New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [164]
Manolo Blahnik.
These sexy status shoes are some of the most expensive on the market. The signature look is a pointy toe with a high, delicate heel, but there are also ballet flats, gladiator sandals, and over-the-knee dominatrix boots that cost nearly $2,000. Pray for a sale. | 31 W. 54th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/582–3007 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Smythson of Bond Street.
Although Smythson still sells stationery fit for a queen—check out the royal warrant from England’s HRH—its newly expanded line of leather goods includes on-trend handbags and wallets. The hues range from sedate brown and black to eye-popping tangerine. The softbound leather diaries, address books, and travel accessories make ideal gifts. | 4 W. 57th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/265–4573 | Subway: F to 57th St.
Morrell & Company.
Peter Morrell is a well-regarded and very colorful figure in the wine business, and his store reflects his expertise. Free wine tastings are held several times a month (for serious oenophiles, ask about the rare vintage auctions). Next door is his café, where dozens of fine wines are available by the glass. | 1 Rockefeller Plaza, at W. 49th St., Midtown West | 10020 | 212/688–9370 | Subway: B, D, F, M to 47th–50th Sts./Rockefeller Center.
Toys
Toys “R” Us.
The Times Square megastore is so big that a three-story Ferris wheel—complete with 14 individually themed cars—revolves inside. With all the movie tie-in merchandise, video games, yo-yos, stuffed animals, and what seems to be the entire Mattel oeuvre, good luck extracting your kids from here. | 1514 Broadway, at W. 44th St., Midtown West | 10036 | 646/366–8800 | Subway: 1, N, Q, R to 42nd St./Times Sq.
THE UPPER EAST SIDE
Antiques and Collectibles
Florian Papp.
Established in 1900, this store has an unassailed reputation among knowledgeable collectors. Expect to find American and European antiques and paintings from the 18th to 20th century. Gilt mirrors and mahogany tables abound. | 962 Madison Ave., between E. 75th and E. 76th Sts., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/288–6770 | Subway: 6 to 77th St.
L’Antiquaire & The Connoisseur, Inc.
Proprietor Helen Fioratti has written a guide to French antiques, but she’s equally knowledgeable about her Italian and Spanish furniture and decorative objects from the 15th through the 18th centuries, as well as about the medieval arts. | 36 E. 73rd St., between Madison and Park Aves., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/517–9176 | Subway: 6 to 77th St.
Keno Auctions.
Leigh Keno of Antique Roadshow fame presides over this auction house, which specializes in Americana. As expected, he has a good eye and an interesting inventory; he’s sold silver sauceboats from Paul Revere, paintings, and Chippendale furniture. | 127 E. 69th St., between Park and Lexington Aves., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/734–2381 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Leo Kaplan Ltd.
The impeccable items here include Art Nouveau glass and pottery, porcelain from 18th-century England, antique and modern paperweights, and Russian artwork. | 114 E. 57th St., between Park and Lexington Aves., Upper East Side | 10022 | 212/355–7212 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Beauty
Fresh.
All of the products here sound good enough to eat, with ingredients like brown sugar, soy, and black tea. The zingy Sugar fragrance is one of the company’s best sellers. This location also has a tiny spa, and treatments are often redeemable against products. | 1367 3rd Ave., at E. 78th St., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/585–3400 | Subway: 6 to 77th St.
Jo Malone.
Tangy scents such as lime blossom and mandarin, and pomegranate noir can be worn alone or layered for the Malone style. Since Malone uses colognes, not perfumes, it’s not overpowering. You can also stop by for a quick fragrance-combining consultation or a hand-and-arm massage from one of the store’s stylists. | 946 Madison Ave., between E. 74th and E. 75th Sts.,