West Village/Meatpacking District/Chelsea/Union Square : Lucky Magazine

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Along Bleecker Street is a series of boutiques for superstar designer Marc Jacobs' secondary line. One sells clothing and accessories; the other, offbeat seasonal MJ-branded tchotchkes.
Women's clothing, shoes, and accessories: 403-405 Bleecker St. (at W. 11th St.), 212-924-0026.
Special and seasonal items: 385 Bleecker St. (at Perry St.), 212-924-6126,
marcbymarcjacobs.com for more information

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

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

Otte

When neighborhood girls need a last-minute party dress or a vacation-worthy tunic, this is where they go. Otte traffics in the sort of effortlessly pretty pieces that seamlessly integrate into any wardrobe, whether it's a 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt or Current/Elliott jeans. 121 Greenwich Ave. WEST VILLAGE 212-229-9424; 1281 Madison Ave. UES 212-289-2644; 132 N. Fifth St. WILLIAMSBURG 718-302-3007, otteny.com

Owl's Lab

Flush with Ella Moss tanks, J Brand jeans, and other easygoing pieces, this laid-back store attracts an NYU crowd looking for an alternative to the many chains of nearby lower Fifth Avenue.
20 E. 12th St. (between Fifth Ave. and University Pl.), 212-633-2672, owlslab.com

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

Pippin Vintage Jewelry

Newly relocated to a roomier Chelsea space, this is our favorite spot in the city for affordable costume jewels (there are even drawers of $5 and $10 pieces).
112 W. 17th St. (between Sixth and Seventh Aves.), 212-505-5159, pippinvintage.com

Products: Jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique

Pippin Home

Wind down an alley to reach this outstanding, affordable antiques spot, located in a quaint carriage house directly behind Pippin (see above).
112 1/2 W. 17th St. (between Sixth and Seventh Aves.), 212-206-0008, pippinvintage.com

Products: Antique
Type of Store: Boutique

Scoop

This popular chainlet has taken over nearly an entire block in the meatpacking district—there are separate women's, men's, and kids' boutiques, plus a "Scoop Street" location that sells laid-back pieces.
Women's: 861 Washington St. (between 13th and 14th Sts.), 212-691-1905,
men's: 873 Washington St. (between Ninth and 10th Aves.), 212-929-1244,
kids: 875 Washington St. (between Ninth and 10th Aves.), 212-691-1926,
Scoop Street: 875 Washington St. (between Ninth and 10th Aves.), 212-633-6539,
scoopnyc.com

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

Stella McCartney

McCartney excels at creating cleverly tailored garments with a modern look and feel. The devoted vegetarian never uses any animal fibers or leather in her clothing or bags.
429 W. 14th St. (between Ninth Ave. and Washington St.), 212-255-1556, stellamccartney.com for more information

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

Theory

Clothing by Theory is always reliably subtle, streamlined, and easy to wear. No matter what the season, it turns out the best-fitting basics—you can't go wrong with its tailored trousers, blouses, and luxe, roomy bags.
40 Gansevoort St. (at Greenwich St.), 212-300-0800, theory.com

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

Zachary's Smile

They're an excellent resource for reworked vintage clothing—the house line of dresses crafted from printed antique silk is wildly popular.
9 Greenwich Ave. (at Christopher St.), 212-924-0604, zacharyssmile.com