Manhattan
Amarcord
Blessedly uncluttered and color-coded, Amarcord's medley of upscale European clothing and accessories dates to the 1940s. Fancy lines (YSL, Pucci, Dior) and ones you've never heard of but are about to totally fall in love with are given equal rack real estate.
252 Lafayette St., Ste. A, 212-431-4161, amarcord
vintagefashion.com
Aritzia
You'll fight crowds at the Canadian retail giant's double-decker stateside flagship, but while its distinctive in-house brands, an outstanding denim selection and gentle price tags justify some elbowing, remember that the sunlit second floor is far less trafficked.
524 Broadway, 212-965-2188, aritzia.com
Billy Reid
Buried deep inside Billy Reid's dark, wood-paneled flagship is his refreshingly un-prissy women's line, complete with his signature tailored trenches, crisp shirtdresses and woolen coats.
54 Bond St., No. 2, 212-598-9355, billyreid.com
Babel Fair
Think of Erica Kiang as your personal shopper. Only she shops the entire world. Every six weeks, Kiang embarks on a global pilgrimage and brings back treasures like Peruvian oil vials, Spanish-print pants, Korean denimwear and a particular Japanese meowing cat camera we're sort of obsessed with.
260 Elizabeth St., 646-360-3685, babelfair.com
Nest Interiors
The functional and the pretty converge at this Chelsea home haven, where sleek dark wood side tables, agate crystal coasters, delicate gold wire tree sculptures and oversize embroidered pillows are all artfully crafted and often locally produced.
172A Ninth Ave., 212-337-3441, nestinteriorsny.com
Christina Lehr
Growing up above Henry Lehr's Soho clothing store inspired Christina Lehr (yes, she's his daughter) to launch her own flagship in Tribeca and stock it with her line of cool, comfortable and highly wearable striped cotton tees and drawstring pants.
139 Reade St., 212-608-1000, christinalehr.com
Duo
An American flag and worn wooden armoire get the message across that Duo, started by two Minnesota-born sisters, is an homage to both the past and patriotism. The store favors emerging local designers who produce in the U.S., as well as vintage staples like a flannel-lined khaki anorak and brown leather ankle boots.
337 E. Ninth St., 212-777-7044, duonyc.com
Dolce Vita
We've always loved Dolce Vita for wedges and booties that don't cost much but look like they do. Now, with a new location (not yet open at press time), its steadily expanding line of apparel (silk printed blouses, A-line skirts, cozy knit ponchos) is becoming a budget-friendly force in its own right.
149 Ludlow St., 212-529-2111, shopdolcevita.com
Cloak & Dagger
First you spot the red suede pumps. Then you spy the Karen Walker sunglasses. Next you get to a shelf with Collina Strada clutches and over there, you see an ivory pintucked top. Then it hits you: This store is like getting trapped inside a giant closet owned by the coolest girl ever.
441 E. Ninth St., 212-673-0500, cloakanddaggernyc.com
Tocca
Australian designer Emma Fletcher brings Tocca's ready-to-wear line back to life with a collection of proper lacy blouses, high-waisted silk scalloped shorts and woolly double-breasted swing coats that are sold alongside the brand's much-beloved beauty line.
605 Hudson St., 212-255-3801, tocca.com
