Weekend in Ridgewood, NJ
This past weekend James and I ventured out to the nearby town of Ridgewood, NJ. After making the 15-minute trip to get frozen yogurt last week (we have these cravings often), we realized that this cute little town had so much more in store. The little town is full of boutiques, a few big-name stores and small businesses as well. There is a restaurant for every type of food you could think of and the streets and scenery are just so pretty. I predict we’ll be spending many more weekends there.
We started off by walking up each and every street to admire the stores and go into ones we found interesting. This of course meant I went into every clothing and jewelry store, but what more would you expect?
One of the most prevalent types of stores we saw were consignment stores. We’re not talking the “this place smells like old books” type of store. These stores are full of designer brands at affordable prices- we’re talking Kate Spade, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana and more. My favorite was Savvy Chic Consignment, which is an upscale consignment boutique that specializes in designer and boutique labels. I fell in love with a Juicy Couture trench coat, but sadly the sleeves were a couple inches too short for my liking. BUT I did end up going home with a pretty fuchsia Banana Republic blouse that would be perfect for a night out.
In addition to the consignment stores, there are plenty of cute women’s boutiques that offer fun and fashionable clothing. I had great luck at Gypsy Warrior, a trendy store that features boho-chic jewelry, lots of leather and edge tops. Sure, it’s not exactly work-appropriate, but the clothes are perfect for nights out, music festivals and more. I ended up snagging this leopard dress (which I plan on wearing as a tunic/blouse) and a few bracelets (ranging in price from $10 to $16 each). And I used up an old Gap gift card on this shrunken boyfriend printed shirt with cute hearts all over.
Now onto the jewelry. For higher-end pieces, I suggest trying out Paris Jewelers (which is part of Medz Gifts). They carry lots of pretty jewelry and gorgeous china and figurines for bridal registries. For the best selection of jewelry I have EVER seen, Hot Jewelry Box is where it’s at. Doesn’t the name just make you want to go in? Just look at the photo above. They have every type of ring, bracelet, watch, necklace or hair accessory you could ever think of in every color of the rainbow. They had a great variety of gold and silver items, as well as high-end pieces and more affordable ones, too. I ended up buying a delicate turquoise beaded bracelet and a pair of silver hoops. I was a little overwhelmed by the entire store on my first trip, so a follow-up needs to happen ASAP!
Finally, we stumbled across one of those places where you paint your own ceramic objects. I realize that these are for 8-year-olds, but I’ve actually never been to one and have always wanted to. So we had a few hours to kill before dinner and ended up sitting down and painting some cute coasters for our new apartment at Color Me Mine. They’ll be ready for pick up next week- let’s hope they come out well! I ended up making a lemon and cat coaster, while James opted for 2 of his favorite teams, the Jets and Knicks.
Finally, we ended the day with dinner at a tiny Italian restaurant called Pasta e Pollo. The fried calamari appetizer was light and breaded perfectly, while my chicken francese had the perfect amount of lemon flavor. The portions were HUGE- I’m talking two pieces of chicken the size of my head. We’ll definitely be going back soon.
What fun things did you do this weekend?
That is such a cute idea to paint coasters for your house! It’s personalized decor and a fun activity!
I love those Color Me Mine places. It use to be THE spot to go in middle school … and yet I find myself still going when I get the chance 🙂 love the coasters!
We were definitely the 2 oldest people in there haha
Seems like the perfect way to spend your day, full of fun activities, food, and shopping. You look pretty in that little summer dress.
thank you!
Looks & sounds like an awesome weekend 🙂 Love all those fabulous necklaces!
This sounds like a pretty amazing place to visit! Do show the Banana Republic blouse!
I will in the future!
My sister lives in Glen Rock so she’s always going to places in Ridgewood! It’s a bit of a hike for me though. The ceramic place looks like so much fun!
awesome!
Such a perfect little weekend!! Sounds like a great town to visit. I recently went with some gf’s to paint pottery – mine did not turn out too pretty (apparently I’m not as good as when I was 8!!), but it was a fun, unexpected activity!!
I definitely want to take my Mom and girlfriends out in the future there
This looks so fun! I head past that area every weekend on my way back and forth to Scranton/LI in the fall!
aw yay! stop by and see me next time 🙂
I LOVE color me mine – so fun. Looks like you had a great weekend!
what a fun weekend! and love how long your hair is getting – i wish i could grow mine out that long without it looking stringy!
aw thanks! I trim it a little, but I’m just letting it grow
Your hair looks so cute in that first pic! Those consignment shops sound awesome.
aw thanks!
i love paint your own pottery! it’s so fun and relaxing. sounds like fun to visit a new town with all of the shops and restaurants 🙂
Sounds like fun! I love exploring new towns on the weekends. I also love your dress!
thank you! H&M
I love Ridgewood! A close friend used to live there!
it’s so nice!
What a fun weekend! I haven’t painted ceramics in years, but I always enjoy it!
We went to a pottery type place for my Bachelorette Party. We could bring our own food and drinks. It was so much fun and everyone painted a piece for my new home. I want to go back soon. I didn’t have much of a weekend. I picked up little man Friday afternoon from daycare and he had a 101 fever. I took him to the dr Saturday morning and he has strep. 🙁
that’s such a good idea!
Ridgewood is definitely one of the most picturesque towns in the area, next time you’re there, I recommend the Ridgewood Coffee Co. – their chai latte’s are the best! That’s so cute you two painted coasters for your place, sounds like a fun weekend 🙂
I will check it out next time I go!
how fun are those coasters?! i spent all weekend at wedding festivities for my best friend 🙂
You guys are too adorable…what a fun day!!! And when you posted that IG picture of all those necklaces, I almost died!! Looked like heaven!!
What a great day! I love those places where you paint ceramic pieces! It’s so much fun!
I’ve visited Ridgewood before! Such an adorable little town. Looks like you had a great weekend! I unpacked from my trip, caught up on some sleep, and cooked dinner for a friend last night. Kinda boring, huh?
Sounds lovely! I can’t wait to see you style all of your new finds on the blog.:)
It sounds like a lovely weekend! That necklace wall looks like heaven!
This looks like such a fun excursion! I love the dress you wore. And thanks for the shops tour 🙂
Looks like a fun trip! Makes me want to make it to a cute little place in Minnesota before it gets too cold 🙂 Love your dress too!
thanks Rachel! H&M
ridgewood is the best! i could be in hot box for hours — they have everything. also love gypsy warrior and fox’s. 😀
I haven’t checked out Fox’s yet, but now I need to!
I’ve never been to Ridgewood, but I’ve heard great things about it! You’ve definitely convinced me that I need to check it out someday!
We should go someday!
I love those kinds of places… not just for 8 year olds!
Okay, this place sounds adorable! And you look stunning. I am dying to go to that consignment shop someday!
aw thank you Jacy!
What a fun place, and so great to hear that it’s by your new place! It’s always fun discovering new places to shop and eat!
Cute tea cup!
Sounds like a fun weekend!
Those necklaces are beautiful and I have not painted pottery in such a long time!
so fun! I love discovering nearby towns and all they have to offer.
What a fun little trip! I love shopping downtowns like this with neat little stores.
Sounds like a great weekend trip! I haven’t been to Color me Mine in a long time, but it’s always so much fun when we go! Going to have to add that to my to-do list! 🙂
What a fun weekend! I love finding new little boutiques to get my shopping fix. 🙂
All of those necklaces! i used to love doing pottery in camp and Color Me Mine looks like so much fun! I really can’t wait to see the coaster because it already looks so good!
Fun times! I’ve always wanted to go to Color Me Mine too! I’m patiently waiting for my nephew to get a little older so that I can take him.
You look so gorgeous in these pictures!
aw thank you!
I love those pottery places, such a fun date day! And I am beyond jealous of that jewelry place!! I love little gems like that!