Where to Shop: Jersey City

It's not exactly a secret to anyone who lives there (including, as of last month, yours truly), but Jersey City is pretty awesome. There were a lot of raised eyebrows when I announced plans to relocate (after all, I'd been firmly entrenched in the middle of Nolita for years), but I couldn't be more thrilled with my new home. And there's even good shopping!

I think Jersey City is so off-the-radar, because everyone who lives there wants it to remain that way--it's already changing, and quickly! But I never met an independent boutique owner who I didn't want to succeed, so I feel like it's my duty to tell you all about them.

My favorite resource is Hala Vintage, which is well off the main drag (Grove Street). It occupies the ground-floor of a brownstone (326 5th St., 201-653-8877)--and is packed with pristine dresses and tops, along with a handful of covetable designer pieces. Hala, the owner, also has a great eye for vintage shoes and costume jewelry, which you can shop via her Etsy store. I also really like Kanibal (213 Montgomery St., 551-200-9386) a home decor store (see plate below) that also sells well-priced clothing lines and a lot of eco-friendly items.

It's immediately across the street from Antheia (218 Montgomery St., 201-309-9959), a really stunning flower shop. And just a few steps from Walker's Apothecary part spa, and part beauty boutique (stand-outs include Votivo candles and Ren body wash).

Meanwhile, down Grove Street, there's Another Man's Treasure (353 Grove St., 2O1-86O-999O) another vintage clothing resource that's a touch more expensive than Hala. But definitely worth checking out. And just a few blocks away isDeen (140 Bay St., 201-963-3336) another repository for well-priced lines. They also offer a handful of men's pieces and some pet goods. I'm coveting this feather-emblazoned Karen Zambos dress, on sale for $104.

Back on Grove Street, Aspasia (302A Grove St., 201-432-7600) sells J. Brand jeans and Alice & Olivia party tops. And Tia's Place (277 Grove St., 201-451-9358) offers a really deep selection of labels like Ella Moss, Saja, and Jeffrey Campbell.

If you make a trip out of it, you have to go to Beechwood Cafe & Market (290 Grove St., 201-985-2811) for great soaps, lotions, and brunch; Torico (20 Erie St., 201-432-9458) for about eight-hundred flavors of ice cream; and Marco & Pepe (289 Grove St., 201-860-9688) for dinner.

I haven't had a chance to explore the whole city yet (particularly Paulus Hook area), so drop me a comment if I'm missing something!