New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [157]
FLATIRON DISTRICT
Children’s Clothing
Space Kiddets.
The funky (Elvis-print rompers, CBGB onesies) mixes with the old-school (retro cowboy-print pants, brightly colored clogs, Bruce Lee T-shirts) and the high-end (Lilli Gaufrette, Kenzo, Boo Foo Woo from Japan) at this casual, trendsetting store that is a favorite of Julianne Moore. | 26 E. 22nd St., between Broadway and Park Ave., Flatiron District | 10010 | 212/420–9878 | Subway: 6 to 23rd St.
Jewelry and Accessories
Beads of Paradise.
Not your ordinary bead store, the baubles here are sourced from around the world. Shoppers can choose silver from Bali and Mexico and ancient glass beads from China, along with semiprecious stones. Sign up for a class to learn how to put it all together. | 16 E. 17th St., between 5th Ave. and Broadway, Flatiron District | 10003 | 212/620–0642 | Subway: 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R to 14th St./Union Sq.
Home Decor
Fodor’s Choice | ABC Carpet & Home.
If you love eclectic goods from around the world, then this is your place. Spread over 10 floors is a superb selection of rugs, antiques, textiles, furniture, and bedding. Shoppers can find sleek sofas or Balinese daybeds. The ground floor is a wonderland of silk pillows and jewelry. To refuel, there’s an in-house restaurant from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. More rugs and carpets are unrolled across the street at 881 Broadway. | 888 Broadway, at E. 19th St., Flatiron District | 10003 | 212/473–3000 | Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
The Conran Shop.
This British stylemonger sells a sleek, understated lifestyle. Everything from kitchen and garden implements, fabrics, furniture, and glassware is for sale. Even the shower curtains are cool. | 888 Broadway, at E. 19th St., Flatiron District | 10003 | 866/755–9079 | Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
Fishs Eddy.
The dishes, china, and glassware for resale come from all walks of crockery life, from corporate dining rooms to failed restaurants and ocean liners. Fishs Eddy also sells its own line of dishes, which have a classic look. | 889 Broadway, at E. 19th St., Flatiron District | 10003 | 212/420–9020 | Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
Toys
Kidding Around.
This independent shop is piled high with old-fashioned wooden toys, sturdy musical instruments, and plenty of arts-and-crafts materials. The costume racks are rich with dress-up potential. | 60 W. 15th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Flatiron District | 10011 | 212/645–6337 | Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
MURRAY HILL
Books and Stationery
The Complete Traveller Antiquarian Bookstore.
Founded in the ’80s by two former travel writers, this store specializes in rare and antique voyage-related books, and holds the largest selection of out-of-print Baedeker travel guides. They stock surprisingly affordable vintage maps, unusual tomes with New York City themes, and a full spectrum of books—from history and geography to poetry and fiction—that emphasize travel. | 199 Madison Ave., at 35th St., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/685–9007 | Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
Compleat Strategist.
This store puts on a great spread—from board games and classic soldier sets to fantasy games. | 11 E. 33rd St., between 5th and Madison Aves., Murray Hill | 10016 | 212/685–3880 | Subway: 6 to 33rd St.
MIDTOWN EAST
Antiques and Collectibles
Chinese Porcelain Company.
Though the name of this prestigious shop indicates one of its specialties, its stock covers more ground, ranging from lacquerware to Khmer sculpture as well as European decorative arts. | 475 Park Ave., at E. 58th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/838–7744 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave.
Flying Cranes Antiques.
At this world leader in Japanese antiques, shoppers will find a collection of rare, museum-quality pieces from the Meiji period, the time known as Japan’s Golden Age. Items include ceramics, cloisonné, metalwork, baskets, and samurai swords and fittings. | Manhattan Art and Antiques