City Hotels Blog

The serious shopper visiting New York won’t be satisfied with the shopping-mall vibe of Manhattan’s touristy districts.  While no trip to New York is complete without a visit to Times Square, there’s no need to shop at the overblown flagship versions of the stores you have at home.  For a unique shopping experience, take a cab or a subway south of 14th Street to uncover some of New York’s best boutiques at a variety of price points…

Start on LaGuardia Place just north of Houston (or NoHo, as New Yorkers sometimes call this funky corner of Greenwich Village).

1.  Purdy Girl

Ignore the stupid name.  This tiny boutique has developed a cult following.  The owners take on high-end designer clothing and make it accessible and affordable.  You can find dresses by Tracy Reese and Nanette Lepore, Joe jeans, and other sassy designers.  Allow time.

Walk south on LaGuardia to Houston, then cross the street and turn left.  You will come across:

2.  Arth Hats

A combination of the word ‘art’ and ‘hat,’ this Japanese store sells a premium selection of what is sure to be the hottest post-Royal Wedding item:  hats.   If you’re not in the mood for hats, right next door is a darling lingerie shop (also Japanese-owned) with far more interesting designs than what is offered at Victoria’s Secret.

Walk east, then turn right on Wooster St.

3.  Betsey Johnson

Walking into Betsey Johnson’s flagship Soho store is like walking into your crazy aunt’s closet.  Her over-the-top, uber-girly concoctions are surprisingly wearable, and this store boasts great employees and fabulous sales in the back.  Betsey herself has been spotted in this store!  Definitely worth a peek.  If you’re more a sweats and sneakers type of person, next door, you’ll find funky Adidas Original.  This retro store, fashioned out of an old garage, allows you to design your own tennis shoes for the ultimate souvenir.

Head south, walking away from Houston.  Turn left onto Prince Street and cross the street.

4.  Intermix

If you pay attention to fashion, you may be familiar with this boutique, a favorite of trendsetters and true fashionistas.   This is where you go if you’re looking to splurge on high-end designers like Zac Posen, Tori Burch, Hermes, and so on… or if you’re just in the mood to drool over beautiful clothing!

Continue east on Prince Street until you get to Broadway, the big, bustling main street.  Most of the stuff on this street is crap, but there are a few gems.  Turn right and walk about halfway down the block until you find a tiny store called

5.  Mystique Boutique

This hole-in-the-wall store doesn’t have a website, unfortunately.  What  they do have is a selection of the most daring, up to date fashions at rock bottom prices.  Don’t be fooled by the ghetto-ho looking mannequins in the window.  This store offers some of the best finds in New York City.

Across the street you’ll find

6.  Uniqlo

This Japanese store opened several years ago and caught on like wildfire.  Its prices are similar to Old Navy, but the clothing is trendier and the quality is significantly higher, with terrific prices on cashmere in particular.  Check out the J+ line, which Jill Sander designed.  They’re opening up a big store on 34th Street, but until then this is the only one in the US.  Be prepared for crowds.

Head north on Broadway and go right onto Prince.  At Crosby Street, turn left.

7.  Housing Works Bookstore Café

This used bookstore, with its rows and rows of books, is a New York City classic.  The café in the back is excellent, and you might be ready for a brief pick-me-up.  (There’s a bathroom here, although there’s one at Uniqlo as well.)  Don’t feel guilty spending money here:  all the proceeds go to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Directly across from Housing Works, you’ll see a alleyway of a street called Jersey Street.  Follow it to Mulberry, crossing Lafayette on the way.  Slightly to your left as you emerge from Jersey Street will be

8.  Young Designers Market

This uber-hip market takes place every weekend in the gymnasium of the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  New York City hosts a bevy of designers just out of school trying to get their stuff into stores, and at this market, which is set up like a bazaar, they get the chance to hock their goods.  It’s extremely  hip and can get very crowded, particularly around the holidays, as natives and tourists alike try to find the perfect gift for their loved ones.

Walk north on Prince until you get to Houston, then turn left.  Walk one block to Lafayette, cross the street and head north.  You’ll see

9.  Zachary’s Smile

This darling boutique sells vintage and vintage-inspired pieces starting as low as $10.  It gives Urban  Outfitters a serious run for its money!

Continue north up Lafayette.  Between Great Jones and E. 4th, you’ll find

10.  Screaming Mimi’s

Even people who don’t like vintage love Screaming Mimi’s.  This store is a stitch.  They sell retro-chic, affordable casual styles here along with mind-blowing vintage pieces.   It’s a huge favorite of designers and wardrobe stylists, and it’s a NYC legend.