Built by Wendy (CLOSED)

Chicago native Wendy Mullin has quietly built herself a low-key clothing empire since Built by Wendy launched in 1991: The colorful guitar straps she once designed (favored by hip rockers like Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth) have since expanded into both men’s and women’s clothing lines, along with a series of patterns (created with sewing giant Simplicity) and books that teach creative customers how to make their own stylish threads. The Williamsburg location of Built by Wendy opened in 2005 as a companion to this flagship Nolita store, and you’ll find unfussy items liked cotton dresses, denim shirts and tees that are flattering, comfortable and incredibly cool.