Shopping in Brooklyn | Greenpoint New York

Where to Go in Brooklyn?

Ever since I learned about Brother Vellies while browsing IG on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I have been in love with the brand’s shoes and purse designs. Brother Vellies is in Greenpoint New York. It is Brooklyn brand focusing on introducing African styles to people all around the world. It’s mostly a shoe and purse brand, although that may change in the future: the brand has already designed specific clothing pieces for some celebrities in collaboration efforts!

Where to Shop in Brooklyn?

Needless to say, I had to check out the Brother Vellies’ store for myself! Despite the commute (we went all the way from the UES and ended up on 5 different trains!) we went shopping in Brooklyn and found the store in the middle of a surprisingly charming area of Greenpoint. The physical location of the store is 71 FRANKLIN STREET BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11222, and you can also find them online at https://brothervellies.com/.

I consider myself an old-fashioned shopper, so I prefer going to the physical stores if possible. I love to feel the materials, appreciate the quality, and understand the inspiration behind the pieces.

Brother Vellies, Alter Greenpoint, Pas Mal and More

The store didn’t disappoint! It was everything I expected and more. Sexy heels, uniquely-patterned leather boots, and handmade artisanal bags were everywhere. The store housed in a cute Greenpoint New York block is surrounded by other shops, making it paradise if you want to spend an afternoon shopping in Brooklyn.

The location is good, but the store space itself is better. The boutique is quite large for NYC standards, and the brand has done a terrific job making the vibe inside inviting and relaxing. As I stepped in, I felt like I had suddenly been transported to an African paradise!

The store definitely has modern African influences everywhere , and it’s easy to feel inspired and beautiful while wearing a pair of the brand’s shoes. Top quality and comfort are a key part of the equation as well! I went there hoping to find a brand that would not only transport me back to Africa, but one that would also make me feel like part of something bigger when wearing the pieces. I definitely felt pride trying on Brother Vellies’ shoes and knowing that they come from and support those African countries that I know and love, like Kenya! It’s always a plus when I buy something that supports the work of local artisans.

In Brother Vellies, the shoes, the purses and the design of the store are not the only things that will make you add the brand to your list of favorites. The girls working at the store were the perfect combination of helpful and easy going. Many times when visiting a store, it’s easy to feel rushed or pressured into buying a product, especially when shopping in NYC! Sometimes it’s hard to fully visualize the purpose of that new piece in your closet. I’m the kind of person who definitely needs to do this… I love to connect with my clothes and shoes and be certain that they will complement my style. If I can feel in tune with the history or origin of an item and also vibe with it’s style, I’ll fall in love right away!

At Brother Vellies, it was easy to do just that. I was able to talk with the sales assistants about the developing process and which specific region or country the pieces come from. This made it so much easier to narrow which shoes I loved the most and which pieces I want in my close (hint: most of them!)..

Even though the brand is on the expensive end of the spectrum, I find that shoes are almost always what I end up splurging on. The decision to buy is made easier by knowing that the brand works to ensure that their products are creating more jobs in Africa. Their sustainability-focused mindset also helps!

If you’re shopping for a special outfit and spend a big chunk of your budget on some Brother Vellies shoes (…oops!) you’re in luck: there are some other less pricey stores nearby that will help you finish the rest of your look in an eye-catching way. An earth tone jumpsuit (sold at Alter Greenpoint down the street) or one of the linen dresses from Pas Mal will pair well with your new shoes, and you’ll have a unique outfit that will have everyone asking “Where did you get these?!”

How to get to Greenpoint Brooklyn?

If you’re taking the subway to the store, the G line will get you closest to the store. If you’re coming from Manhattan like me, the 7 or the L will bring you into Brooklyn and you’ll have to transfer to the G. The store is open from 11 am to 7 pm most days, so don’t make it your last stop of the day. The shoes are handmade, so it’s hard to say how the sizes run. I would recommend trying them on in person if you can, and definitely checking the sizing charts if you’re buying online. The small variations that come with a handmade product can make sizing more difficult, but I often find that the right size fits extremely well.

Other things to do in Greenpoint:

Porter James: This home decor store is just a block away from Brother Vellies , and it’s definitely worth stopping in to check out some of their vintage home goods. Competitive prices for the market and distinctive statement pieces that will complete even the smallest apartments make this one of my new favorite design brands.

Le Gamin: A French cafe located between Brother Vellies and Porter James, this place has delicious food and an atmosphere that will instantly transport you to Paris! It’s the perfect place to relax and admire those new shoes on the cafe’s back patio. It’s said to be among the best restaurants in Greenpoint.

Besitos from Greenpoint New York,

Laura