New York Shopping Guide

The most under-the-radar of the New York City chainlets is Montmartre, which is named for the hilly, scenic Parisian neighborhood. We're especially fond of the Columbus Circle shop, which stocks winning selections from Nanette Lepore, Milly, and Alice + Olivia. 10 Columbus Cir. (at W. 58th St.), 212-823-9821, montmartreny.com

Products: Denim, Women's Clothing, Bags
Type of Store: Boutique

For the largest Bebe selection, head to the dramatic, sprawling Columbus Circle location (in the Time Warner Center). Here you'll uncover more of its signature modern-bombshell pieces—liquid satin halter dresses, body-skimming trenches—than anywhere else in the city.
10 Columbus Cir. (at W. 58th St.), 212-262-2690, bebe.com

Products: Denim, Swimwear, Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique

Tory Burch is fast building an empire with her preppy-glam pieces, which often have a Palm Beach-in-the-1960s look.
257 Elizabeth St. (between Houston and Prince Sts.), 212-334-3000, toryburch.com

Products: Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique

Now two locations strong—including a gigantic store on Bleecker—Zero + Maria Cornejo continues to turn out strongly cut, highly conceptual tulip-shaped dresses and cropped jackets. It's rare that the Chilean-born designer ever uses a print or pattern, focusing instead on intensive draping, which means that while many items look confusing on the hanger, they're extraordinarily cool to wear. 33 Bleecker St. NOHO 212-925-3849; 807 Greenwich St. WEST VILLAGE 212-620-0460, zeromariacornejo.com for more information

Revered for its handbags, particularly its soft, slouchy, insanely popular goat-leather "Motorcycle" satchel; the full range of bags is found here, alongside clothing and shoes.
542 W. 22nd St. (between 10th and 11th Aves.), 212-206-0872, balenciaga.com for more information

Products: Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique