New York Shopping Guide
Our list of the most undeniably unmissable spots.
The Top 100 Boutiques in New York
Catbird
This impossibly cute Williamsburg mainstay is roughly the size of a closet—quite appropriate since it traffics in exquisite accessories, most of which are arranged in framed cases on the walls. Rings cast after ship helms by Verameat and heart- and dagger-shaped necklaces from Bittersweets NY are highlights. 219 Bedford Ave. WILLIAMSBURG 718-599-3457, catbirdnyc.com
Coclico
A recent expansion nearly doubled the size of this unassuming Nolita stalwart, which is the home of the popular shoe line of the same name. The shop also carries heels from other labels like Chie Mihara, along with two racks of bohemian-inflected clothing, including embroidered Aoyama Itchome tunics, Mociun rompers, and floral-patterned Paul & Joe blouses. 275 Mott St. NOLITA 212-965-5462, shopcoclico.com
Commune
Its primary agenda may be haircuts, but this Japanese salon/store has transformed its front half into an otherworldly jewelry shop that's rife with small, hard-to-find collections. All the gold crest-shaped rings, keyhole pendants, and beaded hoop earrings are displayed on first-edition books and patinated antique mirrored trays. 191 Grand St. WILLIAMSBURG 718-384-7412, communesalon.com
Oak
Oak is still the city's main arbiter when it comes to deconstructed, street-inspired style. Though it has a newer outpost in Manhattan, we'll always like the larger Williamsburg location best. Marked by exceptionally high ceilings and a huge garage-style door, the lofty, all-white front holds a display table made from cardboard boxes, stacked with printed tanks from Scout and gray Acne jeans. Meanwhile, the recently expanded back is painted black, and lined with church pews and studded heels from Pour La Victoire. 28 Bond St. NOHO 212-677-1293; 208 N. Eighth St. WILLIAMSBURG 718-782-0521, oaknyc.com
The Future Perfect
David Alhadeff unleashed his home-goods-store-cum-gallery on a lonely corner in Williamsburg in 2003, and not only has the neighborhood changed significantly in the interim, but The Future Perfect has become the spot in the U.S. for up-and-coming industrial designers to launch their products. This ability to suss out new talent is all on display in the maze-like, slightly cluttered shop, from sculptural tomato red chairs to gazelle skulls that have been dusted with tiny crystals. 115 N. Sixth St. WILLIAMSBURG 718-599-6278, thefutureperfect.com
Gargyle
Late last year, the owners of what was formerly just an online venture stocking hard-to-find labels figured they might as well transform their street-level showroom into a shoppable boutique. What it lacks in decor it makes up for in its exceptionally cool items, including Wood Wood cardigans, Karen Walker shifts, and United Bamboo boots. 16A Orchard St. LES 917-470-9367, gargyle.com
Jumelle
Candice Waldron has impeccable taste, and since everything at Jumelle is something she would happily wear, it's impossible to choose poorly here. Highlights include Heimstone necklaces made from brass screw nuts, printed Rachel Comey tops, and perfectly cut blazers from upstart designer Therese Rawsthorne. 148 Bedford Ave. WILLIAMSBURG 718-388-9525, shopjumelle.com
Albertine
It's nearly impossible to step into any of Kyung Lee's shops (the three are all in a row) on any given weekend without encountering at least one Lucky editor. That's because Lee is constantly taking risks on emerging labels—all with a romantic air—and she's almost always on hand to ensure that everything fits beautifully. Her two most recently opened projects, Albertine Workshop and Albertine General, provide custom reworked vintage dresses and curiosity-shop-like home goods, respectively. Albertine: 13 Christopher St. WEST VILLAGE 212-924-8515; Albertine Workshop: 19 Christopher St. WEST VILLAGE 212-924-8515; Albertine General: 15 Christopher St. WEST VILLAGE 212-924-8515, albertine-nyc.com
Aloha Rag
This Honolulu-based operation is probably most known for its website, which is one of the best resources in the world for highly stylish items from designers both luxe (Lanvin, Chloé) and kooky-cool (Hysteric Glamour). What many don't realize is that there's also an all-white, sun-drenched emporium in the far West Village. 505 Greenwich St. WEST VILLAGE 212-925-0882, aloharag.com
Albertine
When the subject of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, shopping comes up, any neighborhood resident will, without fail, mention Alter. Its two outposts—one for girls and one for guys—face each other across Franklin Street, with loads of on-trend picks for under $100. At the women's store, look for Cheap Monday denim, Preloved dresses, and slip-ons by Melissa. 140 Franklin St. GREENPOINT 718-349-0203, alterbrooklyn.com

