The skinny on Fred Flare.

Named after American film icon, Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer and actor Fred Astaire, Fred Flare is an online and physical retail store housing the cutest products, clothing, accessories, you could ever think of. The Brooklyn based project was formed in 1998, as owners Keith Carollo and Chris Bick started selling disposable drink coasters off the back of their bikes in SoHo. Gradually the Fred Flare line grew to include stationery, home decor items and accessories, available at stylish emporiums around the globe.

Years went by, the brand prospered, and the store grew, selling the latest gadgets, cameras, accessories, and beyond, turning a grassroots operation into an internet phenomenon and a Brooklyn boutique staple. We love the way they curate their product collection. We love their ultra fun website loaded with blog entries, music playlists, and hot items. And most of all they're just kind of fabulous.
 

Chatting with Chris Bick of Fred Flare.

Q: All time favorite item you have ever carried?
A: Uh-oh. I have 3, is that ok? 1. Wacky Bandages: they are hilarious. 2. MK&A tee from our 2005 NBT contest: You know how we feel about the Olsens! 3. iKaraoke: um, hulloy, you can sing karaoke whenever/where ever! But I’m kinda in love with everything we have.

Q: Slap bracelet or fanny pack?
A: Fanny pack FO-SHO! Slap bracelets are great and all, but totally dangerous!

Q: Favorite celebrity Fred Flare shoppers?
A: Whoa! Hard question! Maybe Susan Sarandon, Katie Perry and Emma Roberts? But we are so super thankful for all our customers, those are just the most recent shoppers from the past month or so.

Q: Best part about being in Brooklyn?
A: The people. We have AMAZING neighbors! Everyone is so friendly and adorable, we feel so lucky.

Q: Favorite up and coming designers/brands?
A: We are loving Alexis Bittar right now! The Joan Collin’s ads are incredz! BB Dakota is obviously one of our all time fave lines AND we are completely in love with Jonathan Adler for home décor! We also kinda died over the Tom Binns for Disney Couture, Alice Collection and we sold out of that immediately so, you know it was beautiful.

Q: 3 must have accessories for the spring from Fred Flare?
A: 1. RINGS: Disney Couture Tinkerbell Egg Ring: it looks like a super expensive, fancy cocktail ring, but it opens to reveal little pearl eggs and a baby bird! We also have more playful rings like a mustache ring, a bunny ring and a “diamond” ring, which is really just diamond shaped ring and even an arrow ring. I also encourage wearing em all at once.

2. SUNGLASSES: completely obsessed with wearing a different pair of sunnies every day! Round Chanel style, wire or plastic frame aviators, giant face covering frames, wayfarers, everything you can think of!

3. BAGS: The perfect bag can make the outfit! A fun duffel with anchors all over it is perfect for running errands, a slouchy military tote is SO in right now and small crossover bags are a total necessity! In every color!

Q: Favorite mustache style?
A: It’s a three-way tie. Love that classic Handlebar stache, but the Walrus adds a bit of comic relief and if the Horseshoe is good enough for the Hulk… We stand behind it! We LOOOOOOVE good facial hair!

Q: How does Fred Flare keep business green?
A: We’re so super conscience of the environment and we are totally aware of all of our materials. We recycle ALL technology, use only recycled materials and recyclable materials for shipping and we all make sure to separate our in-office trash. We love mother earth and we really try to think about staying green no matter what we do!

Q: What are you listening to?
A: If we aren’t listening to the fred flare boombox, we are jammin’ to the Jennifer Lopez station on Pandora or the Joan Jett station. Both supply a ridiculous amount of sing-to jams.

Q: If you could style any one person in Fred Flare carried gear, who would it be and what would you style him/her with?
A: I know you think I’m gonna say an Olsen, but NOPE. My answer is Rachel Bilson. She is stunning, has spectacular style and looks perfect in everything. I would accessorize her in the Evan sunglasses, gunslinger necklace, tortoise chain necklace, arrow wrap ring, bunny ring, twist buckle gladiator sandals, panama fedora, simply perfect sling bag in red and I’d dress her in the Bernadette mini dress (but I’d make her wear it backwards to get a rounded neckline instead of v-neck), and heritage club rugby sweater.

Q: Favorite magazines?
A: I totally subscribe to everything! BUT Marie Claire is the most amazing fashion mag! Lucky is a great shopping mag! Real Simple and Oprah are also must-haves! And I’d like to have a moment of silence for Domino… By far, the biggest magazine loss.

Q: Dream designer to create an exclusive Fred Flare series?
A: Marc Jacobs or Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen.

Q: Things you’re currently inspired by?
A: Layering, comfort, our customers, soft fabric, bold patterns, NYC! We’re inspired by everything around us!

Q: Best party of 2010 so far?
A: Everyday is a party here at ff…

Q: Best coffee in Brooklyn?
A: The Brooklyn Standard! Eat Café! Grumpy’s!

Q: Blogs you’re reading?
A: The Sartorialist, Perezhilton, Style Rookie, and a list of others that prolly too long!

Q: Favorite retail stores?
A: Fred Flare!

Q: Best cupcakes in New York?
A: Magnolia for sure!

Q: How long until you stock iPad accessories?
A: Hopefully sooner than later! WE LOVE THE IPAD!

Q: Favorite niche kitchen appliance (non-traditional item)?
A: I don’t cook! Haha. Panda Skillet, Moo Mixer & the Fisticup Brass Knuckle Mug.

Q: Nike or Adidas?
A: Seriously? NIKE! Duh!

Q: Has anyone at Fred Flare slept with Tiger Woods?
A: Not that we know of yet… But I guess you can keep checking our blog to see if someone comes out about it.

Q: Favorite NYC street food vendor or truck?
A: Wafels & Dinges. YUUUM!

The Fred Flare Top 5 Favorite Random Things.

5. Squish-faced kittens.
4. Birthday candles right before they get blown out.
3. Jen's Matthew Williamson dress (complements of Keith).
2. Diane (1st FF employee & she’s still here).
1. Sprinkle covered donuts.

Thanks to Jennifer and Chris of Fred Flare for working with us to put this together. Get connected with Fred Flare on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and on their blog.

For store locations, directions, hours of operation, and a virtual tour, please click here. For online shopping, click here and get your shop on.

PS - They have a great Flickr set called Fred Flare Blast Campaigns and we pulled a few of our favorites for your viewing pleasure below.