i heart the fabric stores in new york...

B and J fabric on Fashion ave.

i love this store. unlike most fabric shops, b and j is very organized.... you'll see in the pictures below what i mean. sometimes the clutter is fun but when in a hurry this place is great.

me and eshye hunt for the right color of coral for caroline's bridesmaid dresses.

the Prada ad below shows a dress made of fabric from B and J. there is a wall covered with ad's and the fabric used, all found here.

the prettiest silk velvet you have ever seen. i may need something out of the orange....

M and J trimming

this shop is the mecca for all trim. buttons, buckles, studs, lace, you name it, its here. the store is huge and brightly colored. it is the most complete source for trim in the states.

so you have seen these studs every where this season. you can buy them at M and J! very time consuming but love the effect on a leather skirt or coat.

the bridal section is breathtaking.

Mood fabric....

assuming you've seen project runway... you have heard of mood. this place is a candy shop for designers, artiest, fashion guru's, fabric lovers, leather workers, bridal gown designers...

when i turn the corner and look up and see the Mood sign in the 2nd story on 37th my heart beats fast. im assuming this is the same feeling that one who loves shoes has as they enter Bob Ellis... or someone who loves Italy landing in Rome. Mood is the end all be all in all your fabric needs. i would live there if they would let me.

below is mrs america. that right, her name is america and she is awesome. without i would have to live at mood because the sheer volume of fabric is too much to take in without someone who works there to navigate the three stories.

the swatch board show designer pieces made from fabric from mood...

the leather is beautiful and flawless. if i ever get around to the leather skirt ive been dreaming about, it will come from mood. for now i have gathered some bright colored pieces for the inside of the cuff's.

the famous abric warehouse. yep, no F. it feel down over 20 years ago and was never replaced. this shop although not in the garment district ( very out of the way) and not organized at all was one of my favorites. i have been visiting the old man who owned the shop for the past two years finding vintage buckles and buttons. when we arrived the shop was closed. after asking the shop keeper next door we learned that the man who owned the shop died last week. what a loss. he really was great and so cool. he will be missed by many. i am not sure what will happen to the abric warehouse.... next time im back in ny ill see what is going on... hopefully they will reopen.

a couple blocks down on Broadway... P and S Fabric

wow... what a trip. i wish i could have captured all of the beautiful color and texture for you to see here. my mind has been spinning with design ideas.... luckily, you will see them all soon in the form of the spring collection at the shop. i am really looking forward to working with all of the beautiful pieces found in new york.