Spontaneous Spree: Harlem

SPONTANEOUS SPREE: HARLEM

8 SHOPS IN 8 HOURS WHILE IN HARLEM
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Spontaneous Spree: Harlem

By WALLPAPER* MAGAZINE - 5 min read

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Harlem ignites the senses. Authentic experiences, culinary marvel, fashion, literature and musical wonder are abound in Manhattan’s most vibrant neighbourhood.   A cradle of African American culture rich in creativity and soul, Harlem’s bustling streets and 19th-century brownstones are home to an arts scene that connects visitors to the community.

From the Renaissance New York Harlem Rooftop Bar, enjoy views of Central Park and the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, grab a bite of fusion food and a cocktail, and plan the day ahead.  “Harlem is going to feed you, dress you up and entertain you with some jazz” the hotel Navigator will tell you.

Where to begin? The fabled Apollo Theatre is right next door to the hotel - with Minton’s Playhouse, the iconic basketball courts at Rucker Park and the magnificent General Grant National Memorial, all a short walk away.  Also close by, Harlem’s landmark restaurants including Sylvia’s and Chocolat. And some seriously soulful shopping…  

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    Harlem Chocolate Factory

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    Founded by Harlem locals Jessica Spaulding and her “Spelman Sister” partner Asha Dixon, the Harlem Chocolate Factory flagship store and production kitchen opened in the Historic Strivers’ Row district in 2018.

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    Harlem Underground

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    Embodying the essence of Harlem, HU (Harlem Underground) articulates its position at the epicentre of African-American culture via its collections of black heroes t-shirts and sweats. Proud to be a product of the neighbourhood, HU’s “Harlem” emblazoned zip hoodie is ideal for shooting hoops at Rucker Park.

  3. Spicy Level Hot Sauce 3

    Mama’s One Hot Sauce

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    Made in a brownstone, inspired by the kitchen aromas of Caribbean neighbours and coloured by the music of Harlem and the Apollo Mama's One Sauce helps food "sing" with the flavour of Harlem. Buy it at the Harlem branch of Whole Foods…or get it straight from Mama!

  4. Flame Keepers Hat Club The Hellfighter Fedora 4

    FlameKeepers Hat Club

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    This Harlem milliner’s mission is to pass the torch of “good taste" from one generation to the next. taste, amiability, equilibrium and harmony, all synonymous with elegance according to writer Paulo Coelho, a touchstone of a lovely store that trades on, not just fine hats and headgear, but also the intangible qualities of warmth and grace, friendliness and confidence. You’ll definitely feel more confident and graceful in a FlameKeepers Hellfighter wide brim.

  5. Roch3Ll3 Third Eye Sunglasses 5

    EENY Eyewear

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    Haiti-born, New York-raised Marie "Diamond" Deneus' makes spectacles and shades with a bold and distinctive, handcrafted aesthetic. Or as Marie likes to say “One of a kind Design for your one of a kind spirit…”. The Roch3II3 glasses will give your third eye instant 20/20 vision.

  6. Notable New York #Harlem Evening Purse 6

    The Brownstone Woman

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    Owned by local fashionista Princess Jenkins, The Brownstone Woman is Harlem’s best fashion boutique and one of New York’s best boutiques. Customers including Patti Labelle, Jennifer Holiday and Angie Stone come to East 125th Street for niche design, underground labels and some great handbags like this Harlem clutch.

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    Sisters Uptown Bookstore

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    Store founder Janifer P. Wilson started Sisters Uptown Bookstore in Harlem to champion black literature and African American authors. Toni Morrison and James Baldwin always in stock. We recommend this book of essays.

  8. Black N Ugly It's Everything You Think It's Not Wool Jacket 8

    Blacknugly

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    Both store and founder certified “Harlem”, Sherifa Gayle’s “Black n Ugly” label breathes life into the African diasporic community. With her Hats, sweaters, Tees, jackets, sock slippers, jewelry, rugs and fly ‘fits, Sehrifa blends fashion with purpose, educating the consumer by paying homage to Black forefathers and mothers Malcolm X, Jean Michel Basquiat and Nina Simone, connecting the wearer to the community in which the design house finds its roots. And yes, the “Black N Ugly” name pays homage to the lyric in the Notorious B.I.G. classic “One More Chance.” Don’t leave without one of Black n Ugly’s “It's Everything You Think It's Not” wool jackets.

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