New York Shopping Guide
Our list of the most undeniably unmissable spots.
The Top 100 Boutiques in New York
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
Matter
Before opening Matter in 2003, Jamie Gray studied sculpture at the Pratt Institute, which explains the shop's focus on architecturally minded design. If you see a cool item in a forward-thinking, modern shelter magazine, chances are it's here, whether it's Areaware's wooden bear or slick Alvar Aalto chairs. 405 Broome St. SOHO 212-343-2600; 227 Fifth Ave. PARK SLOPE 718‑230-1150,
mattermatters.com
Mick Margo
Nadine Ferber Abramcyk, the owner of this out-of-the-way destination, claims that she never keeps more than about 10 key pieces in her own closet. And this sensibility
is definitely reflected in her store:
She embraces an effortlessly chic style season after season. Slouchy Clu
tanks hang next to khaki green Isabel Marant dresses and Catherine Holstein jumpers. 19 Commerce St. WEST VILLAGE 212-463-0515, mickmargo.com
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
Amarcord
Owned by a pair of Italian natives, the newest outpost of this popular NYC vintage chainlet is a slick edge-of-SoHo space full of pieces from big-in-the-'80s names: Martine Sitbon, Katharine Hamnett, Guy Laroche.
252 Lafayette St. (between Prince and Spring Sts.), 212-431-4161, amarcordvintagefashion.com
252 Lafayette St. (between Prince and Spring Sts.), 212-431-4161, amarcordvintagefashion.com
Eryn Brinié
Though it sounds like it must be Irish, this late 2008 arrival is actually from Korea. And while one might occasionally stumble upon the lone Eryn Brinié piece at a boutique, a whole concept store is extremely exciting, if only because almost all of the on-point, generally ethereal looks—from sequined slouchy tanks to long, folowing dresses—sell for under $150.501 Broadway SOHO 212-308-6134, erynbrinie.com
Portia & Manny
After boutiques Valley and Sweet Tater shuttered in early 2009, the respective owners teamed up to open this new endeavor: There are a host of spa offerings, along with several racks of expertly selected vintage clothing, including floral-printed '70s tops and Dior gowns. 198 Elizabeth St. NOLITA 212-219-6400
Suite Orchard
Designed to resemble a modern French boudoir, with gray-white-and-pink-striped walls and sleek furniture, this two-year-old spot from New York City natives Sonia and Cindy Huang is a melting pot of the siblings' favorite labels. Cindy, who designed for Diane von Furstenberg, and Sonia, a fashion-industry veteran on the wholesale side, produce their own line of sweet dresses: Soni & Cindy, which mingles here with supremely wearable picks by Karen Walker and Hanii Y. 145A Orchard St. LES 212-533-4115,
suiteorchard.com
TG170
In 1992, when owner Terri Ann Gillis had just graduated from art school and had no money, she took over this storefront as a live/work space. Rent was cheap and it allowed her—and her artist friends—a pressure-free showcase to sell one-off pieces. While it's now the area's most venerable boutique—offering established labels like Sunshine & Shadow and Vivienne Westwood—it has preserved its studio-like vibe and continues to launch the careers of many young designers. 170 Ludlow St. LES 212-995-8660, tg170.com
King of Greene Street
With enough square footage to rival a department store, this early 2009 addition to Soho—owned by three brothers—offers a wonderfully random and peripatetic assemblage of goods. Italian bikes with lush leather seats and handlebars are scattered about, and everything from Eley Kishimoto's playfully sporty sweaters to Gaspard Yurkievich's overtly sexy dresses Maloles flats and Viktor & Rolf stilettos with sutured-together seams.72 Greene St. SOHO 212-302-5470
