New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [169]
Metropolitan Museum of Art Shop.
This sprawling shop offers a phenomenal book selection, as well as posters, art videos, and computer programs. Reproductions of statuettes and other objets fill the gleaming cases in every branch. Don’t miss the jewelry selection, with its Byzantine- and Egyptian-inspired baubles. | 1000 5th Ave., at E. 82nd St., Upper East Side | 10028 | 212/570–3894 | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.
Museum of the City of New York.
Satisfy your curiosity about New York City’s past, present, or future with the terrific selection of books, cards, toys, and photography posters. | 1220 5th Ave., at E. 103rd St., Upper East Side | 10029 | 212/534–1672 | Subway: 6 to 103rd St.
Neue Galerie.
Like the museum, this bookshop focuses on German, Austrian, and Central European art. The solid selection includes catalogs, literature, and decorative items, including lovely wrapping papers. Many designs found in the collection have been reproduced as part of the museum’s own Neue Haus line. | 1048 5th Ave., between E. 85th and E. 86th Sts., Upper East Side | 10028 | 212/628–6200 | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.
Shoes, Handbags, and Leather Goods
Billy Martin’s.
Urban cowboys flock here for high-quality hand-tooled and custom-made boots that count Neil Young and Billy Bob Thornton among their fans. To complete the look, you can add a suede shirt or a turquoise-and-silver belt. | 1034 3rd Ave., between 61st and 62nd Sts., Upper East Side | 10065 | 212/861–3100 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.
Church’s English Shoes.
Beloved by bankers and lawyers, these shoes are indisputably of high quality. You could choose something highly polished for an embassy dinner, a loafer or crepe-sole suede ankle boot for a weekend, or even a black-and-white spectator style worthy of Fred Astaire. | 689 Madison Ave., at E. 62nd St., Upper East Side | 10065 | 212/758–5200 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.
Devi Kroell.
You may have spotted her snakeskin hobo on celebs such as Halle Berry and Ashley Olsen. This serene space is a perfect backdrop for the designer’s luxury handbags and shoes, which are crafted from premium leather. Roomy shoulder bags come in python and calf leather, and evening bags have a touch of sparkle. There’s also a selection of jewelry and scarves. | 717 Madison Ave., between E. 63rd and E. 64th Sts., Upper East Side | 10065 | 212/644–4499 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.
Hermès.
This legendary French retailer is best known for its iconic handbags, the Kelly and the Birkin, named for Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin, as well as its silk scarves and neckties. True to its roots, Hermès still stocks saddles and other equestrian items in addition to a line of beautifully simple separates. | 691 Madison Ave., at E. 62nd St., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/751–3181 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Jimmy Choo.
Pointy toes, low vamps, narrow heels, ankle-wrapping straps—these British-made shoes are undeniably vampy, and sometimes more comfortable than they look. | 716 Madison Ave., between E. 63rd and E. 64th Sts., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/759–7078 | Subway: M to 68th St./Hunter College.
John Lobb.
If you truly want to be well heeled, pick up a pair of these luxury shoes, whose prices start at around $1,100. Owned by Hermès, John Lobb offers classic styles such as oxfords, loafers, boots, and slippers. | 680 Madison Ave., between E. 61st and E. 62nd Sts., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/888–9797 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.
Judith Leiber.
A door handle twinkling with Swarovski crystals signals the entrance to the Kingdom of Sparkle. Instantly recognizable handbags are completely frosted in crystals, from simple, colorful boxes to minaudières shaped like pigs or stars. Crystals also spangle the heels of satin pumps and the bows of oversize (to cut the glare?) sunglasses. | 680 Madison Ave., at E. 61st St., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/223–2999 | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to E. 59th St.
Robert Clergerie.
Although best known for its chunky, comfy wedges, this French brand is not