Shopping in New York City
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Penny Whistle Toys
A small, indie, old-fashioned toy store, this bright shop is full of quality fun stuff, including display-worthy kites, Brio train sets, Czech marionettes, puzzles, costumes and collectible dolls.
reviewed
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Intermix
This pleasant little pop-pink storefront is packed with stylish tops, frocks and jeans from favorite designers like Chloe, Gemma, Helmut Lang and Splendid. It’s cool, cute and sexy all at once.
reviewed
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Delphinium Home
From the same owners as Delphinium Cards & Gifts is Delphinium Home, stocked with a great selection of glassware, shower curtains, kitchen tools and various other houseware items.
reviewed
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East-West Books
With a calming effect that takes place upon entering, this groovy bookstore stocks a wide array of books on Buddhism and Asian philosophies, plus chill-out music, yoga mats and earthy-crunchy jewelry.
reviewed
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Alife Rivington Club
Concealed behind an unmarked entrance (ring the buzzer), ARC feels more like the VIP lounge of a nightclub than a shoe store. You’ll find royal-hued carpeting, a long leather couch and a handsome display case of rare, limited-edition sneakers.
Stocks of those coveted Nikes and Adidas change often and sell out fast, so don’t dawdle if you see something you like. For more upscale streetwear, check out Alife’s spinoff, ARC Sports across the road.
reviewed
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B8 Couture
Lots of looks and styles, mostly big name European designers with some token Americans, are featured here. The magic is in how you mix collections - a girlish skirt from McFadden with a top from Gaultier.
reviewed
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Shareen Vintage
Climb to the 2nd floor to check out the racks of fabulous vintage goods. The owner flies to LA frequently to replenish her store, which pops with vivid prints and wild colors from the '60s, '70s and '80s.
reviewed
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A Cheng
Delicate clothes that fall on just the right side of dainty swing on the racks at Cheng's relaxed East Village shop - a simple but welcoming place that perfectly showcases her practical and pretty designs.
reviewed
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Still Life
The cool tones of Mobb Deep and Quiet Village will likely greet you inside Still Life, a haven for hat lovers. Check out styles like the Mingus and the Langston – it takes hats to a whole new level of hip.
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Mulberry
High end but not uptight, the friendly staff at Mulberry will help you wade through the designer bags, women's clothes, shoes and other accessories with nary a lifted eyebrow, and gift wrap your purchase too.
reviewed
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Artisans Gallery
Run as a collective, this story only carries knick-knacks and things made by local crafts people. Anything goes - scarves, frames, jewelry, handbags, paintings, stained glass bookends shaped like cats and dogs.
reviewed
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Banana Republic
Good ol’ Banana Republic sells its slick, stylish staid wear in no less than a dozen Manhattan stores; check the website for locations. This branch, at Rockefeller Center, has one of the bigger selections.
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Union Square Greenmarket
The Union Square Greenmarket is arguably the most famous greenmarket in NYC. It attracts many of the city’s top chefs to its stalls – to finger aromatic greens, fresh yellow corn and deep-orange squashes.
reviewed
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Amarcord
A vintage store stocked with European vintage dresses, bags and shoes that the owner hunts down on the continent, Amarcord is a favorite for thrift-store mavens, and on weekends gets visits from Manhattanites too.
reviewed
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Mick Margo
Sharp leather boots by Aigle, crisp Alexander Wang shirts and the latest from designers Rachel Comey, Jerome Dreyfuss and the like. And shoes, bags and sunglasses to accessorize the fantastically feminine clothes.
reviewed
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Dior
Stacks of signature Dior sunglasses, handbags and pumps line the walls. Women's clothing and high-end jewelry is in the back; men should head next door to the black-and-white space dedicated to Dior homme.
reviewed
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Gallery 440
One-stop shopping for art lovers or art browsers. Located above the famed Wooster Gallery, Gallery 440 has an eclectic roster of artists that it represents, and always has something fresh hanging in its front room.
reviewed
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H&M
The flagship H&M at Herald Sq is one of a dozen branches of the Swedish clothing giant (check online for other locations). Both it and the store at 51st St and Fifth Ave have large selections of discount clothes.
reviewed
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Unis
Unis remains a Nolita favorite for its classic, rugged fashions for men – with clothing so comfortable you’ll want to wear it right out of the store. You’ll find slim, nicely cut pants, soft button-downs and well-made jackets, plus peacoats and lambswool scarves come winter. You’ll also find leather satchels, belts and journal covers.
reviewed
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Shakespeare & Co
This popular New York bookstore is one of the city’s great indie options - with other locations, including Upper East Side. You’ll find a wide array of contemporary fiction and nonfiction, art books and tomes about NYC, plus a small but unique collection of periodicals.
reviewed
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Iris
All the fine Italian footwear you could ever dream of owning is on display at Iris. Strap on some strappies from Chloe, Viktor & Rolf, Galliano, Marc Jacobs and Branquinho and break out the plastic to pay for it all.
reviewed
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Honey in the Rough
Stocking colorful variations on the always-popular little black dress, Honey in the Rough is all about the party frock – vivid, youthful and still sophisticated. You won't miss your basic black once you try on one of these.
reviewed
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Lord & Taylor
Staying true to its traditional roots (Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, Calvin Klein etc), this 10-floor classic tends to let shoppers browse pressure-free (even in the cosmetics department), and has a great selection of swimwear.
reviewed
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Rebecca Taylor
On a block full of fun and funky clothes, this boutique's peek-a-boo designs stand out. Flirty and girlish frocks, swishy skirts and no-cling pants are big crowd pleasers - half of neighboring Nolita is dressed by Ms Taylor.
reviewed
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Breakbeat Science
Pick up the equipment and the clothes you'll need to be an effective DJ at this LES shop. It stocks turntables, DJ tees, hoodies and the requisite bling, as well as DJ sling bags, record-cleaner kits and even DJ toy figurines.
reviewed