ZEN COMES TO 86TH STREET

OVERWHELMED BY CONSTRUCTION? TRY PURE YOGA. By Sarah Liston There's been an awful lot of talk lately about buildings "going green." And at 203 E. 86th St., between Second and Third avenues, there's a new "green" building like you've probably never seen: greenery is literally growing from the façade. The grand opening of Pure Yoga studio has been much anticipated since the Pure Yoga offices opened earlier this year, rather ironically, in the old Krispy Kreme Doughnuts space at 1497 Third Ave. (the offices have since moved into the new space on East 86th Street, leaving ye olde Krispy Kreme space vulnerable to doling out artery-clogging treats once again, depending on who moves in next). Pure Yoga, the first U.S. location-and the first outside Asia-offers many varieties of this practice, including yin yoga, vinyasa flow and ashtanga, and it is certain to bring a desperately needed Zen vibe to the stressful, depressing "mall under construction" feeling of East 86th Street. Right around the corner at 87th and Third, the spot that once housed Bombay Company has been split in two and is now home to both Stride Rite (1542 Third Ave.) and Payless Shoe Source (1538 Third Ave.). Both opened a few weeks ago. But oddly enough, the older Payless store, at 1503 Third Ave.-only two blocks to the south-will stay open for now, giving Upper East Siders double the places from which they can purchase inexpensive footwear. With the two above shoe stores and the recent conversion of Orva into a giant shoe emporium (where are UES ladies supposed to buy a last-minute pair of fishnets now?), there certainly is no shortage of places to splurge on shoes. But, not counting Madison Avenue, there really aren't a whole lot of places in the 'hood to get a great new affordable dress. Enter Brazilian boutique Beijo, 1474 Third Ave. between 84th and 85th streets, a small store specializing in totally original dresses, tops, bathing suits and bags in various colorful prints and shades with a bossa nova bent. In business for less than a year, it's become my go-to place for dresses that have a timeless, placeless, logo-free je ne sais quoi. The frocks I've purchased there have been worn everywhere from 1920s dances on Governor's Island to R&B open-mike nights in Red Hook to weddings in Little Italy-and everywhere in between. Also adding to the list of places to score groovy garb, hippy chic retailer Free People recently popped up in the old La Tour restaurant space, at 1319 Third Ave., between 75th and 76th streets. The store, which opened on July 11, carries an assortment of women's clothing, heavy on the prints and textures. Think Anthropologie with a younger soul blended with a more mature version of Urban Outfitters. Colorful plastic buttons mounted on scraps of raw cardboard line the walls to create a truly adorable, why-didn't-I-think-of-that-myself aesthetic, and the dressing rooms are Twiggy-licious with their patchwork curtains and shag rugs. Be sure to try something on just so you can enjoy being cocooned in the funkiness. On a final note, say good-bye to those familiar pink and white stripes on the awning of Champagne Video at 1416 Third Ave., between 80th and 81st streets. The video store, which had been a neighborhood mainstay since 1985, shut its doors a couple of weeks ago due to a rent increase. But two other locations, at 1577 First Ave. and 82nd Street and 213 W. 79th St. between Amsterdam and Broadway, are still open for business and staying put. So put down your Netflix for an evening, get off your lazy hindquarters and go rent a video in person for a change, will ya?