Craving Affordable Trends? You're in Luck!

Not even a week old and the flirty clothing boutique, Crave (31 Lewis St.; www.cravenyc.us)  already has been deemed "the best place to shop for prom or graduation parties" by one teenage shopper.

Owned by local resident and mother of four, Sonia Hedvat, Crave aims to bring the fashion of New York City to Greenwich, targetting customers who no longer have the time to head into the city for the latest fashions.  The Greenwich Crave is the latest addition to the growing family of Crave Boutiques - there are three in Manhattan's Upper East Side and one in neighboring Port Chester, NY (48 N. Main St.) - and is undoubtedly the easiest commute for Hedvat.

Tucked alongside the ever-cheerful gfit shop Splurge (enjoying a fairly recent relocation), Crave's cozy space is made cheerful with racks of bright prints, shimmering silk dresses with ruched detailing and myriads of sparkling accessories.

According to Hedvat, accessories are the most important element for an aspiring trendsetter since they can make or break an outfit. Or as she says "inspire envy from your friends." Hedvat tells me that her main goal is to inspire her clients to "get out of their comfort zone but without feeling foolish." Originally from Puerto Rico, Hedvat came to New York City to study fashion at FIT and upon graduation simply never returned home. She fell in love with the city and its fashion sense. "I hate the word fashionista" she says. "It's totally out of context. I find its far better to be a trendsetter that simply someone who follows. I like my customers to dress more like leaders."

Given the age of Hedvat's client base ranges from 14 to 50, Crave offers a wide array of option and variety, featuring designers like Akiko, Jungal, Linea Pelle and Sanctuary with price tags that range from $20 to $600 per item with the majority of sales ranging between the $100 and $300 marks.

A weekly influx of new merchandise keeps the tiny space feeling fresh while a bespoke atelier service (by appointment only) allows for clients to customize exactly what they want for whatever occasion. The atelier service is a new concept for the Crave boutiques and one in which Hedvat presumes will do particularly well in Greenwich. 

Although I didn't get a chance to try anything on during my first visit, I did spy the ample dressing room area, that seems envisioned with girls' shopping trips in mind. Hedvat also mentioned she plans to host events like booksignings and wine parties to introduce herself and her store to the community.  Although I'm personally not interested in a dress for grad parties, the selection did seem rather alluring in its vibrance and may just be the hiding place of my next summer cocktail dress.