Love Shine

A Wonderful Gift Shop
Almost walked past this bright, eclectic and novel shop. They seem to specialize in high-​end handcrafted bags of many styles including the quirky and the bizarre. But they’ve branched out to sell jewelry, cards, masks and curios from Mexico and elsewhere. Included is a remarkable collection of «milagros» large and small. Fascinating just to walk around the store looking…
Just try to drop in and not buy something! An East Village gem! You won’t regret going out of your way to visit.

I loved my «Day Bag» from Love Shine so much, I had to have them remake it for me. It’s a deceptively small bag that holds way too much stuff, such as a travel mug and a 32 oz water bottle, my wallet, my phone, my smokes, my mp3 player, some gum or mints, some aspirin, a nail file, my 2012 Mah Jong Card, and my Nook. If I were going on Let’s Make a Deal, THIS is the bag I would take with me. I am constantly getting compliments and comments about the bag and the cute little Pup In a Cup picture on the front of the bag. My first version lasted me about 3 years of daily use and abuse before I sent it off to my punk rock younger sister and had the guys at the shop make me a new one just like my original one. They rock!!! Shop online or at the store and know that you are getting a quality piece of handmade merchandise.

I have loved LOVE SHINE for as long as it has been there. Great for Christmas gifts. Great for gifts for the younger set or anyone that is young at heart. Support your small business owner!

Gotta jump on the 5 star train for this one.
As other reviewers have said, everything is really quirky/​fun/​unique. I came in here looking for a not so typical wallet for myself and was actually overwhelmed with all of the options. I ended up choosing an oil cloth trifold wallet in purple and am already in love. SO much room for all my money, cards, and change and the print is so bright and cheerful :).
To top it off, the store smelled like incense which to me was sort of homey and reminded me of a cute little similar store I used to frequent during my Middlebury summers called Wild Mountain Thyme. And the man at the counter was super friendly yet noninvasive while I was browsing.
And the wallet itself was $ 24 dollars. And it was made by the people who own the store!
So at the end of the day I was totally in love with this place. and will gladly support this local business any chance I get :).

I really like Love Shine. It’s a couple blocks away from my apartment and I always stop in when I walk by. The last time I came I got a retro gnome motif postcard (i have a weird liking of gnomes, don’t ask), and several patches. They hand make bags and yoga mats in groovy patterns, and have a good selection of unique jewelry. Definitely check it out if you are in the area.

Despite the pain it inflicts on my pocketbook I’m kind of addicted to Hotcakes jewelry. Lovely resin pieces with pictures animals and flowers inside. Unique, and nice and chunky, just how I like my jewelry. And so it was that I was wearing some of my HC jewelry in NYC when hanging out with a friend who greatly admired my pieces. After multiple compliments over the weekend I knew it was time to get her one of her own. So we did a quick search on the Hotcakes site and they pointed us in the direction of Love Shine to pick one up. Little did we know we’d also stumble upon a delightful little shop.
First, the bags? Adorable (15% off a bag with a Unilocal check in too, FYI!) and handmade in the shop. I could have easily taken home about 5 or 6 if I weren’t limited on funds and luggage space! Lots of really lovely jewelry (Hotcakes and otherwise) are also easily found here. Other bits of fun to be had as well, like the lucha libre masks that were a total hoot to try on and take pictures in, doggie accessories, papery goods, etc. There’s a lot of Mexican influence to be had here with the Dia De Los Muertos art pieces and sculptures for purchase as well.
The gentleman running the store was quite friendly and chatted with us about the shop and the ring she was buying (an owl. Hooray!). The prices here were pretty on par with what I’ve paid for in the past, which is good to see. Definitely a shop worth popping into if you’re working your way around the East Village!

Star #1 for the friendly dude who is always here. I don’t know if he’s an owner or manager or just a dude or what, but I love receiving a genuinely warm reception when I walk into a store.
Stars #2 and 3 for each of the awesomely useful but also verrry cute handbags I’ve bought here. One of these handmade puppies was on sale for only $ 20 because there was some small flaw with the fabric. I certainly don’t notice any flaws.
Star #4 for not being Urban Outfitters.
Star #5 for being on the same block as Lula’s Sweet Apothecary. Whoa, did I just let that out? Yeah. Fine. Now you know.

As a lover of all things Mexicano, this spot was a cheerful find and a great spot for locally made goods. I’ve had a door mat I bought from here for years, and I love seeing it and the story behind it.
Cutest postcards ever.
I only wish this store was bigger, and had internet ordering.

I’m a longtime Love Shine customer, and have several bags (all bags are made on premises.) I’ve even had a cow-​spotted shoulder bag made to order here, although my favorite is still the messenger bag that says, «NO TOCAR – PELIGRO DE MUERTE» on it. (Don’t touch – Danger of Death)
I love supporting local businesses, especially when they’re so cool! I’ve bought a lot of people gifts from here, and love the eclectic mix of stuff.
Mark also hosts parties and art exhibits here; the store is a real asset to the neighborhood. Long live Love Shine!

Cute store with lots of pretty, unique accessories. They specialize in bags with awesome, often-​floral designs. They have awesome music playing. A fun place to shop!

i love love shine i have bought everyone i know a bag here they rule !!!

I just was in NYC for the weekend, and staying down the street from this shop. I am familiar with it, as I used to shop here sometimes when I lived in the area. While I was away, the shop moved one space over from where it used to be, and they were able to expand some. That made me happy, because this is a great little shop!
I love the bags that they have here. They are all designed and made in-​house, and they have a nice variety of sizes and kinds. I picked up a bag with a picture of a gnome on it. Many of the bags use Mexican oil cloth. Almost all of the bags are really bright and cheery. They are a little expensive, but not terribly so. They are also very sturdy, and well made.
In addition to bags, there are a bunch of El Dia de los Muertos figurines, Mexican wrestling dolls and masks, jewelry, funky little books and journals, and lots of other colorful things for the eye. I think it is a great place to buy an interesting gift for someone, or to treat yourself to a little piece of happiness.

I love Love Shine. It’s a locally grown business with hand-​made bags. The fabrics are bright, cotton or Mexican oil cloth, some vintage-​looking. The bags are sturdy and come in great shapes and sizes from little zipper pouches to big carryalls, backpacks, fun wallets. Prices are not bad for well-​made, original designs (I paid $ 36 for a happy summer bag).

Nice lucha Libre masks and figures, dia de los muertos ceramic heads, mexican bride and groom cake toppers. bags for the ladies, man bags, ugly-​patterned Mexican courier bags. (looks like old couches and curtains). $$