The working-class areas of Brooklyn -- Carroll Gardens and the surrounding Red Hook Docks and the Brooklyn Navy Yards -- provide inspiration for the new store Smith + Butler. The place stocks classic utility gear, home goods, apothecary products and vintage motorbikes. Think Brando riding his Triumph Thunderbird in On The Waterfront in a Longshoremen cap and Yukon wool cape coat, and you’ve got it.

The timing could not be more perfect to bring back the working man’s look: Army-Navy surplus, Woolrich, Levis, Red Wing, and Oxen Work Wear are thrown together with pieces from with A.P.C., Barbour, Filson, and Glory Denim. Smith + Butler offerings are about timeless pieces, built to last.

While co-owning the Montauk beach shop Tauk, and working as an interior designer, owner Marylynn Piotrowski, who lives in Carroll Gardens, started with the idea of basics that were once staples but becoming increasingly hard to find. “Items that aren’t going out of style. More people are moving to Brooklyn and I want to be the go-to hub here for quality with comfortable prices,” says Piotrowski, who also shows Motorcross photos by Erik Swain and portraits by Ben Watts at the store.

With an eye for bringing together furniture, clothes, books, and home goods like hard-to-find Transylvanian sheets (the latter are durable enough to throw over an old couch or make into a curtain) and now motorcycles, the vibe is that of nomadic biker with the sensibility of this charming Brooklyn neighborhood.

Being that she knows how to pick ‘em, we picked Piotrowski brain for her favorite local spots and gifts for your home and the holidays:

Bird (Women’s Apparel)
220 Smith St, Brooklyn (718) 797-3774
“Jen has a great selection and a good eye for women’s apparel and current designers.”

Yesterday's News (Antiques)
428 Court St, Brooklyn (917) 375-1361
“JP understands what I’m looking for, and the requests I have when working on design jobs.”

Smith and Vine (Wine)
268 Smith St, Brooklyn, (718) 243-2864
“Awesome wine and great prices, never a bad selection of wines.”

Staubitz Market
222 Court St (between Baltic St & Warren St), Brooklyn (718) 624-0014
“Local butcher, I love the service and traditional feel.”

Boat Bar (Dive Bar)
175 Smith St, Brooklyn, (718) 254-0607
“Great jukebox -- nothing special, which makes it just right.”

Bocca Lupo (Italian Wine Bar)
391 Henry Street, Brooklyn, (718) 243-2522
“My corner spot to unwind and gaze at the nice Cobble Hill streets.”

The Grocery (Restaurant)
288 Smith Street, Brooklyn (718) 596-3335
“Quaint local restaurant with great design...totally the essence of the neighborhood.”

Black Mountain (Wine Bar)
415 Union St, Brooklyn, (718)522-4340
“My favorite. Love the fireplace, love the decor, love the wine selection, love the fact it's off the beaten track. It takes someone to really be from the neighborhood to find this gem. Not to mention great food in small portions.”

Great Gift Ideas from Smith + Butler:

Dad
Barbour Hats, Scarves and Gloves
“Classic, never goes out of date and unbelievably affordable. Great for the whole family, actually.”

Boyfriend
Moscot Sunglasses, Filson Travel Bag
“Tradition is always key as well as Made in the USA for the ‘American’ boyfriend.”

Best Friend
Barbour Jacket, In God We Trust Jewelry
“Jewelry is local and I like to support great local artists.”

Shopping Smith + Butler on a recessionary budget:

Edison Bulbs, $15
“Makes a lamp look stunning without needing a shade, always an affordable decorative touch.”

Vintage flannels, $30 – 60
“Becoming highly collectible and there's always a fun story to where they are found. Some at Smith + Butler come from Jackson Hole, Philly and Oklahoma.”

Gloves, $20 - $100
“Because every year, one mitt or glove goes missing.”

~Sara Costello