Affordable vintage jewelry is usually difficult to find. We all wish we could just raid our grandma's old jewelry boxes and throw on her stash with today's modern fashions. In Pippin, however, it's hard not to walk out with cheap antique charms.

Located on West 17th Street, a block known for vintage, thrift and antique shops, Pippin houses an array of funky one-of-a-kinds. The buyers purchase their entire inventory and restock the boutique with new selections each week.

They've even created their own line, called Reverie, known for its original artwork of combined vintage pieces.

One cool aspect about Pippin is that you'll always know where your vintage finds have originated from. On the white price stickers are the cost on one side and the date of the item on the reverse.

I bought a gorgeous 1930's/1940's bracelet yesterday for only $24! And not only will you find jewelry, but also vintage hats and handbags.

I'm always sure to be bare-skinned when entering Pippin, because I know my fingers, wrists and neck will most certainly be adorned when walking out.

Be sure to peek into Pippin Home, the treasure chest right next door.

PIPPEN; 112 & 1121⁄2 West 17th Street, New York, NY

Now that New Yorkers seem to swear by multi-dating - seeing as many people at the same time as at all possible - I don't quite get why New York men haven't figured out that the best place to meet hot women are the city's flea markets.

Every weekend New York becomes an all-you-can-eat buffet of flea markets and street vendors selling vintage items. And right there, in-between old lamps and second-hand dresses, you spot the top models that you normally only see in Elle and Vogue magazine rummaging through piles of old stuff, matching it with their enviable ‘freebees’ given to them by their ‘best friends forever’, Zac Posen, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs.

Of course, you ogle their gorgeous long legs, but tear yourself away from that for a while and take notice of the way these fashionistas mix and match. I often bring my camera when I vintage shop. And the long-legged creatures are not the only customers worth watching - the wackiest people from all over the world are trying to sell you anything from office chairs and old buttons to amazing shoes and sparkling jewelry.

Of course you have to haggle. That's a given. But New York vendors are hardcore. They know that vintage is ‘must-does’ nowadays and the times of true finds are over. The day that I managed to beat down the price of a tan Marni leather coat to 150 dollars was one to remember. If you're not in the mood to spend your cash on over-priced junk, the flea markets can still be great places to just take in the atmosphere of colors, sounds and smells. That's one of my favorite ways to pass the time, anyway. 
 

It is almost cruel to ask me to suggest just two shops, when there are so many in New York. I have a very soft spot for Marc Jacobs, but his things especially the more affordable Marc By Marc Jacobs are everywhere and don’t really need much guidance. Neither do all the popular chains like Banana Republic, Gap and Urban Outfitters.

But as tempting as the good basic buys and designer-labels-for-less (due to the low dollar) are, I prefer the more adventurous kind of shopping in small unique vintage shops or independent boutiques.

Jane Mayle is a very cool exclusive American designer, who creates personal clothes with a feminine twist and graphic cut. She isn’t cheap, but she is unique. And her little shop is a like a sweet shopping treat. The area around called Nolita is an interesting area to go for small shops and charming cafés.

Mayle, 242 Elizabeth Street (at Houston Street in Nolita)

Looking for something personal, colourful and over the top with out ever loosing a modern stylish touch? The answer must be Anna Sui, another American designer, who surely knows how to dress bold women. And the shop it self is something special.

Kind of like a pink and black lingerie boudoir from the ages of decadence. The clothes are not necessarily sexy. Yet the interior is so flirtatious that I almost blush when I hand my shopping bags to the big strong doorman, who guards them as costumers browse.

Even if  the strange mix of perfume in divine dolls bottles, rock chic T-shirts with slogans and beautiful tops, skirts and blouses dressed in flowers, dots, frills and fringes are not for you  if the style is not for you, this Soho shop is still worth a visit. Anna Sui has, over the last years, become one truly hip designer who she also designs for other stores like Antropologie.

Anna Sui, 113 Greene Street (Soho), New York

Some Odd Rubies  

Urban treasure hunting in all kinds of second hand shops is a great way to get around town to see different neighbourhoods and odd streets.

For book hunting I can’t think of any place better than The Strand (828 Broadway at 12th St.) Perfect for a bargain on new bestsellers and gorgeous coffee table books about NY architecture, photos and fashion.

Looking for fifties skirt, a vintage Chanel bag or some gorgeous shoes from some old lady’s closet? Lower East Side - especially around Ludlow and Orchard Street - has some great shops. Visit Some Odd Rubies  (151 Ludlow Street) for fine vintage frocks or Las Venus (163 Ludlow Street) for interior pop culture items from the 50'es - anything from ashtrays to an orange chair.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

And then, of course, there are the flea markets. I love spending Saturday morning at Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. It is small, cool and with some odd finds like dentist equipment in between vintages furs, jewelleries and designer shoes.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, 39th Street (between 9 & 10 Avenue).
Open Saturday and Sunday.