Nolita/SoHo/Tribeca/Chinatown : Lucky Magazine

Forever 21

It's unbelievable how inexpensive—and on-trend—the clothing is here (the majority of the merchandise is under $30). The huge SoHo location is its newest in the city.
568 Broadway (at Prince St.), 212-941-5949, forever21.comfor store information

Products: Denim, Lingerie/Loungewear, Swimwear, Women's Clothing, Shoes, Bags, Jewelry
Type of Store: Designer Discount, Chain

Jill Stuart

New York-based Stuart always brilliantly interprets the season's trends.
100 Greene St. (between Prince and Spring Sts.), 212-343-2300, jillstuart.com

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

Kate Spade

Famous for her simple, structured handbags—but don't overlook her equally outstanding shoe line.
454 Broome St. (at Mercer St.), 212-274-1991, katespade.com

Products: Shoes, Bags, Beauty
Type of Store: Boutique

Kiosk

Owners Alisa Grifo and Marco ter Haar Romeny travel all over the world, ferreting out the everyday—yet beautiful—artifacts of a culture or a region, whether it's an orange peeler from Florida or a mending kit from Germany. The spoils of their trips are displayed at their eccentric you-have-to-know-about-it-to-know-it's-there second-floor store. 95 Spring St., Second Fl. SOHO 212‑226-8601, kioskkiosk.com

Kirna Zabête

One of the first boutiques that could legitimately go toe-to-toe with trendsetters like Barneys, Kirna Zabête established itself in Soho back in 1999 and has since become a huge force. But despite their success, Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley are far from complacent when it comes to finding left-of-center pieces. Right now, they're betting on Giambattista Valli balloon-sleeved blouses and Rick Owens' leather biker jackets. 96 Greene St. SOHO 212-941-9656, kirnazabete.com for more information

Kisan Concept Store

Even though it's operated by three Parisians, the Kisan flagship is actually in Iceland, which partly explains its eclectic appeal. The front of the year-old space is devoted to art books, graphic stationery, and eggshell-thin glassware, while the back is given  over to big, primarily French, fashion names like Vanessa Bruno, Sonia Rykiel, and Jerome Dreyfuss. 125 Greene St. SOHO 212-941-9656, kisanstore.com for more information

Ksubi

Started in Australia by a few surfer friends (and formerly known as Tsubi), this reliably hip streetwear label is best known for its super-skinny stretch jeans.
219C Mulberry St. (between Prince and Spring Sts.), 212-334-4690, ksubi.com for more information

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

Lyell

Designer Emma Fletcher picked her mother's maiden name when deciding what to call her label, which is just one of the ways this well-loved collection nods to the past. Sweet and ladylike silhouettes cut from delicate floral and lace fabrics are the linchpin of her line, and all are showcased in her cozy shop. 173 Elizabeth St. NOLITA 212-966-8484, lyellnyc.com

Marc Jacobs

The superstar American designer's SoHo store is devoted to his higher-end line (for his Marc by Marc Jacobs boutiques, see the West Village map).
163 Mercer St. (between Houston and Prince Sts.), 212-343-1490, marcjacobs.com for more information

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

A Detacher

The pieces from Mona Kowalska's 10-year-old collection—multi-layer dresses, austere jackets—are intimidating on the hanger. But on the body, they're perfectly constructed, deeply flattering, and telegraph a sophisticated, slightly unfinished sensibility. Her flagship shop is one of the most serene spaces in Nolita, outfitted with a shimmering wall of tiles, a lime green map of the world, and a gorgeously dressed-down assortment of accessories. 262 Mott St. NOLITA 212-625-3380