to an indie movie premiere (on sale for $227). There was an empire dress featuring a jagged black and white pattern by Mociun that was cut to show off the collar bone (no price tag). It hit below the knee and appeared to be made of a soft, cottony material; therefore it would be ideal running errands on Saturday afternoons or having a picnic in Central Park. Even Thread Social, a cousin of the source for put-upon bridesmaids everywhere, is sold at Honey in the Rough: a one-shoulder sheath dress covered one shoulder with a pouf of fabric the size of a cabbage (on sale for $265). It would be a great thing to wear to a lounge, or for when you are closing on an apartment.
Honey in the Rough also offers a specific selection of beauty products, like Uslu Airlines nail polish and the SCO skincare line. Browsing is encouraged, and the vibe is laid-back.
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