January 5, 2007

Room for One

Caravan’s Uptown Boutique

It may be the size of a walk-in closet, but it’s home. (Stupid inflated property values.)

Need some extra space to yourself? Head to Caravan, the brick-and-mortar version of the mobile boutique seen on street corners last summer.

The tiny gem stakes its claim on the Upper East Side, and it sees just one customer at a time — by appointment only.

Take as long as you want admiring the garden, painted murals, light boxes (bird and berry silhouettes), and brands like Erotokritos, Vena Cava, and Castle Starr. You’ll run straight for the duffles from Sretsis (printed with carousel ponies); boys can sift through J. Lindeberg, Yoko Deveraux, Superfine, and Hyden Yoo.

Champagne will be ready on arrival. No pressure to purchase, though; try things on at your leisure and get honest feedback from the in-house stylists.

Because the last thing they want to do is cramp your style — not to mention your space.

Caravan, 128 East 91st Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues (212-722-7282). By appointment only.