Red Pearl

Red Pearl

Photo: Red Pearl

Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Type of Place: Women's Clothing Gift Shops

Description:
Just in case you need reminding...Mother's Day is this weekend. As in, soon!

And just in time, we've found a place that will remind Mamma that you see her as a fun, chic, and happening woman as well as a mom. What? You *don't* see her that way? Well then, take a moment to adjust your attitude while you're heading to Red Pearl.

Once you've remembered that, when she's not busy fussing over you (or the child you have with her, as the case may be), Mom is a woman with taste, style, and a sense of humor, you'll find plenty for her here. The shop offers a mix of the practical and the whimsical; many pieces combine both. I loved the white ceramic salt and pepper shakers that fit together into the intriguing shape of a brain ($18); the tape dispenser shaped like a little bald guy sticking out his tongue (the tape is the tongue; $22), and the mug featuring the same little bald guy (the mascot, apparently, of the company that makes these goods, Propaganda) "licking" a drip of brown glaze that's trailing down the cup's side ($19).

Taking Mom out of the house, there are some very cute clothes (I loved a dusty blue dress with a ruffled skirt, $170); spring/summer scarves, from $29 (personally I have been getting great use from my own collection of said scarves since March or so); a fabulous clutch with a Keith Harring print ($98); and a great assortment of jewelry (I tried on a stretchy black and silver beaded ring, $28). She'll need to stay hydrated on the go, so consider the TK:ARO glass water bottle with a stainless-steel cover, $33 (and wonder whose great idea it was, once upon a time, to coat our lives with plastic everywhere).

As I shopped, I enjoyed hearing a car play Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" out on the street and inhaling the shop's delicious Voluspa candles ($10 for small, $32 for larger; I adored the Panjore Lychee candle's fragrance, and it has the added benefit of a bright pink color, if Mom likes that kind of thing).

Only one caveat: The shop has a line of Spanx undergarments. These are useful for holding in bellies and thighs and holding up butts. The Mom on your list may well use them. But I hope I don't really need to tell you not to give them to her as a gift. Practice these words instead: "You look fantastic exactly as you are. And hereā€”let me do the dishes." Enjoy!

  - Pamela Grossman; May 7, 2010

Red Pearl
202 Bedford Ave.
(between North 6th & 5th)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 599-0023
Website
Map

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