Though Smith Street had a good decade run as the shining example of south Brooklyn's comeback, the bloom may be off the gentrified rose. Though it was no surprise when a Starbucks crash-landed on the strip, the American Apparel was a bit more of a head-scratcher--there's already one nearby on Court Street, and one has to wonder how accessible plunge-neck tees really need to be. The latest blow to homespun Mom and Poppery came with the closing of Vegas bar, which is now sporting coming-soon signage for a Lucky Brand store. Things like this make it nearly impossible not to side with the chain-haters. Except, of course, when it comes to the Trader Joe's rumored for Court and Atlantic.

(Photo courtesy of Abrooklynlife)

So the weather's supposed to be down into the low 40s this weekend, but instead of staying at home and getting all gloomy, why not just do the two things that seem to cheer most Americans up: Eat and shop! This week we look at Brooklyn, particularly that hip, but not quite hipster, shopping area around Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. One of my favorite brunches in the area is Ceol on Smith Street. Ostensibly an Irish bar, this bright green pub serves pretty much the tastiest Irish breakfast I've ever encountered (and, jeez, I've encountered three, maybe four). Let me put it this way: It's the only restaurant where I think I will ever utter the phrase, "You do have the blood pudding today, right?" And the back room complete with antiques and a fireplace? Perfect for warming your toes before exposing them at Soula.

I take any season as a good excuse to buy a new pair of sneakers, but I caught spring shoe shopping fever this past weekend at Soula in Cobble Hill. The store has several spring-themed Converse, along with some rather fabulous sandals that I can't afford. I also just got the new Puma spring catalog that has some pretty hot syles for '07.