New_York_City_2012_-_Fodor_39_s

trilingual children at the local branch of Le Pain Quotidien

(1131 Madison Ave., between E. 84th and E. 85th Sts. |

10028 | 212/327–4900) for a fruit tart, ham-and-Gruyere tartine, or steaming bowl of cocoa. If you’re willing to pull yourself away from Madison Avenue, the front room of American-style bakeshop Two Little Red Hens (1652 2nd Ave., between E. 85th and E. 86th Sts. | 10028 |

212/452–0476) has a handful of small tables where you can order a latticed pie or a walnut-pear tart.

BEST FOR

International mega-designers

Barneys: dozens of the most cutting-edge names.

Polo Ralph Lauren: haute-WASP style in two beautiful mansions.

Hermès: those divine silk scarves and handbags are waiting. . . .

Giorgio Armani: a sleek setting for perfectly cut suits and dramatic evening wear.

Yves Saint Laurent: Left Bank chic, fabuleux accessories.

Vera Wang: the classic bridal gown.

Fancy children’s clothes

Bonpoint: precious European designs with hand embroidering, velvet ribbons—you get the picture.

Petit Bateau: all superfine, hypoallergenic, colorful cotton, all the time.

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Aminah et Les Amis.

Trendy downtown moms flock to this shop for stylish American and European fashion for newborns up to age 12. Brands stocked include Petite Bateau, Lola et Moi, and Glug Baby. | 2 World Financial Center, between Vesey and Liberty St., Battery Park | 10280 | 212/227–0117 | Subway: R to Cortlandt St.

Bu and the Duck.

Vintage-inspired children’s clothing, shoes, and toys distinguish this shop. The Italian-made spectator boots might make you wish your own feet were tiny again. | 106 Franklin St., between West Broadway and Church St., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/431–9226 | Subway: 1 to Franklin St.

Shoofly.

Children’s shoes and accessories imported from all over the world are the name of the game here. Choose from Mary Janes, trendy sneakers, and motorcycle boots along with pom-pom hats, brightly patterned socks, eclectic toys, and jewelry. | 42 Hudson St., between Thomas and Duane Sts., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/406–3270 | Subway: 1 to Franklin St.

Clothing

Issey Miyake.

This flagship, designed by Frank Gehry, attracts a nonfashion crowd who come just to gawp at his undulating titanium sculpture, The Tornado. Miyake’s signature style offers clothes that are sleek and slim-fitting, and made from polyester or ultra-high-tech textiles. This flagship carries the entire runway collection, as well as Pleats Please and Issey Miyake Fete. | 119 Hudson St., at N. Moore St., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/226–0100 | Subway: 1 to Franklin St.

J. Crew Men’s Shop at the Liquor Store.

It would be easy to walk right past this place and think it’s a bar rather than an outpost of J.Crew for men, because it’s filled with manly knickknacks like old Jack Kerouac books and vintage photographs. Some of the best finds are accessories: Borsalino hats and Selima Optique sunglasses (both in exclusive designs), and vintage tie bars in addition to limited-edition suits and cashmere sweaters. |

235 West Broadway, at White St., TriBeCa | 10013 | 212/226–5476 | Subway: 1 to Franklin St.

SOHO

Antiques and Collectibles

Jacques Carcanagues, Inc.

Crammed with goods from Japan to India, this SoHo gallery offers an eclectic array of objects, from pillboxes to 18th-century Burmese Buddhas and teak tables. | 21 Greene St., between Grand and Canal Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/925–8110 | Subway: 4, 5, 6, R to Canal St.

Beauty

Lafco NY/Santa Maria Novella.

A heavy, iron-barred door leads to a hushed, scented inner sanctum of beauty products. This location is the official retailer of the 600-year-old Santa Maria Novella products from Italy, which include intriguingly archaic colognes, creams, and soaps such as Tooth Cleansing Water and pomegranate soap. Everything is packaged in bottles and jars with antique-style apothecary labels. | 285 Lafayette St., between E. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/925–0001 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.

Korres.

This all-natural, Greece-based company has a cult following for its line of all-natural herband flower-based skin treatments. Best sellers include quince body butter, wild rose moisturizer, and pomegranate cleansing wipes. | 110 Wooster St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/219–0683 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.

Books and Stationery

Kate’s Paperie.

If you’re a fan of good old-fashioned paper and ink, it’s impossible not to feel inspired here, among the stacks of brightly colored stationery and note cards. Kate’s also rustles with fabulous wrapping papers, ribbons, blank books, writing implements of all kinds, and gift items. | 72 Spring St., between Crosby and Lafayette Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941–9816 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.

McNally Jackson.

This cozy, independent bookstore manages to be comprehensive without overwhelming visitors. Check the tables up front for hot-off-the-press novels, nonfiction, and manifestos. There is a newly expanded literature and architecture section, along with foreign-language books. The staff is clearly literary minded, so ask for recommendations if you’re browsing. Literature extends beyond the packed shelves here—just grab a coffee from what owner Sarah McNally calls the “booksiest bookstore café” to see for yourself—even the light fixtures are made from books. | 52 Prince St., between Lafayette and

Mulberry Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/274–1160 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Scholastic Store.

Kids and the young at heart will be delighted by the whimsical design here, including an 11-foot orange dinosaur, a life-size Magic School Bus, and a massive Harry Potter. In addition to the thousands of books, kids can amuse themselves with games, toys, DVDs, computers, and arts-and-crafts workshops. It is so kidfriendly that parents will find a separate entrance just for strollers (at 130 Mercer St.). | 557 Broadway, at Prince St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/343–6166 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Cameras and Electronics

Apple Store.

Located in a former SoHo post office, this sleek space sells everything Apple related. The Genius Bar can help with any tech problems, and there’s also a small area for those doing business as well as a space dedicated just for iPods. Climb the glass staircase for the children’s section and accessories like printers. TIP In-store events include hour-long tutorials on topics like getting to know your iPhone and navigating new Mac software. |

103 Prince St., at Greene St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/226– 3126 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Children’s Clothing

Bundle.

This SoHo boutique goes above and beyond selling fashionable onesies by offering a concierge service. If you can’t make it to the store to choose a gift, just email them and they’ll reply with suggestions. Visit and choose adorable clothes from brands including Kissy Kissy, Baby CZ, and Tea. | 128 Thompson St., between Prince and Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/982–9465 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

Crew Cuts.

If you don’t like to dress your child in clothes that are too cute or painfully trendy, head to Crew Cuts. Offering pintsize versions of the preppy classic clothes that J.Crew is famous for, this shop is stocked with cords, cashmere sweaters, and wool blazers for the junior set. | 99 Prince St., between Greene and Mercer Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–2739 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

Giggle.

This high-end baby store is often crammed with stroller gridlock, but it stocks nearly everything a stylish parent (and baby) could ever need. The Giggles flagship carries all the gear and accessories to build a chic nursery, including Dwell bedding, plush toys, and funky kids’ clothing. Even the basic gear, such like strollers and high chairs, are sold. The staff is often extra helpful and attentive. | 120 Wooster St., between Spring and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–5817 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.

Les Petits Chapelais.

Designed and made in France, these kids’ clothes (from newborn up to age 12) are cute and stylish but also practical. Corduroy outfits have details like embroidered flowers and contrasting cuffs, and soft, fleecy jackets are reversible. There’s also a line of sailor-inspired clothes. | 86 Thompson St., between Spring and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/625–1023 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

Clothing

A Bathing Ape.

Known simply as BAPE to devotees, this exclusive label has a cult following in its native Tokyo. At first it may be hard to see what the fuss is about. A small selection of camouflage gear and limited-edition T-shirts is placed throughout the minimalist space; the real scene stealers are the flashy retro-style sneakers in neon colors. | 91 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/925–0222 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Agent Provocateur.

If Victoria’s Secret is too tame for you, try this British lingerie shop, which has a naughty twist. Showpieces include boned corsets, lace sets with contrast-color trim, bottoms tied with satin ribbons, and a few fetish-type leather ensembles. A great selection of stockings is complemented by the garter belts to secure them. | 133 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/965–0229 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Anna Sui.

The violet-and-black salon, with its Victorian rock-chick vibe, is the ideal setting for Sui’s bohemian and rockerinfluenced designs and colorful beauty products. | 113 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941–8406 | Subway: R to Prince St.

A.P.C.

This hip French boutique sells deceptively simple clothes in an equally understated setting. Watch your step on the uneven wooden floorboards while choosing narrow gabardine and corduroy suits or dark denim jeans and jackets. For women, best bets include striped sweaters

and skinny jeans. | 131 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–9685 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.; R to Prince St.

Betsey Johnson.

The SoHo store departs from the traditional (if such a word can be applied) hot-pink interior; instead, its walls are whitewashed with painted roses, and there’s a bordello-red lounge area in back. Most of her dresses, coats, and accessories have slightly kooky patterns; the calmest items are the little black dresses. This is not the place for natural fibers—it’s ruled by rayon, stretch, and the occasional faux fur. | 138 Wooster St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/995–5048 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Catherine Malandrino.

Celebs like Halle Berry love this French-born designer for her sexy-without-trying-too-hard looks. Shop for silk V-neck gowns or one-shouldered ruched wool dresses. | 652 Hudson St., at W. 13th St., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/929–8710 | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.

Christopher Fischer.

Featherweight cashmere sweaters, wraps, and throws in every hue from Easter-egg pastels to rich jewel tones have made Fischer the darling of the preppy set. His shop also carries leather accessories and such home wares as throw pillows and baby clothes. | 80 Wooster St., between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/965–9009 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.

Comptoir des Cotonniers.

The “cotton counter” angles for multigenerational shopping, lining up stylish, comfortable basics for babies, twentysomethings, ladies of a certain age, and everyone in between. There’s a subtle Parisian vibe to the understated tunics, dresses, and separates; colors tend to be earthy. The brand’s first U.S. branch has a nature-friendly minimalist look, with pale-wood floors and lots of natural light. | 155 Spring St., at West Broadway, SoHo | 10012 | 212/274–0830 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

Costume National.

Everything about this boutique is sexy and minimalist, with an edge. The clothes—and lighting—are dark. Shoppers will find sharply tailored wool pants for men and silky tops for women in muted shades of black, gray, and charcoal, along with motorcycle boots and leather gloves. | 160 Mercer St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/431–1530 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

Emporio Armani.

At this middle child of the Armani trio, the clothes are dressy without quite being formal, and are frequently offered in cream, muted blues, and ever-cool shades of taupe. | 410 West Broadway, at Spring St., SoHo | 10012 | 646/613–8099 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

Intermix.

This boutique is stocked with a healthy midto high-range lineup of established and emerging designers—think Chloé, Stella McCartney, and La Rok. You’ll find everything from denim to silk frocks, along with stylish outerwear. | 98 Prince St., between Greene and Mercer Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–5303 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Isabel Marant.

The cool, slouchy clothes this Parisian designer is known for have made their mark in the U.S. market, as she recently opened her first store here. The tailored jackets, shorts, and flirty dresses are eclectic and sophisticated, with their textured, deeply hued fabrics. | 469 Broome St., at Greene St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/219–2284 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Kiki de Montparnasse.

Named for Man Ray’s mistress and muse from the 1940s, this upscale lingerie store serves up decadent styles in a seductive but artistic setting. Shoppers will find exquisitely made corsets and bra and underwear sets, but a large portion of the store is used as a rotating art gallery for erotic art. | 79 Greene St., at Spring St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/965–8150 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Kirna Zabête.

A heavy-hitting lineup of prestigious designers— Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Lanvin, Proenza Schouler— is managed with an exceptionally cheerful flair. Step downstairs for dog apparel, coffee-table books, and hip infant gear from Kit and Lili. | 96 Greene St., between Spring and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941–9656 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Marc Jacobs.

The West Village is steadily being infiltrated with boutiques carrying the more casual lines of the Jacobs juggernaut. The saturation zone teems with tongue-in-cheek tees, downplayed duds in plaids and stripes, and the eternally popular shoes and bags. This location, housed in a former garage, is filled with ladylike designs made with luxurious fabrics: silk, cashmere, wool bouclé, and tweeds ranging from the demure to the flamboyant. The details, though—

oversize buttons, circular patch pockets, and military-style grommet belts—add a sartorial wink. | 163 Mercer St., between W. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/343–1490 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Marni.

If you’re a fan of the boho chic look, stock up on Consuelo Castiglioni’s bright-colored, happy clothes here. Silk dresses are printed in bold fabrics, and trousers are sharply tailored. Jackets and accessories are also eyepopping. | 161 Mercer St., between W. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/343–3912 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Miu Miu.

Prada front woman Miuccia Prada established a secondary line (bearing her childhood nickname, Miu Miu) to showcase her more experimental ideas. Look for Pradaesque styles in more daring colors and cuts, such as highwaist skirts with scalloped edges, Peter Pan–collar dresses in trippy patterns, and patent-leather pumps. | 100 Prince St., between Mercer and Greene Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–5156 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Moncler.

Many New York women swear by Moncler coats to keep them warm but still looking stylish throughout the brutal winters. This store is the Italian brand’s first foray into New York, and is the largest Moncler store in the world. The knee-length puffer is a firm favorite, but there are also shorter ski jackets and accessories, along with choices designed by Thom Browne and Pharrel Williams. | 90 Prince St., between Mercer St. and Broadway, SoHo | 10012 | 646/350–3620 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Opening Ceremony.

Just like Colette in Paris, Opening Ceremony bills itself as a concept store, which means you never know what you will find. The owners are constantly globetrotting to soak up the style and designers in a foreign country, and bring back the best clothing, products, and vintage items to showcase in their store. Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil, and the United Kingdom have all been represented. There’s also a gallery space here. | 35 Howard St., between Broadway and Lafayette St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/219–2688 | Subway: N, R to Canal St.

Paul Smith.

Fans love Paul Smith for his classic-with-a-twist clothes, and his 5,000-square-foot flagship is a temple to his design ethos and inspirations. Victorian mahogany cases complement the dandyish British styles they hold. Embroidered vests; brightly striped socks, scarves, and shirts; and tongue-in-cheek cuff links leaven the classic, double-back-vent suits for men. Women head for the tailored suits and separates, classic outerwear, and dresses. Plus, you’ll find furniture and a selection of photography books and ephemera. | 142 Greene St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 646/613–3060 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.

The designer’s eye for delicate detailing and soft, feminine design is evident in the perforated hemlines, embroidered stitching, and sprinkling of beads across gauzy fabrics and knits. | 452 West Broadway, between W. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/460–5500 | Subway: F, M to Broadway–Lafayette St.

Prada.

This ultramodern space, designed by Rem Koolhaas, incorporates so many technological innovations that it was written up in Popular Science. The dressing-room gadgets alone include liquid crystal displays, changeable lighting, and scanners that link you to the store’s database. | 575 Broadway, at Prince St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–8888 | Subway: R to Prince St.

R by 45rpm.

Shopping here is a Zen-like experience, thanks to a stone pathway, limestone dressing rooms, and denim dangling from wooden trees. Although it’s pricey, fans love the label for its attention to detail, like hand-dyed denim that has been woven on antique looms. The T-shirts are particularly funky. | 169 Mercer St., between W. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 917/237–0045 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Reiss.

Think of Reiss as the Banana Republic of Britain—a go-to place for casual-but-tailored clothes at a relatively gentle price. Standouts for women include cowl-neck sweater dresses and A-line skirts. Men’s wool combat trousers are complemented by shrunken blazers, military-inspired peacoats, and trim leather jackets. | 387 West Broadway, between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/925–5707 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.

Sean.

Not to be confused with Sean John, this French-owned shop carries low-key, well-priced, and comfortable menswear imported from Europe. Wool and cotton painter’s coats are best sellers, along with corduroy pants

and a respectable collection of suits and dress shirts. | 199 Prince St., between Sullivan and MacDougal Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/598–5980 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.

Seize sur Vingt.

In bringing a contemporary sensibility to custom tailoring, this store realized an ideal fusion. Brighten a suit or cotton moleskin flat-front pants with a checked or striped shirt; all can be made to order. Women are also the beneficiaries of the store’s crisp button-downs and single-pleat trousers. |

78 Greene St., between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/625–1620 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.

7 for All Mankind.

If Brooks Brothers is the opposite of your clothing personality, head to this hip boutique that specializes in made-to-measure clothing for men and women. Create a button down shirt or a suit from hundreds of fabric options. |

348 West Broadway, between Grand and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/226–8615 | Subway: 1, 2 to Canal St.

Seven New York.

This massive store is a temple to all things denim and in every wash and cut. Want them straight, skinny, boot cut, or pleated? No problem. Not content with dressing just customers’ lower halves, 7 for All Mankind also sells trendy tops, sweaters, and jackets to complete the look. There are also nondenim dresses and trousers. | 110 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 646/654– 0156 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.

Topshop.

Americans no longer need to cross the pond to scoop up cheap-chic fashions from British cult favorite Topshop, thanks to the opening of its first stateside boutique. It can be a madhouse, and items sell quickly, but it’s a great place to purchase on-trend clothes. Slinky dresses are around $130, and jeans and jumpsuits are about $90. Coats and shoes are also standouts. Male stylistas can browse through the ground-level Topman. | 480 Broadway, at Broome St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/966–9555 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.; R to Prince St.

UNIQLO.

The SoHo location is the brand’s global flagship, and shoppers will find items here they can’t find anywhere else. Seasonal staples like cashmere sweaters and tees in a rainbow of colors are stacked up to the ceiling. The tri-level space bursts with affordable, well-tailored basics. Cashmere crewand V-necks (most under $100), slim-fit denims, and casual coats share space with edgier tees designed by Japanese graphic artists. Most of the clothing has been tweaked or made specifically for the American market. TIP Weekday mornings are the best time to avoid long lines for the dressing rooms. | 546 Broadway, between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 917/237–8800 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Vera Wang.

Not content designing just wedding dresses, Wang is also a star at evening wear and casual-but-chic daywear. Her entire ready-to-wear collection is showcased here in this gleaming, all-white store. Choose from clothes ranging from sexy one-shouldered satin gowns and cashmere sweaters to wool pencil skirts. | 158 Mercer St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/382– 2184 | Subway: N, R to Prince St..

Vivienne Tam.

Tam is known for her playful “China chic” take on familiar Asian images. Cold-weather creations in jewel-color silk are embroidered; the warm-weather clothes are floaty and romantic. | 40 Mercer St., at Grand St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/966–2398 | Subway: R to Prince St.

What Goes Around Comes Around.

Professional stylists flock here to dig up vintage items like Levi’s, Azzedine Alaia dresses, and one-of-a-kind rockconcert T-shirts. WGACA also sells its own line of vintageinspired clothing. If the idea of forking over $100 for an Alice Cooper number pains you, just remember: unlike the copies everyone else is wearing, you’ll be sporting the real deal. | 351 West Broadway, between Grand and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/343–1225 | Subway: J, M, N, Q, R, Z, 6 to Canal St.

Discount Shopping

Pearl River Mart.

Whether you’re looking for a decorative birdcage or a massive bag of jasmine rice, this mega–department store has everything Asian under one roof—at bargain prices. Browse through housewares like bamboo rice steamers and ceramic tea sets, or decorate your apartment with paper lanterns and bamboo plants. On the main floor, under a ceiling festooned with dragon kites and rice-paper parasols, you can buy kimono-style robes, pajamas, and embroidered satin slippers for the whole family. There’s also a dry-goods section, where you can load up on packages of ginger candy, jasmine tea, and cellophane noodles. | 477 Broadway, between Broome and Grand Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/431–4770 | Subway: N, R, Q to Canal St.

Food and Treats

Harney & Sons.

Fancy a cuppa? Harney & Sons is famous for producing more than 250 varieties of loose tea, and recently opened its first retail location and tea salon in SoHo. The design is sleek and dramatic, with a 24-foot-long tasting bar and floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with tea. Shoppers will find classic brews like English Breakfast and Oolong, along with the company’s own blends. And no cup of tea would be complete without a scone or two, available at the tea salon. | 433 Broome St., between Broadway and Crosby St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/933–4853 | Subway: 4, 6 to Spring St.

Jacques Torres Chocolate Haven.

Visit the café and shop here and you’ll literally be surrounded by chocolate. The glass-walled downtown space is in the heart of Torres’s chocolate factory, so you can watch the goodies being made while you sip a richly spiced cocoa. TIP Signature taste: the “wicked” chocolate, laced with cinnamon and chili pepper. | 350 Hudson St., at King St., SoHo | 10014 | 212/414–2462 | Subway: 1 to Houston St.

Kee’s Chocolates.

Owner Kee Ling Tong whips up delicious truffles and macaroons with unusual, Asian-inspired flavors. Try the ginger peach and rosewater lychee macaroons, or truffles flavored with lemongrass mint and tamarind. | 80 Thompson St., between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334-3284 | Subway: A, C to Spring St.

MarieBelle.

The handmade chocolates here are nothing less than works of art. Square truffles and bonbons—which come in such flavors as Earl Grey tea, cappuccino, passion fruit, and saffron—are painted with edible dyes (cocoa butter dyed with natural coloring) so each resembles a miniature painting. Or relax in the Cacao Bar and Tea Salon while sipping an Aztec hot chocolate. | 484 Broome St., between West Broadway and Wooster St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/925–6999 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.

Vosges Haut Chocolat.

This chandeliered salon lined with apothecary bookshelves takes a global approach to chocolate. Many of the creations are travel inspired: the Budapest bonbons combine dark chocolate and Hungarian paprika, and the Black Pearls contain wasabi, but the most unexpected treat might be the chocolate bacon bars. | 132 Spring St., between Greene and Wooster Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/625–2929 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.

Home Decor

Armani Casa.

In keeping with the Armani aesthetic, the minimalist furniture and home wares have a subdued color scheme (gold, grays, cream, and black). Big-ticket items include luxuriously upholstered sofas and sleek coffee tables. The desk accessories and throw pillows are equally understated. | 97 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–1271 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Design Within Reach.

This sprawling SoHo store is the place to buy midcentury modern classics like Arne Jacobsen and Eames molded chairs and round Knoll pedestal tables. Newer pieces designed in-house include a chunky wood harvest table. |

110 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/475–0001 | Subway: F, M to Broadway– Lafayette St.

de Vera.

Owner Federico de Vera crisscrosses the globe searching for unique decorative products, so shoppers will never know what they might find here. Venetian glass vases, Thai Buddhas, and antique rose–cut diamond rings are typical finds. | 1 Crosby St., at Howard St., SoHo | 10013 | 212/625–0838 | Subway: N, Q, R, 6 to Canal St.

Kiosk.

Is it a gallery or a boutique? Duck under the neon arrow sign, head up the stairway, and you’ll come upon this novelty shop–cum–art installation. The owners travel the globe in search of locally unique, interestingly designed or packaged items, then sell their gleanings at this outpost. A new destination is highlighted every few months. You might find pipe tobacco from Massachusetts or a sled from Sweden. | 95 Spring St., 2nd fl., at Broadway, SoHo | 10012 | 212/226–8601 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Moss.

All of the products at this design store are displayed as if they are in a museum—and some of them are. Owner Murray Moss showcases cutting-edge designs from Tord Boontje, Ted Muehling, and Philippe Starck, along with limited-edition studio works from Dutch designers Studio Job and Maarten Baas. | 150 Greene St., between W. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/204–7100 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Pylones.

It’s hard to beat Pylones for crazily cheerful products. Utilitarian products like toasters and thermoses have been given makeovers of stripes or flowers, hairbrushes have pictures of frogs or ladybugs on their backs, and pepper mills are turned into pirates. TIP There are plenty of fun gifts for less than $20, such as old-fashioned robot toys and candy-color boxes. | 69 Spring St., between Crosby and Lafayette Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/431–3244 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.

Room & Board.

Fans of streamlined, midcentury modern furniture will be in heaven here. This location, one of only a handful in the country, is stocked with sleek sofas, beds, and other pieces of furniture that look like they could have been designed by the Eames Brothers. Instead, it is all new and comes with a relatively affordable price tag. Design afficionados can also choose from designer classics like seating cubes from Frank Gehry and Eames molded plywood chairs. | 105 Wooster St., between Spring and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–4343 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.

Jewelry and Accessories

Alexis Bittar.

Bittar began selling his first jewelry line, made from Depression-era glass, on a corner in SoHo. Now the Brooklyn-born designer counts A-list celebs and fashion editors among his fans. He makes clean-line, bigstatement jewelry from vermeil, colored Lucite, pearls, and vintage glass. The stores mirror this aesthetic with a mix of old and new, like antiqued-white Victorian-era lion’s-claw tables and Plexiglas walls. | 465 Broome St., between Mercer and Greene Sts., SoHo | 10013 | 212/625–8340 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Fragments.

This spot glitters with pieces by emerging designers, many of them local, as well as established ones. Most use semiprecious stones—you could try on turquoise-bead shoulder-duster earrings, an oversize opal ring, or a tourmaline pendant—but a few bust out the bling. | 116 Prince St., between Greene and Wooster Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–9588 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Robert Lee Morris.

If you buy into the mantra that bigger is better, make a stop here. Morris designs big, chunky jewelry that is anything but understated. Gold and silver cuffs have a serious weight to them, and necklaces and earrings have dangling hammered disks for a “wind chime” effect. Some pieces incorporate diamonds; others have semiprecious stones like turquoise or citrine. | 400 West Broadway, between Broome and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/431–9405 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.

Stuart Moore.

Everything about this boutique is minimalist, from the architecture to the jewelry. Most of the designs (from Heinrich + Denzel to Beatrice Mueller) have a streamlined, almost industrial look: diamonds are set in brushed platinum, and gold bangles are impossibly delicate. | 411 West Broadway, at Spring St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941– 1023 | Subway: A, C, E to Spring St.

Swarovski Crystallized.

A shrine to all things sparkly, this crystal superstore is a combination boutique and café, and allows shoppers to customize their purchases. Shoppers mix and match pieces from the striking “library of light” to create designs. If you’re lacking ideas, there’s always ready-made jewelry. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Medieval Chic line starts at $250, and shiny iPhone covers are $46. For more inspiration, hit the exhibition space downstairs. | 499 Broadway, between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–3322 | Subway: R to Prince St.; 6 to Spring St.

Versani.

Most of the jewelry here is big, bold, and unisex—and more than a little quirky. Silver teams up with all kinds of materials here: leather, denim, and snakeskin, as well as semiprecious stones. There’s a good selection of silver rings and pendants under $50. | 152 Mercer St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941– 7770 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.

Shoes, Handbags, and Leather Goods

Anya Hindmarch.

The luxury designs here range from the sedate to the sparkly. Buttery leather is used to fashion shoulder bags and hobos, and evening bags and clutches come in fun metallics. | 115 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/343–8147 | Subway: R to Prince St.

Camper.

These Euro-fave walking shoes, with their sturdy leather uppers and nubby rubber soles, have also proved popular on the cobblestone streets of SoHo. Comfort is a priority; all the slip-ons and lace-ups here have generously rounded