Storefront: Inay Toys and Crafts

When Imelda McCain had her son, Lucas, she did what most mothers do: She went to mainstream toy stores to get mainstream toys.
"A lot of media, a lot of plastic toys ... go buy something just so that he would stop crying," says the owner of Inay Toys and Crafts. "And then later I realized there's something quite missing."
McCain, a soft-spoken former nurse, found inspiration elsewhere. She had always had a deep love for nature, and watching her son play with simple items like twigs and logs gave her ideas. Using her own innate crafting skills, she began making toys out of natural materials.
"You can make a lot of beautiful things with what nature gives us," McCain says. "That way, [kids] have connection with nature, animals and the creative people who make the toys. So it's not just consumption."
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Storefront: Kira Plastinina

We picked up five items during a recent visit to the Kira Plastinina store at GSP. Click here for the full story.
After another visit, however, we had second thoughts.
1. One should BEWARE of KP's return policy. All accessories are final sale (although, of course, the sales staff failed to share that bit of interesting information when I asked whether my purchases were returnable).
2. Perhaps the reason they don't accept returns on their accessories is that the items are very poorly made. Maybe they just don't want them back. Our pink heart earrings fell apart before they even came out of the box.
3. The KP store sells Dylan's Candy. I don't really see the connection, except both brands are sugary sweet and both "designers" have rich daddies.

Storefront: Jolie Zoe Deux

For artists who want to show their craft to random people around the world, there’s the Internet. For local artists who actually want to sell their work, there is Jolie Zoe Deux boutique and gallery in Rutherford.
“This shop is a godsend to every ‘starving’ artist out there,” says designer Carmela Staiano of Wayne, who sells gift and bridal products through the store. “We all need a little help to get started and express our unique craft and ideas.”
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Storefront: Mango Jam

The mango jam at Mango Jam gift shop is no ordinary fruit preserve.
Every 8-ounce jar is made in the Philippines with a special recipe passed down from owner Gina Damiano’s grandmother, using the country’s buttery mangoes. The jars are then hand-carried back to the U.S. — usually by Damiano or a family member — to be sold exclusively at the Ridgewood store.
“Once you try it, you get addicted,” says Damiano, who owns the store with her husband, Tony. “It’s fattening, but it is to die for.”
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Storefront: Basil and Lizzie

Remember that store we were shamelessly gushing about last week?
The story ran today. Click here to read about Wayne Martin, amazing former music-publicist-for-Mariah-Carey-turned-children's-advocate.

Storefront: Mishelyne's Fashions

At Mishelyne's Fashions, the term "alteration" takes on a whole new meaning.

"We don't just alter," says Sara Fuks, who runs the store with her mother, Michele Rosenberg. "We don't just do a hem and take it in a little bit. We remodel things."

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Storefront: WaterLeaf

Almost every product sold at WaterLeaf is socially or environmentally conscious in some way. From biodegradable umbrellas to jewelry made by the Maasai women of Kenya, the boutique offers countless ways to feel good about spending money.
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Storefront: Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters, the cooler-than-thou destination for all things youthful and hipster, has finally arrived in Bergen County. The new store at the Garden State Plaza carries apparel for women and men, in addition to accessories, books, and other random tchotchkes. Compared to most other stores of the chain, it has a very limited selection of home items, but there is still a lot to see, play with, and buy. Click here for our picks from a recent visit.

Storefront: Happy Tuesday

Unlike most of us, who tend to be a bit biased toward Fridays and birthdays, the two sisters who own Happy Tuesday have love for every day of the week.
"We just like the idea of celebrating every day, not needing a reason to give a gift or to buy something special for yourself," says Lisa Williamson.
"We just try to have a happy environment," adds her younger sister, Katie Taylor.
Happy Tuesday, situated in the heart of downtown Ridgewood, is an all-occasion gift shop with an endless selection of unique and adorable items. The store, which opened in 2003 after 2½ years in Easton, Pa., carries everything from stationery to handbags to home décor.
"We basically buy what we love at the time," says Williamson. "We don't necessarily have a theme. Basically, it's just a real eclectic mix."

Storefront: Marlon by Mishoe

Before becoming the owner of Marlon by Mishoe, Juetta Wallace was a loyal customer. She knew and loved the wig shop so much that when its former owner was looking to sell, Wallace jumped at the chance.

“I was already doing so many things in my life,” says Wallace, who works as a nurse by day. “But then I went home and said, ‘I’m ready to take all my savings and do it, I’m ready to do it!’”

Wallace became the new owner in January. The shop, named after its former owners, carries hundreds of wigs and hair pieces and  caters to all types of customers – chemo patients, cross dressers, Orthodox Jewish women, women suffering from alopecia (hair loss) or those simply wanting a new look.

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