New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [135]
Though the holiday market in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall is indoors, most vendors set up outside. There’s one every year at Columbus Circle, near the southwest entrance to Central Park, and another at Bryant Park, behind the New York City Public Library. The largest and most popular, however, is at the south end of Union Square, where you can go from the greenmarket to the stalls like the downtowners who meet in the afternoon or after work to look for unique or last-minute gifts.
THE BEST LOCAL CHAINS
New Yorkers in the know hit these fabulous local chains for unique frocks and the best of the city’s one-stop-shopping.
Ricky’s.
Loud and fun, these drugstores sprinkled around the city attract an eclectic, mostly young crowd who come just as often for the crazy-color wigs or false eyelashes as they do for Dove body wash and Neutrogena soap. Every fall the stores turn into Halloween Central, with a huge assortment of feather boas, masks, and trendy costumes referencing everything from Avatar to Jersey Shore. The flagship store is located in TriBeCa. | 375 Broadway, TriBeCa | 10012 | 212/925–5490.
Scoop.
These clothes help you fit in with the too-cool-to-dress-up crowd. They have lots of jeans (Levi’s, Citizens of Humanity), slinky tops, vintage-looking tees, and cozy knits from designers like Stella McCartney, Theory, and Halston Heritage. Other locations in the city feature menswear. | 473–475 Broadway, between Broome and Grand Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/925–3539.
Searle.
Mostly strung along the East Side, these stores have a devoted following for their coats—especially sleek designs from Moncler and Postcard. There are plenty of other designer items to layer, from cowl-neck sweaters to fitted tees. | 635 Madison Ave., between E. 59th and E. 60th Sts., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/750–5153.
SPOTLIGHT ON SOHO
Somehow, everything looks a bit more beautiful here. Maybe it’s because of the way sunlight filters down the cast-iron façades, glinting off the shop windows. Maybe it’s because the uneven cobblestone streets prompt you to slow down, giving you time to notice details.
Jaded locals call this neighborhood a touristy outdoor mall. True, you’ll see plenty of familiar company names, and several common, less expensive chains, like Banana Republic and Sephora, have made land grabs on Broadway. There’s also a certain amount of luxury one-upmanship, as stores like Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton have planted themselves here for downtown cred. But you can still hit a few clothing and housewares boutiques you won’t find elsewhere in this country. The hottest shopping area runs west from Broadway over to 6th Avenue, between West Houston and Grand streets. Don’t overlook a couple of streets east of Broadway: Crosby and Lafayette each have a handful of intriguing shops.
BEST TIME TO GO
Wednesday through Friday afternoons, when all the stores are open and the people-watching is prime but the streets aren’t hideously crowded. On weekends, Broadway and Prince Street can feel like a cattle drive.
BEST SOUVENIR FOR YOUR IN-LAWS
If they’re caffeine fiends, consider the house-blend coffees and teas at Dean & Deluca (560 Broadway, at Prince St.), which you can pair with sophisticated snacks in a D&D tote or metal lunch box.
REFUELING
For something on the fly, drop by Balthazar Bakery (80 Spring St., between Broadway and Crosby St. | 10012 | 212/965–1785) for a scone, canelé, or sticky bun with a potent cup of coffee. If you’d rather have a seat, make your way to the tearoom hidden in the back of MarieBelle for a cup of their excellent hot chocolate.
BEST FOR
What to Wear
Prada: the high-concept, Rem Koolhaas–designed store steals the spotlight from the clothes.
Kirna Zabête: uncommon, sought-after women’s clothing in a cheerful, unpretentious space.
Kate Spade: the mother lode for clever handbags, plus retro-ish shoes and a few baubles.
Housewares
Moss: exquisite, innovative design for everything from wineglasses to