Min-K

I’m kind of baffled as to why Min-​K is so highly rated on Unilocal.It’s an OK store but it’s a bit overpriced and the quality of the clothes isn’t fantastic. It’s hard to really explain but the garments here occupy this weird place between H&M fast fashion and actually nice, posh pieces. For example, I bought ballerina tulle skirts here a few years ago. They look quite nice but they have an elastic waistband that is far too tight because they’re meant to fit a whole range of sizes. The lining also rides up in the most irritating way. They have faux leather shirts that seem nice when you take them off the rack but the collar and the sleeves are unfinished and they don’t have any shape to them. They have synthetic fur pieces that look alright from a distance but are clearly synthetic up close. There are neoprene floral skirts. They have faux leather dresses that are also shapeless and seem weirdly proportioned with very large arm holes, again, because they’re intended to fit a wide range of sizes. Most items in the store are either small, medium, large, or more often than not, one size fits all. As for pricing, most prices hover around the $ 100 mark give or take with some $ 200+ items and random more expensive pieces. It just seems like the quality doesn’t match up to the design so the pieces end up seeming aspirational instead of high quality and not worth the prices on the tags. Personally, I wait for the sales. Also, the dressing room in the back is quite shabby. It’s this small curtained off area with a mirror and a chair which surprisingly hasn’t changed in the years I’ve been coming here.

My absolute favorite clothing store in this area. I ALWAYS walk out with a purchase after stopping in ‘just to look.’ This is ok with me. It’s a small, Korean run boutique with pieces that are stylish, interesting and feminine. Everything is grouped together by color & they often have the same piece in several colors. Miniskirts, sweaters, dresses, jackets, tights, tanks, a small selection of jewelry, hats, and purses. I’ve gotten something from here in each of those departments, except I’m not a big fan of the shoes, the heels are not high enough for me. I like em tall and they gotta hurt! Right, so I like how they update their selection on what seems to be a weekly basis and everything is in the $ 90 range, so not over the top. Not so many choices that it’s overwhelming… and like I said, I always find at least one thing I like :)
Also, the shopgirls are always soo sweet and friendly.

I SERIOUSLY LOVE THIS PLACE. So many unique items. I thought it was Japanese place… interesting that it is Korean which I just found out reading the Unilocal reviews. When I talked to the store employee she was saying that the items were imported from Japan. Oh well. Who cares?
I bought two scarves and a hat. I wish I can buy everything from there. Loooooooooove their selection. Good quality and good price.

Tucked among vintage secondhand stores in the East Village, Min-k’s small boutique has unique pieces in unusual colors and combinations. With only a few pieces stocked in each style, you’re likely to get your hands on a one-​of-​a-​kind item that will boost your style for a fairly affordable price.
Min-​k owner Minji Kim designs her own line (Min-​k) for her stores and also stocks them with local and Korean talented designers including Talk Talk, Daisy, Diary, About, Number 13 and Sweet Face. All pieces range from $ 60-​$ 225 with most styles hovering around $ 150. A number of pieces are basics with a punch of style, such as an emerald green ruffle-​shouldered cardigan for $ 150, or a black and white empire waist dress for $ 125. Everything from structured jackets, vests, skinny pants, dresses and shorts can be found in bright colors and interesting textures. Many pieces are vintage inspired in quality fabrics that are sure to be go-​to staples.
There’s unique costume and locally made jewelry range from $ 25 – 100 with interesting pendant necklaces and silver braided bracelets perfect for layering. Detailed bags and clutches in fun shapes can be found for $ 50-​$ 200 in addition to scarves and garnished leather belts.
September 2009 Featured Boutique — The Boutique of the Week

Min-​K is a boutique filled with clothes from up and coming Korean designers. My love for this store began in the winter. I saw a very interesting coat in the window and just had to try it on. Now, every time I wear it people compliment the unique design.
Just this weekend, I went back to check out what’s new and ended up getting a dress and pants. I love shopping here because I know they only carry a few of the same pieces and no one else on the street will have it on.
I wish Min-​K was my secret boutique but it appears the word is out. According to their blog several celebrities have been spotted sporting the line. Oh no! It was bound to happen. :)

this shop is the cutest — i get sucked right in on my way home from work by the unique pieces in the window. like many manhattanites, i don’t like to look like everyone else. i don’t want to pass by someone on the street wearing the same print top from h&m for 19.99. so i shop here. many times, min-​k doesn’t stock many more than 2 of the same pieces so you’re sure to have something different. but at the same time, this shop isn’t so outrageous that you can’t wear the pieces into work (depending on where you work… so at least i can wear ‘em into work… but i digress). i’ve bought many a little dresses here and i know i’ll continue coming back here until i can’t squeeze into a size ²⁄₄ anymore…

this is one of my favorite place to shop.
it’s a small shop but they always have many cute clothes.
some of them are from japan, i am sure since i saw their japanese tags attached to some dresses.
i can easily spend hundreds of dollers at this shop.
not so good, not so good,
but i am happy.

Another one of my favorite clothing stores in the cit-​tay. I’ve bought a ton of tops there — gorgeous pieces. It’s not for the faint of fashion heart. All their clothes are bold and daring, using bold colors and weird combos. Shirts that can double as dresses with the belt built right in — genius. The dresses are amazing and are one size fits all, so the cuts are seriously on point. The bags are no joke either.
There are actually to Min-K’s now, one at the address and another one in nolita, both are similarly styled and the service is not in your face so you can browse around at you leisure.

Bright colors! Lots of girly skirts with deliberately contrasting touches — a bit of raw alongside the ladylike. Houndstooth! Polka dots!
…I’ve never found anything there to buy.
Hell, I’ve known people like Min-​k — adorable, earnest, and utterly empty. I want so badly to like them, but ultimately, there’s just nothing there.
I know it takes guts design clothing, let alone to open a store, and I give designer Minji Kim quite a bit of credit for trying. And her designs are pretty cute — some border on cutesy, but they’re not unattractive. They’re just rather poorly made, and overpriced. $ 250 for a printed cotton dress?
There’s a $ 20 rack at the back that had some decent sale pieces — nothing you’d have for more than a season, but they’d be fun while they lasted.