New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [145]
UNIQLO.
The SoHo location is the brand’s global flagship, and shoppers will find items here they can’t find anywhere else. Seasonal staples like cashmere sweaters and tees in a rainbow of colors are stacked up to the ceiling. The tri-level space bursts with affordable, well-tailored basics. Cashmere crew- and V-necks (most under $100), slim-fit denims, and casual coats share space with edgier tees designed by Japanese graphic artists. Most of the clothing has been tweaked or made specifically for the American market. TIP Weekday mornings are the best time to avoid long lines for the dressing rooms. | 546 Broadway, between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 917/237–8800 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Vera Wang.
Not content designing just wedding dresses, Wang is also a star at evening wear and casual-but-chic daywear. Her entire ready-to-wear collection is showcased here in this gleaming, all-white store. Choose from clothes ranging from sexy one-shouldered satin gowns and cashmere sweaters to wool pencil skirts. | 158 Mercer St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/382–2184 | Subway: N, R to Prince St..
Vivienne Tam.
Tam is known for her playful “China chic” take on familiar Asian images. Cold-weather creations in jewel-color silk are embroidered; the warm-weather clothes are floaty and romantic. | 40 Mercer St., at Grand St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/966–2398 | Subway: R to Prince St.
What Goes Around Comes Around.
Professional stylists flock here to dig up vintage items like Levi’s, Azzedine Alaia dresses, and one-of-a-kind rock-concert T-shirts. WGACA also sells its own line of vintage-inspired clothing. If the idea of forking over $100 for an Alice Cooper number pains you, just remember: unlike the copies everyone else is wearing, you’ll be sporting the real deal. | 351 West Broadway, between Grand and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/343–1225 | Subway: J, M, N, Q, R, Z, 6 to Canal St.
Discount Shopping
Pearl River Mart.
Whether you’re looking for a decorative birdcage or a massive bag of jasmine rice, this mega–department store has everything Asian under one roof—at bargain prices. Browse through housewares like bamboo rice steamers and ceramic tea sets, or decorate your apartment with paper lanterns and bamboo plants. On the main floor, under a ceiling festooned with dragon kites and rice-paper parasols, you can buy kimono-style robes, pajamas, and embroidered satin slippers for the whole family. There’s also a dry-goods section, where you can load up on packages of ginger candy, jasmine tea, and cellophane noodles. | 477 Broadway, between Broome and Grand Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/431–4770 | Subway: N, R, Q to Canal St.
Food and Treats
Harney & Sons.
Fancy a cuppa? Harney & Sons is famous for producing more than 250 varieties of loose tea, and recently opened its first retail location and tea salon in SoHo. The design is sleek and dramatic, with a 24-foot-long tasting bar and floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with tea. Shoppers will find classic brews like English Breakfast and Oolong, along with the company’s own blends. And no cup of tea would be complete without a scone or two, available at the tea salon. | 433 Broome St., between Broadway and Crosby St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/933–4853 | Subway: 4, 6 to Spring St.
Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven.
Visit the café and shop here and you’ll literally be surrounded by chocolate. The glass-walled downtown space is in the heart of Torres’s chocolate factory, so you can watch the goodies being made while you sip a richly spiced cocoa. TIP Signature taste: the “wicked” chocolate, laced with cinnamon and chili pepper. | 350 Hudson St., at King St., SoHo | 10014 | 212/414–2462 | Subway: 1 to Houston St.
Kee’s Chocolates.
Owner Kee Ling Tong