22 W 29th Street, Chelsea
212 725 0008
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The New York souvenir shop is a storied institution of plastic bling and patriotic kitsch. One that you've rightfully and aggressively avoided at all costs. But today, we bring news of some recent developments in the souvenir game. And you're going to want to see this... Allow us to direct your attention 20 blocks south of the tourist precincts of Times Square, to No. 8a, a traveler's boutique filled to the brim with whimsical, thought-provoking trinkets.
236 Elizabeth Street, Soho
212 966 9069
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Picture a place. Not an ordinary place: a fanciful Shangri-la of erotic delights, filled with magical serums and secret doors hidden behind bookcases. A place that has a dressing room. That doubles as a confessional booth. With easy access to bondage gear and stuffed pheasants. Now take this Xanadu of earthly pleasures, place it on an unsuspecting street in Nolita, and you've got Coco de Mer: a tastefully risqué British lingerie and sex shop. Coco's warm, dark-hued entryway, with shelves stocked with lotions, potions and perfumes, might have you thinking you wandered into an antique pharmacy—until you notice chai tea–flavored massage oils, feathered ticklers and a $15K gold-plated vibrator.
262 Mott Street, Nolita
212 226 7846
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Sometimes, only a Swede will do. Like when you need a shelving unit and meatballs at the exact same time, or blonde revelers to dance around a maypole (you'd be surprised how often this comes up). Or, when the winter freeze approaches, and you don't have a coat designed for exploring the North Pole. For the latter, you'll want to drop by Fjällräven: the first American outpost of the classic Swedish outerwear company, and the new go-to spot for all of your Scandinavian needs, now open in Nolita.
Barneys, 660 Madison Avenue, Midtown
212 826 8900
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The heat has finally broken, September kicks off tomorrow and all of a sudden we're looking to fall. Which, of course, means it's time for the Olsen twins to start dressing you. Yes, we mean the Full House moppets/moguls. And we think you should let them do it. Introducing Elizabeth and James, a new line of straightforward, low-key gear that should keep you well heeled as you move into chillier times, now available at Barneys. So maybe the idea of wearing a button-down shirt birthed from the brains behind the direct-to-video classic To Grandmother's House We Go is a little frightening—understandably.
31 Crosby Street, SoHo
212 941 5045
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Ah, the thrill of surfing. The crashing waves, the quiet moments of Zen, the glory of Point Break. But whether or not you regularly channel the spirit of the ocean gods (or Keanu Reeves), you're certainly not opposed to sipping an expertly pulled espresso on a hidden back patio in Soho surrounded by foliage and high-end surfboards. Welcome to Saturdays, your new favorite surf shop and espresso bar and, most important, secret garden deck, now providing your latest hideaway for midday coffee and snacks.
146 West 22nd Street, Chelsea
212 206 1494
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A good apartment's all right, but good furniture can save lives. Whether it's the feather-soft couch that gently cradles reclining lady-guests or a tastefully lit velvet Elvis, the right item can change your homestead from a pre-party stopover to a fully stocked destination for inquiring minds. Having one more place to stash a vodka bottle is just icing on the cake. Welcome to Mantiques Modern, a small shop in Chelsea with some of the weirdest chairs, cases and blacksmithing equipment the past century has to offer, open now.
157 Orchard Street, Lower East Side
212 388 0079
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Jeans used to be simple—hardworking pants meant to be beat up and worn in on motorcycles while eating apple pie and playing baseball. But things have gotten a little weird—we're talking hidden cargo pockets, spandex zippers and turquoise kneepads weird. Arriving from San Francisco to fight the good fight is Self Edge, a store hell-bent on bringing you the best, most durable old-school denim in the world, now open on the LES. If you've ever seen Brando dockside in On the Waterfront or Newman cowboying up in Hud, you know that the same no-frills jeans those guys used to live in are pretty hard to come by.
160 Spring Street, SoHo
646 781 9050
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Enjoy your weekend. Really. But—and we hate to be buzzkills—don't forget: after this three-day jaunt comes to a close, you'll be headed back to a place called the office. And while going topless might be tolerated, even encouraged, during a long weekend, we doubt it'll be viewed quite as kindly when Tuesday morning rolls around. Fortunately, there's a new shop in town, designed with just this problem in mind. Introducing Jeremy Argyle, a store dedicated to the work-friendly staple known as the button-up, open now.
478 Broadway, SoHo
212 966 9555
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The Brits have taken over SoHo with their new invasion, the extension of the ever-popular TopShop. Offering the latest in fashion-savvy yet wallet-friendly clothing and bobbles, this new SoHo resident is sure to draw more people to an already chic area (especially if the two hour wait the morning of its opening last week is any indication of its potential!).
691 Madison Avenue, Midtown
212 751 3181
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The ultimate accessory store. Everything from silk and twill hand-folded ties, cashmere scarves, handkerchiefs and bracelets. All uniquely branded Hermes.
26 Bond Street, NoHo
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Focus is boring.
On the other hand, cocktail dens that employ tailors art galleries that double as playpens and shops that hawk motorcycles and workwear are the types of tiny department stores that pique your interest. So allow us to bring you a first look at The Smile, a brand-new general store, cafe and tattoo parlor that opened under-the-radar (and down a few stairs) on Bond Street tomorrow.
37 Crosby Street, SoHo
212 226 0067
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A darling lingerie shop specializing in wispy, made-to-measure underthings for small breasts. Every adorable, bustless wonder walks out feeling as va-va-voom as her more chesty counterparts.
13 Christopher Street, West Village
212 924 8515
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The latest togs from New York up-and-comers like Cinderloop, Valentine, Christina Hattler, and Joanna Baum. A haven for the sweet and trendy set.
8 Spring Street, SoHo
212 226 7030
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Suits and shirts with the details expected by Queen and country. The tiny but charming men’s shop stocks bespoke and off-the-rack clothing that’s very posh ... with a touch of spice. Think Spacehog in session at the House of Commons.
108 Stanton Street, Lower East Side
212 529 2338
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The place to come for the perfect mix of vintage and contemporary downtown chic.
150A West 10th Street, at Waverly Place, Carroll Gardens
212 924 6410
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Need a hostess gift? Find it amid the top-notch selection—from ceramic tumblers and vases to pillows, soaps, and stunning jewelry.
281 Mott Street, Nolita
212 343 9205
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Oh so precocious. Oh so glam. Up-and-coming designers you won’t see elsewhere.
21 Prince Street, Nolita
212 334 9048
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Lightly worn schmattes previously owned by models or socialites. Service is insufferably snooty.
449 West 14th Street, at Tenth Avenue, West Village
212 206 1272, extension 6220
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Chelsea mecca for the Imelda Marcoses of Manhattan. A whirlwind tour of global trends as interpreted by the hottest designers.
96 Greene Street, SoHo
212 941 9656
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Costly boutique for haute couture. New York’s answer to the famous Colette in Paris. Favorite of fashion victims.
238 Mulberry Street, Little Italy
212 431 5566
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Cutting-edge retailer-cum-gallery-cum-design store. Buyer has a wicked eye for of-the-moment items.
51 University Place, East Village
800 240 0308
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Lingerie at its finest. Coveted by many a perfect-bodied starlet. Cosabella to Wolford, naughty to nice—a girlie haven.
403 Bleecker Street, West Village
212 924 0026
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Fashion darling with lavishly casual flair. His West Village store has all the glamour and tailoring without the fuss.
239 Elizabeth Street, SoHo
917 237 9215
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Equal parts Tibetan wisdom and delicate beading make for simple, pretty jewelry that insiders love.
35 Howard Street, SoHo
212 219 2688
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Find your own style here. They feature a known and "in" designer or two and a bunch of unknowns and up and comings. The result is a fabulous and diverse selection. The three level space is amazing, and the service is the perfect balance of helpful and scarce.
60 Wooster Street, Upper West Side
212 334 6354
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If it’s low-slung, denim, or of-the-moment, it’s here. Well-curated selection of cute tees and accessories.
693 Fifth Avenue, Midtown
800 753 2038
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Striking, well-packaged wares. Even the shopping bag is hyperdesigned. Don’t miss Christian Tortu’s flower shop and the tearoom.
59 Fifth Avenue, Midtown
212 206 9333
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Leave your cellulite behind and lose yourself in a make-you-skinny aromatherapeutic massage beloved by models and movie stars. The transforming facial unearths even the most hidden cheekbones.
150 Mercer Street, SoHo
212 343 3515
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Whether you want it regular, Brazilian or Sphinx (think hairless cat), this is the place.
35 West 57th Street, Midtown
212 750 2485
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Don’t expect any love. But the waxing is top-notch and revered by a host of glamour gals.
828 Broadway, at 12th Street, Greenwich Village
212 473 1452
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Established in 1927. Family-operated. Great deals and steals. Main attraction: the famous eight miles of books.
350 Hudson Street, West Village
718 875 9772
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Newly minted cocoa sanctuary in West SoHo. Sip chocolate at the bar while taking a peek at vintage and state-of-the-art chocolate machinery, which manufactures Jacques’s delectables on the premises.
414 Avenue of the Americas, West Village
212 533 2732
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West Village apothecary with everything wonderful, sweet-smelling, comforting, and curative: old-fashioned salves, high-end cosmetics, hard-to-find imports, and everyday necessities.
225 Smith Street, Brooklyn
718 855 4295
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There's a certain appeal these days to working your way down the corporate ladder. Either that or buying a motorcycle and getting the hell out of Dodge. Here to help you pull off the handsome-but-I'm-ready-to-work-with-my-hands-if-I-have-to look or sell you a vintage motorcycle (or both) is Smith & Butler.
S&B seems to have figured out that women love a man in uniform; the airy wood-and-exposed-brick space is stocked with sweaters, coveralls, flannels, bags and jackets from the brands that built America (Filson, Pointer, Pendleton) and a few classic imports (Barbour, Belstaff, Saint James).
365 Bleeker Street, West Village
212 929 7180
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The place to find the latest items from designers like Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and Tocca along with up-and-coming designers. The boutiques are known for their hands-on staff, ready to help you find the perfect jeans, tops, dresses, shoes and accessories just right for your form.
Alternate Locations: 125 5th Avenue, New York, NY - (212) 533-9720
98 Prince Street, New York - (212) 966-5303
210 Columbus Avenue, New York - (212) 769-9116
1003 Madison Avenue, New York - (212) 249-7858
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM
819 Washington Street, Meatpacking District
212 255 4985
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A converted art gallery houses the same trendy designers as their online site (Ginger and Java, Lotta, Cigana, Subversive, Plenty, Alicia Lawhon, Pete, Foley, and LaRok).
114 Spring Street, SoHo
212 966 0400
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Cult Asian skin-care line Amore Pacific ups the ante on high-concept facial care. The stunning SoHo space, which consists of an interactive product gallery in front and podlike treatment rooms in back, mixes forest and future in equal measure.