Where Brooklyn Girls Love to Shop

Brooklyn girls are known for having a style all their own—think fashion forward without trying too hard, making it that much cooler. It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what makes these Brooklyn girls' style so covetable, but hitting up their favorite boutiques is sure to get you closer to nailing the look. As such, we asked some tried-and-true Brooklynites where they love to shop in their borough, and they answered.

Good news, too: You don't have to travel to snatch up the best shopping in Brooklyn—these local favorites have online stores you can browse from home. The best part is that these independent retailers sell unique pieces you can't get anywhere else, and you get to support small businesses while you're at it. Scroll down to learn about the best shopping in Brooklyn from girls whose style we love.

1. Bird

First opened in 1999, Bird was an early arbiter of Brooklyn chic. Now it has three locations, the most popular of which is its Williamsburg location, aka the first LEED-certified retail store in NYC, thanks to its sustainable and green construction. Founded by Jen Mankins, a former buyer for Steven Alan, the store's offerings have a similar aesthetic: minimalist with a sprinkling of exotic prints and textures. You'll find brands like Rachel Comey, Building Block, and Isabel Marant.

2. In God We Trust

Now well known for its pithy Sweet Nothing necklaces that are sold in boutiques the world over, In God We Trust was founded in 2005 by Shana Tabor as a means of bringing together the finest locally produced pieces. With that goal still in mind, there are now three IGWT locations offering a minimalist in-house clothing collection alongside accessories by brands like Status Anxiety and Woolrich.

3. Concrete + Water

Founded by couple Hannah Dilworth and J.D. Gluckstern in 2014, Concrete + Water offers shoppers a peaceful respite from the city's chaos. Meant to be a full experience rather than just a store, the shop sells homewares and gifts alongside clothing, and it frequently hosts concerts and parties in its airy industrial space. Brands include Kaelen, Dieppa Restrepo, and Westward Leaning.

4. Catbird

Founded in 2004 by Rony Vardi and Leigh Plessner, this boutique and namesake jewelry line drew in-the-know fashionistas to Williamsburg long before the area was the hot spot it is now. Today you'd be hard-pressed to find a fashion girl who isn't obsessed with Catbird, from bloggers to celebrities and everyone in between. Alongside an expertly curated jewelry selection, you can find home and beauty products by the likes of John Derian and Rodin.

5. Mociun

Mociun is operated by RISD alum Caitlin Mociun, who designs the store's famous stone cluster rings with antique diamonds and gemstones. With an eye toward sustainability, all of her pieces are made in New York and sold alongside some of the dreamiest artisan-made ceramics and accessories. The massive jewelry selection allows women of varying aesthetics to walk away with a new fave.

6. The Break

A cool (and affordable) take on vintage, The Break has been drawing It girls to Greenpoint since it first opened. With plenty of trend-forward pieces (accessories included), it'd be hard to walk away empty-handed. You may even find a little home accessory to perk up your apartment too.

7. Antoinette

In Williamsburg? Consider stopping by Antoinette for killer vintage finds, although the store also has new and local designers too.

8. Swords-Smith

Want a rundown of the up-and-coming designers you need to know? Then you'll want to stop by Swords-Smith, a store in Williamsburg that carries elevated and creative independent brands.