New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [147]
Jewelry and Accessories
Alexis Bittar.
Bittar began selling his first jewelry line, made from Depression-era glass, on a corner in SoHo. Now the Brooklyn-born designer counts A-list celebs and fashion editors among his fans. He makes clean-line, big-statement jewelry from vermeil, colored Lucite, pearls, and vintage glass. The stores mirror this aesthetic with a mix of old and new, like antiqued-white Victorian-era lion’s-claw tables and Plexiglas walls. | 465 Broome St., between Mercer and Greene Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/625–8340 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Fragments.
This spot glitters with pieces by emerging designers, many of them local, as well as established ones. Most use semiprecious stones—you could try on turquoise-bead shoulder-duster earrings, an oversize opal ring, or a tourmaline pendant—but a few bust out the bling. | 116 Prince St., between Greene and Wooster Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–9588 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Robert Lee Morris.
If you buy into the mantra that bigger is better, make a stop here. Morris designs big, chunky jewelry that is anything but understated. Gold and silver cuffs have a serious weight to them, and necklaces and earrings have dangling hammered disks for a “wind chime” effect. Some pieces incorporate diamonds; others have semiprecious stones like turquoise or citrine. | 400 West Broadway, between Broome and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/431–9405 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.
Stuart Moore.
Everything about this boutique is minimalist, from the architecture to the jewelry. Most of the designs (from Heinrich + Denzel to Beatrice Mueller) have a streamlined, almost industrial look: diamonds are set in brushed platinum, and gold bangles are impossibly delicate. | 411 West Broadway, at Spring St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941–1023 | Subway: A, C, E to Spring St.
Swarovski Crystallized.
A shrine to all things sparkly, this crystal superstore is a combination boutique and café, and allows shoppers to customize their purchases. Shoppers mix and match pieces from the striking “library of light” to create designs. If you’re lacking ideas, there’s always ready-made jewelry. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Medieval Chic line starts at $250, and shiny iPhone covers are $46. For more inspiration, hit the exhibition space downstairs. | 499 Broadway, between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–3322 | Subway: R to Prince St.; 6 to Spring St.
Versani.
Most of the jewelry here is big, bold, and unisex—and more than a little quirky. Silver teams up with all kinds of materials here: leather, denim, and snakeskin, as well as semiprecious stones. There’s a good selection of silver rings and pendants under $50. | 152 Mercer St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941–7770 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.
Shoes, Handbags, and Leather Goods
Anya Hindmarch.
The luxury designs here range from the sedate to the sparkly. Buttery leather is used to fashion shoulder bags and hobos, and evening bags and clutches come in fun metallics. | 115 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/343–8147 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Camper.
These Euro-fave walking shoes, with their sturdy leather uppers and nubby rubber soles, have also proved popular on the cobblestone streets of SoHo. Comfort is a priority; all the slip-ons and lace-ups here have generously rounded toes and a springy feel. | 125 Prince St., at Wooster St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/358–1841 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Kate Spade.
Spade’s runaway success with classic kicky, retro-style tote bags has blossomed into a full-fledged lifestyle company. The flagship looks—and feels—like an elegant living room. The totes are still for sale, along with leather handbags, kitten heels, and accessories like eyeglasses and paper. Even the diaper bags are ridiculously stylish. Around the corner you’ll