New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [148]
Longchamp.
Its Le Pliage foldable nylon bags have become an Upper East Side and Hamptons staple, but don’t think this label is stuffy. Kate Moss designs a line for Longchamp that includes wallets, satchels, and hobos. The store carries the entire line of luggage, leather handbags, and totes in a rainbow of colors. | 132 Spring St., at Elizabeth St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/343–7444 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.
Toys
Kidrobot.
This shop will appeal to kids, nerds, and the young at heart, who all flock here to stock up on the latest toys from Asian designers. This is a far cry from Mattel—the shelves are stocked with Dunny bunnies, Tokidokis, and Devilrobots. There’s also a selection of cool silk-screened T-shirts and hoodies. | 118 Prince St., between Greene and Wooster Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–6688 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.
NOLITA
Clothing
Creatures of Comfort.
Owner Jade Lai has brought her popular L.A. outpost to New York. The open, airy boutique offers cool clothes from emerging designers alongside products sourced from around the world. Most of the colors are muted, and brands carried include Acne, MM6, and the house label, Creatures of Comfort. There’s a small selection of shoes, plus you never know what you might find for sale on a side table, such as candy and lip gloss from Asia. | 205 Mulberry St., between Spring and Kenmare Sts., NoLIta | 10012 | 212/925–1005 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.
Duncan Quinn.
Shooting for nothing less than sartorial splendor, this designer provides everything from chalk-stripe suits to cuff links and croquet shirts, all in a shop not much bigger than its silk pocket squares. Only a few of each style of shirt are made, so the odds are slim that you will see someone else in your blue, violet, or orange button-down with contrast-color undercuffs. Bespoke customers can choose from thousands of fabrics. | 8 Spring St., between Elizabeth and Bowery Sts., NoLIta | 10012 | 212/226–7030 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.
Frock.
Models and stylists frequent this tiny shop for vintage women’s wear from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. The store carries pieces from Ossie Clark, Karl Lagerfeld, and Missoni, as well as Valentino, Alaia, and Chanel. | 170 Elizabeth St., between Spring and Kenmare Sts., NoLIta | 10012 | 212/594–5380 | Subway: B, D, F, M to Broadway–Lafayette St.
INA.
Although you may spot something vintage, like a 1960s Yves Saint Laurent velvet bolero, most clothing at this designer consignment store harks back only a few seasons, and in some cases the item has never been worn. Although there are multiple locations around the city, this flagship also carries menswear. | 15 Bleecker St., at Elizabeth St., NoLIta | 10012 | 212/228–8511 | Subway: 6 to Bleecker St.
Malia Mills.
Fit fanatics have met their match here—especially those gals who are different sizes on top and bottom (bikini tops go up to a size D). Bikini tops and bottoms are sold separately: halters, bandeaus, and triangle tops, plus boy-cut, side-tie, and low-ride bottoms. There are a few one-pieces, too. If you’ve got a warm-weather honeymoon coming up, you may want the bikini with “Just Married” across your bum. | 199 Mulberry St., between Spring and Kenmare Sts., NoLIta | 10012 | 212/625–2311 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.
Nanette Lepore.
“Girly” may well be the description that comes to mind as you browse through this cheerful shop; skirts are pleated and adorned with bows, jackets are enhanced by embroidery and floral appliqués, fur shrugs have tiny sleeves. | 423 Broome St., between Lafayette and Crosby Sts., NoLIta | 10013 | 212/219–8265 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.
Paul Frank.
The store’s mascot, the cheeky Julius monkey, is plastered everywhere here—on flannel PJs, skateboards, and, of course, T-shirts. Also look for tees evoking such formative elements of ’80s youth as corn dogs and break dancing. A selection of monkey-free