New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [170]
Tod’s.
Diego Della Valle’s coveted driving moccasins, casual loafers, and boots are the top choice for jet-setters who prefer low-key, logo-free luxury goods. Though most of the women’s selection is made up of low-heel or flat styles, an increasing number of high heels are bent on driving sales, rather than cars. The handbags and satchels have the same fine craftsmanship. | 650 Madison Ave., near E. 60th St., Upper East Side | 10022 | 212/644–5945 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave./59th St.
Home Decor
Sachin and Babi for Ankasa.
Owners Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia used to source textiles for luxury designers like Oscar de la Renta. Now they are using that same design sensibility to produce a gorgeous line of housewares and accessories, which are globally inspired. The bedding is done in muted colors such as slate and duck-egg blue. They’ve also recently launched a ready-to-wear collection for women that has a downtown, edgy look. | 135 E. 65th, between Park and Lexington Aves., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/861–6800 | Subway: 4, 6 to E. 68th St./Hunter College.
Wine
Best Cellars.
In a novel move, the wines here are organized by their characteristics (soft, luscious, juicy) rather than by region. Even better, the prices are amazingly low—the majority of the stock is less than $15 per bottle. | 1291 Lexington Ave., between E. 86th and E. 87th Sts., Upper East Side | 10028 | 212/426–4200 | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.
THE UPPER WEST SIDE
Antiques and Collectibles
Maxilla & Mandible.
It’s hard not to do a double take when you walk past this shop, which may have a human skeleton or a gigantic spider in its window display. Maxilla & Mandible bills itself as the “world’s first and only osteological store” and is run by a group of scientists. Goths love it for the ghoulish items (skulls, anyone?), but geeks will also appreciate the butterfly-specimen, shark-teeth, and resin bug bracelets. | 451 Columbus Ave., between W. 81st and W. 82nd Sts., Upper West Side | 10024 | 212/724–6173 | Subway: 1 to 79th St.
Books and Stationery
Westsider Rare & Used Books.
This wonderfully crammed space is a lifesaver on the otherwise sparse Upper West Side. Squeeze in among the stacks of art books and fiction; clamber up the steep stairway and you’ll find all sorts of rare books. | 2246 Broadway, between W. 80th and W. 81st Sts., Upper West Side | 10024 | 212/362–0706 | Subway: 1 to 79th St.
Children’s Clothing
A Time for Children.
When you shop at this funky boutique, you’ll also be doing some good, as 100% of the profits go to the Children’s Aid Society. Choose from toys, books, and clothing, which includes classics such as Petit Bateau as well as cool vintage-inspired onesies. | 416 Amsterdam Ave., between W. 79th and W. 80th Sts., Upper West Side | 10024 | 212/724–7445 | Subway: 1 to 79th St.
Clothing
BOC.
Who needs to go downtown for cutting-edge designers? Short for Boutique on Columbus, this store has an industrial chic look, and the labels are just as sleek. Separates from Rebecca Taylor, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander Wang all line the shelves. There’s also a small selection of candles and cosmetics. | 506 Amsterdam Ave., between W. 84th and W. 85th Sts., Upper West Side | 10024 | 212/362–5405 | Subway: 1, 2 to 86th St.
Allan & Suzi.
This consignment shop is the kind of place where you could score a vintage Pauline Trigere dress, or your next Halloween costume, if you like ’70s go-go boots and massive wigs. The goods here veer toward the slightly wacky, but in between the flamboyant pieces, browsers will find real gems like past-season Zac Posen, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as vintage David Bowie concert T-shirts and gently worn Jimmy Choos. | 506 Amsterdam Ave., between W. 84th and W. 85th Sts., Upper West Side | 10024 | 212/580–8202 | Subway: 1 to 79th