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LIVING ON SMITH | 289 Smith Street | Ph: 718-222-8546

A short distance away is LIVING ON SMITH, another home decor emporium that also features some boutique fashion items. There is a decidedly more retro feel to this establishment with more of an emphasis on higher end mid-century style. Colorful glass vases and ceramics that would be at home in MOMA have somewhat heftier price tags than Home & Haven but are definitely worth the splurge. There is also LIVING ON SEVENTH (219 Seventh Avenue, 718-788-1651) Living on Smith’s larger sister store.

LIVING ON SMITH | 289 Smith Street | Ph: 718-222-8546

Now, what good is an impeccably decorated, socially conscious, decidedly sophisticated home if you can’t plop down on your Mies Van der Rohe chaise and get completely plastered with your nearest and dearest. Or just your cat - no one really cares when you have such fab goblets for that frisky little Bordeaux.

Welcome then to SMITH & VINE! Patrick Watson and Michele Pravda’s little slice of heaven for the oenophile is a blessing to party goers, givers and gourmet’s alike. Manager Christopher Catanesi offers friendly and knowledgeable advice to novices and connoisseurs.

SMITH & VINE | 246 Smith St. | Ph: 718-243-2864 On The Web: www.smithandvine.com

While they do feature the usual bank-breakers like Dom Perignon, S & V offers a full range of quality wines in all price ranges. A best bet is the 10.00 and under table featuring an international selection - even a rarely obtainable Lebanese choice - that allows one to be adventurous, generous and thrifty. Stop by for their thrice weekly wine tasting for a little extra inspiration.

If a little fun is on the agenda, definitely stop in at ASTRO-TURF. If you have an atomic passion for mid to late 20th century glamourama you can’t miss this. This well curated collection manages to stay just on the high side of kitsch without losing all sense of functionality. A chrome and red Formica dinette set featuring a gaggle of geese in mid flight is the kind of divine conglomeration of Escher, Maurice Villency and your great aunt Edna’s Buick that begs to be taken home and given new life.

ASTRO-TURFF | 290 Smith Street | Ph: 718-522-6182

ASTRO-TURFF | 290 Smith Street Ph: 718-522-6182

Of course there is no shortage of cocktail sets (I had the overwhelming desire for a highball) leatherette loungers (what better way to watch Lawrence Welk), rotary phones (who says olive green and black aren’t festive colors) or knick-knacks for display on top of the swingin’ new Hi-fi. With prices starting at about $2.00 and nothing over $500.00, you can’t go wrong!

As mentioned at the top, the area prides itself on a wide array of restaurants and bars. Especially popular, and recommended by practically everyone I spoke to, is BAR TABAC (128 Smith Street, 718-923-0918). A French bistro with late nights, good drinks and a Fooseball table. My Long Island Iced Tea proved to be so inspirational that the bartender decided to join me in one! There is also ROBIN DE BOIS (195 Smith Street, 718-596-1609, www.sherwoodcafe.com) a combination restaurant/ lounge/ antique store that deserves further inspection. In fact, look for feature articles focusing on these dining/drinking/lounging spots in future issues of NewYorkCool.com.

Likewise, the fashion scene here is one to be reckoned with. Look for our February issue that will feature local designers and shops of the area. In the meantime, check out locales like FLIRT (252 Smith Street, 718-858-7931, www.flirtbrooklyn.com) offering loads of Brooklyn designers for women, FRIDA'S CLOSET (296 Smith Street, 718-855-0311) celebrating the spirit of Frida Kahlo and offering affordable custom “frocks” and WATTS ON SMITH (248 Smith Street, 718-596-2359) for, believe it or not, really cool, reasonably priced MEN’S wear!!!!!

Let’s hope that this area, which has seen it’s share of socio-economic ups-and-downs can enjoy it’s latest renaissance and still mange to keep too much branded commercialism at bay. Some signs are in deed ominous. Many local artists who for years enjoyed the region’s soft rents have been forced to go further out - even upstate in search of affordable housing. Houses have now topped the million dollar mark with no signs of receding or even leveling off. For now, however, invest 15 minutes on the F train and enjoy the afternoon!

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