Sweet New Shop: The Annex

by angela
Monday, Aug. 4, 2008

If we see another Ed Hardy hat or shirt or anything Ed or Hardy we might just break down in tears. Can we rock something a little less saturated, folks? Please?

Okie fine, I'll save my rants for another time. But it brings me to my point (really!) which is sharing with you a fresh new take on accessories 'round here.

Meet The Annex. Royal Oak's new unisexy (no typo there- we mean it) little shop. It has some of the coolest, on-point accessories in limited quantities that local fashion freaks seek. Much of the merch is suitable for guys and gals - like the leather goods, hats, jewelry and scarves so it's like a two-for-one if you and your mate share taste.

I chatted with co-owner Doug Schwartz - a familiar face and head of curly hair you've likely seen out and about town - to get the scoop on the shop, which is just under a week old. At The Annex, Schwartz and his partner Annie LeBlanc bring forth an array of unique jewelry, accessories, home décor, books and even a few shoes."Every time we travel, there's always cool stuff," Schwartz says of some favorite U.S. destinations like LA and Miami, "So we wanted to bring it here."

The chic shop is romantic with its antique furniture and chandeliers. It's clever with its displays - white porcelain model hands to show jewelry, a ceiling pot holder to hang hats, a vintage piano showcasing books and more, a faux fireplace mantle to merchandise shoes from Oh Deer! and soon to come, my personal favorite- Irregular Choice.

How perfect are these plastic peep toe wedges? Comfy and you can wear them while washing your car!

What other gems does The Annex have? Well, if you're a Taschen fan you can score some books here. They also carry NASH a new line of vintage-inspired jewelry (a lot is religious) from Fred Segal's daughter, Nina. It's delicate, pretty and rosary-like. See?

If you're a hat lover, The Annex has your dome covered from fedoras to equestrian caps. "We're the place if you need a dope hat for the weekend," Schwartz says "or like a cool necklace."

He's right. More "cool" stuff might be a necklace from LA based designer Candace Ang, a leather wrap bracelet from Chan Luu, mini wooden charm earrings from Steven Shein, chunky metal rings and cuffs from NYC's La Petite Princesse (they're awesome!), Cadillac and Chevrolet rings cast from vintage keys by Keil Mead (check out the fab forget-me-not ring, too), a luxurious scarf from Literature Noir, leather goods my Marc Marmel (don't sleep on this) ... the list goes on. If you've got anywhere from $35 - $2,000 to spend, this here's the spot.

Aside from the proper products, the shop has a hip, at-home feel which makes shopping there a cinch. Really, there are wine bottles galore (that's not home to you?) and even Frankie, the precious mini bulldog pup. So drop by, say 'hi' and cop some cool gear.

The Annex is located is 738 S. Washington Street, Royal Oak. For more information check theannexonline.com or call 248.808.6843.