New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [153]
Partners & Crime Mystery Booksellers.
Signed first editions, helpful staff, a rental library, and whodunits galore—new and out-of-print—make this a must-browse for fans. Books are organized by fun categories, including “Hardboiled,” “Softboiled,” and “Espionage—non 007.” | 44 Greenwich Ave., between 6th and 7th Aves., Greenwich Village | 10011 | 212/243–0440 | Subway: F, M, 1, 2, 3 to 14th St.
Three Lives & Co.
Three Lives has one of the city’s best book selections. The display tables and counters highlight the latest literary fiction and serious nonfiction, classics, quirky gift books, and gorgeously illustrated tomes. The staff members’ literary knowledge is formidable, so don’t be afraid to ask them for their own picks. | 154 W. 10th St., at Waverly Pl., Greenwich Village | 10014 | 212/741–2069 | Subway: 1 to Christopher St./Sheridan Sq.
Clothing
Cynthia Rowley.
Rowley delivers flirty, whimsical dresses that are perfect for cocktail parties. To complete the look, throw on some of her colorful pumps and sharply tailored coats. The handbags with small inset mirrors are ideal for checking your lipstick. | 376 Bleecker St., between Charles and Perry Sts., Greenwich Village | 10014 | 212/242–3803 | Subway: 1 to Christopher St./Sheridan Sq.
Írma.
This unprepossessing nook with its squeaky plank floors and dressmaker’s dummies is home to some of the most elegant designers in the city. Besides carrying a good selection of Vivienne Westwood, the store stockpiles whisper-light cashmere by Kristesen du Nord and gauzy separates from Ilaria Nistri. | 378 Bleecker St., between Charles and Perry Sts., Greenwich Village | 10014 | 212/206–7475 | Subway: A, C, E, F, M to W. 4th St./Washington Sq.
La Petite Coquette.
Everything at this lingerie store is unabashedly sexy, and the helpful staff can find the perfect fit. The store’s own line of silk slips, camisoles, and other underpinnings comes in a range of colors. | 51 University Pl., between E. 9th and E. 10th Sts., Greenwich Village | 10003 | 212/473–2478 | Subway: R to 8th St.
Limelight Marketplace.
Housed in a former nightclub (which used to be a church), this massive space is now a bustling marketplace for clothing and accessories. Browse through the various boutiques, selling everything from organic oils and Hunter wellies to handcrafted jewelry. Refuel at Baci Gelato and Cupcake Stop on the ground floor, or save your appetite for brick-oven pizza from Grimaldi’s. | 47 W. 20th St.,at 6th Ave., Greenwich Village | 10003 | 212/359–5600 | Subway: F, V to 23rd St.
Ludivine.
Ignore the tacky surroundings and make a beeline for this store if you love French designers. Owner Ludivine Grégoire showcases of-the-moment Gallic (and a few Italian) designers like Vanessa Bruno, Jerome Dreyfuss, and Carvin. | 172 W. 4th St., between Jones and Cornelia Sts., Greenwich Village | 10014 | 646/336–6576 | Subway: 1 to Christopher St./Sheridan Sq.
Nom de Guerre.
This basement-level hipster hideaway has an army-meets-preppy vibe. Racks are filled mainly with the house men’s line, plus a selection of items by A.P.C., Comme de Garçons, and others. The plaid shirts, belted trench coats, and cargo pants are some of the top picks. | 640 Broadway, at Bleecker St., Greenwich Village | 10012 | 212/253–2891 | Subway: F, M to Broadway–Lafayette St.
Food and Treats
Li-Lac Chocolates.
They’ve been feeding the Village’s sweet tooth since 1923. Indulge with almond bark and coconut clusters as well as such specialty items as chocolate-molded Statues of Liberty. | 40 8th Ave., at Jane St., Greenwich Village | 10014 | 212/924–2280 | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.
Home Decor
Mxyplyzyk.
Named after a character from Superman, this shop is hard to pronounce (mixy-plit-sick) and equally hard to resist. The specialty is creative riffs on household standbys such as measuring