In order to tell you about our favorite places, we took a little field trip so that we could give you the full 411. File this away--you might not need this info today but you never know when you'll need to trick out a cape for a school play or buy a piece of gold braid to replace the belt on a dress you bought at Century 21.

If you only have time for one stop it's M&J Trimming, the granddaddy of them all. Buttons, buckles, beads, nailheads, pocketbook handles, appliques, marabou, and project kits galore. Hilary's unused purchase: crochet trim to lengthen her daughter's dress that still fit in the shoulders but is too short. Alyssa's unused purchase: glittery pirate appliques to bling out a pair of her daughter's Converse.

Trims dè Carnival is an 8-year-old girl's dream come true. It's a store filled with sequins and paillettes (you know, those round spangly things) of every imaginable color and size. Bring sunglasses because the glare is blinding. They also sell a line of blinged-out lingerie called Embellishwear. Hilary's unused purchase: American flag patches for last year's July 4th BBQ. Alyssa's unused purchase: iridescent rhinestones to bling out a pair of her daughter's Converse.

When our girls were younger, we used them as a front to visit Hyman Hendler, the best place in NYC for hair ribbons. For over 100 years, this family business has sold every imaginable kind of ribbon--silk, satin, velvet, grosgrain, and a huge selection of vintage ribbon. Hilary's unused purchase: 6" wide French satin ribbon to trim the bottom of her drapes. Alyssa's unused purchase: frilly ribbon to bling out a pair of her daughter's Converse. We learned a fabulous new word at Tinsel Trading Company: passementerie, which is the trimming of braid, cord, or beads in any form. This store is a world of both vintage and reproduction braid, beads, feathers, silk flowers, and hundreds of boxes of creative decorative items--all displayed like an old-fashioned emporium. Read the "about us" on their site--it's a great family story. Hilary's unused purchase: a silver bullion anchor applique to adron a blazer. Alyssa's unused purchase: glitzy pompoms to bling out a pair of her daughter's Converse.

The "Store Across the Street" is Tinsel Trading's annex, where they sell tons of gorgeous ribbon, scrapbooking supplies, the whole Martha Stewart craft line, and also offer crafty classes.
If buttons make you hungry, pop in to Starwichon 38th near 6th for yummy sandwiches and salads. Since Hilary wasn't cleansing last week, she had a soft-shell crab BLT and since Alyssa is afraid to eat anything with claws, she had the braised short ribs on challah. And if for some god-forsaken reason you've brought your husband with you on this trip...we found the perfect "lounge" on Sixth Avenue between 37th and 38th.efore you head home, pick up a bottle of Sobo Craft Glue and a bottle of Magna-Tac (sold at all of these stores). These glues dry absolutely clear and are the best for attaching to fabric (can't tell you how many tutus I've embellished!) or for use in just about any craft project.
---Happy trimming! A & H