East Village Shopping Recommendations

There were many responses to the quarantine, but the one I found most inspiring was the impulse to create. Thus was the case for then-17-year-old Sydney Wekstein, who founded her sustainable clothing brand World of My Own in the world of her own—her bedroom. Over the subsequent years, World of My Own’s stripes and lace have become a calling card for downtown creative cool girls. As the first signs of spring start to lure us from winter hibernation, Wekstein shares her favorite downtown spots, from the East Village go-to for socks to the Chinatown dessert spot that satisfies her munchies. — Maraya

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5 X 5

5 Things Sydney Wekstein Is Currently Into Based on the 5 Senses

👁️ Sight 👀

Walk Through Walls by Marina Abramovic: I love to read and try to always bring a book with me whenever I leave the house. For some reason, I am always either reading a memoir, a self-help book, or a book about unlocking the secrets of the universe. Someone psycho-analyze me and tell me what that means. I'm a Cancer for reference. Anyway, The book I have been bringing with me everywhere lately is Marina Abramovic's book Walk Through Walls. I have been begging my roommate to borrow this book for months and finally have my hands on it. She is a true artist. I highly recommend.

🎧 Sound 👂

“Spring is Coming with a Strawberry in the Mouth” by Roger Doyle: “Spring is Coming with a Strawberry in the Mouth” by Rodger Doyle is a song I have had on repeat for the past 3 weeks. Whenever I wake up early enough to take a morning walk (a rare occurrence but magical one nonetheless) this is the first song I have on rotation. Spring IS coming and I can feel it on the tip of my tongue!! This song helps me remember the fact that New York, someday, soon, very soon will be warm. It also is a song you can interpretive dance with the girls to. If you are into that kind of thing.

👅 Taste 😋

Sweet House Drinks and Desserts in Chinatown: Ya girl has a sweet tooth, so I am always looking for the next best treat. I have been fixating on this dessert combo from Sweet House Drinks and Desserts in Chinatown. I order mixed fruit and sago with bird’s nest in watermelon juice. It is the perfect refreshing dessert especially when the munchies kick in.

👃 Smell 😶‍🌫️

Prosperity Spray From the Shop Flower Power in the East Village: My favorite smell and scent as of late has to be the prosperity spray from the shop Flower Power in the East Village. Not sure if this is classified as a perfume or room spray but I use it as both. Peace and Prosperity baby. We are all trying to prosper, so why not spray a little bit of it in your life each morning and night? Don't forget to Check out Flower Power—they have about every herb you can think of and a lot of cute events and workshops.

🤌 Feel 🤏 

@angelm00n Baby Tees: I don't shop for clothes as much as I used to unless it’s second-hand or from a small brand. I highly emphasize quality over quantity when shopping. A couple of months ago I found myself in Retail Pharmacy in LES, a shop that is curated with a ton of small designers and artists. While shopping, I stumbled across the softest baby tees EVER with the cutest fit! They ended up being from a small brand called @angelm00n on Instagram. I came home with two baby tees that day and have been reaching for them ever since. Good basics can take you a long way.

SYDNEY WEKSTEIN’S WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

World Of My Own Renaissance Top: I have been obsessed with elevated basics lately—something that I can dress up or dress down without much thought is exactly what I look for. I couldn't find a piece that communicated that to me so I made one! This top is from my brand @worldofmyownnyc. I was heavily inspired by the Renaissance era and the dramatic sleeves and silhouettes that were incorporated into designs from that time period. I wanted to find a way to make that element of drama wearable for everyday life, and thus, the Renaissance Top was born. 

Y/Project X Melissa Floral-Detail Mules: I got these Y/Project x Melissa mules two years ago in Soho while shopping with my mom—before the hype got to them. They are the most magical glass slippers and every time I slip them on I feel like Sydney-Rella. Do you see what I did there?

K. Bell Leopard Print Knee High Socks: I always say you will find me wearing mismatched socks on my deathbed. The odds that you will find me wearing the same pair of socks are extremely low. If I am, just know something is seriously wrong. Anyway, I love funny, funky, and eclectic socks. I always go to Sock Man, grab a pair, and pet the puppies that are sitting by the register that are also most likely wearing a sweater or some type of ensemble. Check it out if you find yourself in the East Village.

Bonnie Clyde Checkmate Sunglasses: I wear sunglasses inside, I wear them at night, I wear them to sleep... kidding but If you see me in public, chances are I will be in incognito mode with some shades on. I think I got that from my mom; that woman is fierce. Back in October, Bonnie Clyde sent me a couple pairs of glasses to try, and I fell in love—Here is my go-to.

Tarina Tarantino Cross Cord Necklace: Last but not least, I found the jewelry brand Tarina Tarantino on Instagram quite a while ago and have been in love ever since. I love all her pieces! They are fun and flirty and heal my inner child every time I look at one. I was in the market for a cross necklace of some sort but I wanted something unique. I landed on the black Cross Cord Necklace from them and it is a staple in my wardrobe.

VANITY

Sydney Wekstein ’s Beauty Go-To’s

Luxury/Splurge: Dr Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser: My face wash is $40. I am not proud of this fact but I love this product and use it sparingly. I was recommended it when I got a facial not too long ago and succumbed to the peer pressure—I don't regret it though. This product motivates me to wash my face after a long night out instead of using a makeup wipe.

Drugstore Discovery: Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer: I have been a fan of Burt’s Bees forever. They have the best natural lip tints for the low. I probably have one of each color in the lip shimmer—I collect one each time I go to CVS.

Cult Classic: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint: This is a well-known one. I am pretty sure it used to be used back in the day for your nipples or it was made for nipples? Someone fact-check that for me. This is my go-to in all seasons - I think it makes me look refreshed even when I don't feel like it. 

Indie Option: Apple Doll Nectar Salve: If you don't know about Apple Doll now you do—you’re welcome. I am a huge fan of all their products. I got put on to them quite a while ago by using their Nectar Salve from a friend's purse and now I am hooked!

All-Time Ole Reliable: Coconut Oil: All-time reliable has to be coconut oil. I use it for everything. Skin, hair, nails, teeth, etc; get yourself some.

HOT TAKE

“We all need to love each other a little more...Tbh” – Sydney Wekstein

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