Phantasmaphile

Occulter

Another treat I gave myself on my birthday last week was an appointment to the Occulter boutique.  Conceived by Derrick R. Cruz of Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons, Occulter is a collective that includes his incredible line of "Dark and Uncommon Goods," and work by fellow jewelers and artists with a shared aesthetic.  In the small space that doubles as a studio, one finds gothique baubles, fine teas, black honey, alchemical books, and wax Morrisey effigies.  It's impeccably curated, and each item is designed with an eye toward deluxe mystery.  I look forward to visiting again soon.

Astier de Villatte

Astier de Villatte is one of those brands that seems to get everything right.  They've got a gorgeous, divination-themed web site, and their housewares and beauty products are designed with a perfect combination of luxury and mystery.  One day I'm going to splurge at John Derian and finally buy one of these notebooks.

Interiors, Continued

DARR on Atlantic Avenue, in Brooklyn

Awhile back, I made a list of shops that sell marvelous home goods.  While many of these are well out of my price range, it's nice to dream, isn't it?  Here are a few more:

DARR - Antique shop with an industrial and delightfully macabre edge.

Swallow - If I could make my entire apartment look like this heavenly shop, I would be a happy bunny indeed.  It's like a modern, enchanted forest with glass objects and wonders galore.

Michele Varian - This shop reminds me of a luxurious, whimsical bazaar.  Lots of bright fabrics and fanciful trinkets.  (Plus, if you go there, you can visit my all time favorite shop in the world, De Vera, which is a few doors down.  I've mentioned De Vera multiple times already, like here and here.)

Barneys Home Floor - Yes, I know, this is way out of my league.  But I am always impressed by their selection of unusual and original pieces, not to mention their stunning displays.

Interiors

Distant Origin Shop on Mercer Street, NYC

So I am about to refurnish and redecorate the apartment, now that this boy is moving in, so I definitely have had home shopping on the brain.  I've found myself wandering into both new spaces and old favorites, to get ideas (and of course, the occasional trinket).  If I was a bazillionaire, here's where I'd be spending my money (the NYC-centric version):

De Vera - Yes, I know, I know, I've mentioned this place many times over, but really, it is magnificent.  Please visit if you haven't already.  Mind-boggling objects from around the world, curated like an eccentric's personal museum. 

Lafco - A monastery-like shop with a beautiful wrought iron gate for an entrance.  They carry beautiful European products, including the exquisite Santa Maria Novella bath and body line.

John Derian Company - Creator of breathtaking decoupage platters and plates, carrier of fine trinkets and linens.

Distant Origin - Exotic, deluxe furniture and objects from around the globe.

Leekan Designs - Importer of Eastern furniture and curios.

Evolution - Purveyor of fossils, taxidermy, and natural wonders. 

MoMA Store - Home of all things modern and innovative, as one would expect.

Dinosaur Designs - They manufactor resin housewares and jewelry in luscious colors and varying degrees of translucence.  Really, it all looks like a gorgeous chaos of candy.

Obscura Antiques and Oddities - The name says it all. 

Pearl River - Chinese megastore, filled with plates, papers, and knick-knacks from the Orient.  The only place on this list I can actually afford.

Any other suggestions?