Shopping Small in NYC with Olivia Marcus
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I am a 24-year-old New York transplant that moved from the west coast to pursue a career in fashion/beauty media and I apparently love a good cliché! I work full-time at a media agency on a big beauty account and use my free time to discover new fashion, shops, and restaurants in the city. I live in the East Village and you can usually find me hanging at La Colombe or Mud!
Photo: @oliviamarcus
How did you get into TikTok and how have you grown on the platform over the past few months?
I went to film school at Chapman University and studied broadcast journalism and TV production, so I’ve always loved making videos and being on camera. When I first downloaded the app at the beginning of quarantine, I had dance video FOMO because I was terrible at those types of videos. I realized there were other niches on the app I could participate in when I randomly made my first TikTok showcasing my apartment and it shot up to 20k views in an hour. Since then, I have been making a conscious effort to document my daily life in the city – I have always dreamed of living here so I really try to make the most of every day. People seem to like following along and I’ve gained about 36k followers in just a few months.
You’re always showing off the coolest vintage stores and boutiques in NYC. How do you normally find these stores and what are your favorites at the moment?
Photo: @oliviamarcus
Thank you! I have honestly found a lot of them by just walking around! On Sundays, I like to pick a neighborhood to explore by myself for a few hours, and that always involves trying a new coffee shop and walking through stores. I also have an Instagram folder of places I want to try in the city! My favorite stores right now are The Break, Assembly New York, Isalis, Designer Revival and 10ft Single by Stella Dallas.
Going off of that, what is your favorite piece, vintage or new, that you’ve found shopping in these stores?
Ah, it’s so hard to pick! Right now, I am wearing a brown equestrian-style, vintage button up I bought at 10ft Single by Stella Dallas a few weeks ago. I think it was $18 and I wear it multiple times a week since it is such a great layering piece!
We love your style! Are there any new brands you’ve found and are loving right now?
Thank you! My favorite brands right now are The Frankie Shop, Donni, Stand Studio, and Hay for home accessories.
You recently made a TikTok about your goal to do all your Christmas shopping this year at small NYC businesses. What inspired this and how has it been going?
My street in the East Village has so many small businesses, and a lot of them are struggling for business right now. I love buying from small businesses because I get to support and build a connection with the person that has either made the item or has put so much thought into including it in their store. Shopping small has been going well so far! I’ve been able to find gifts that are unique and meaningful for my family. It’s also been so rewarding to hear from the owners that my videos are helping their sales this season!
Do you have any go-to gift ideas you normally suggest?
I think a nice candle is the perfect gift – there are so many different styles and price ranges. The Lex Pott candle is obviously very popular right now. Andrej Urem also designs beautiful handmade candles in Brooklyn. I personally love the scented candles Byredo makes.
What tips do you have for someone who wants to shop small when buying gifts for friends and family this year?
I would suggest picking a general theme/interest to base the gift around. Whether it is home décor, hiking gear, or vintage fashion, it is easier to research small brands when the gift theme is specific. Instagram is a great way to discover smaller brands too. I started saving photos posted by small brands I like and now my whole explore page showcases other small businesses!
Photo: @oliviamarcus
Are there any online boutiques you like? Or boutiques you’ve found in the city with an online presence?
Absolutely! The Break, Isalis, Assembly New York, Designer Revival, Coming Soon NY, and The Frankie Shop all have great online stores!