Jaunted

Though Strøget and its surrounding streets boast easy access to a mass of boutiques, department stores, and familiar chain retailers, I found decidedly more unique, niche shopping options on Jægersborggade, located in the heart of Nørrebro.

Here, in addition to Noma-alternative restaurants like Manfred's and Relæ, I came across one lovingly merchandised, independently run boutique after another, ultimately leaving with three pieces of original art for under $150.00, plus a pair of Isabel Marant jeans for under $50.00.

Recommended are CMYK kid, a gallery-come-print factory where you can browse through hundreds of original pieces of artwork and have gregarious owner Maya Langeland produce a print (or prints, as was the case for me) for you to take home on the spot. It is a haven of edgy, affordable art, with prices averaging $45.00 for a small unframed piece around 11" x 17", slightly more for those framed and mounted. Also for sale are art books and hard-to-find 'zines, postcards and other creative miscellany.

Just across the street, My Favourite Things is teeming with eco-friendly wares, including Sigg-esque water bottles, deliciously-scented Hurraw! vegan lip balm, soy nail polish remover by A Beautiful Life, Timber t-shirts and the odd piece of vintage or gently used designer clothing. (MFT is where I scored the nearly new pair of Isabel Marant jeans.)

Mademoistella, meanwhile, is a pocket of a vintage shop where you can find floral-printed house dresses, high-waisted skirts, a sequinned jacket here or there, and an eclectic selection of reasonably priced jewelery and trinkets.

Also on Jægersborggade are boutiques specialising in everything from the expected (the requisite vinyl shop) to the eccentric (in one store's window was an assemblage of random action figures). I found myself setting a mental spending limit, lest I get too carried away while making the rounds. I suggest you do the same.

[Photos: Heidi Atwal]