Tribeca Shopping

Opening Ceremony
A veritable cultural center for fashionistas, this emporium features a revolving showcase of up-and-coming designers from around the world, one country at a time. Currently on deck: the USA, with New York’s fashion jocks battling Los Angeles’ for gold. Note to Wong Kar-wai fans: The store is selling a My Blueberry Nights T-shirt set designed in collaboration with the filmmaker.
35 Howard St, 212-219-2688

Secondhand Rose
Interior designers around the world know about Secondhand Rose, and if you like wallpaper, you should too. Stocking thousands of original vintage patterns (hand-painted! flocked! foil!), the store is said to house the world’s largest collection. You’ll also find a trove of linoleum, lamps, furniture, pottery and more.
138 Duane St, 212-393-9002

The Working Class Emporium
If you find the assortment of antique dinnerware, perfume bottles, assorted haberdashery, fireman’s jackets, pillows, and other home accessories here alluringly creative, that’s because Working Class also happens to be an ad agency, whose office is just downstairs from the store.
168 Duane St, 212-941-1199

Issey Miyake
The stunning flagship Miyake store, designed by none other than architecture rock star Frank Gehry, is almost as beautiful to look at as the clothes it houses. You’ll find the full swathe of Miyake genius here, including his men’s and women’s ready-to-wear lines; his fragrances; and his A-POC, Féte, and HaaT collections.
119 Hudson Street, 212-226-0100

Edon Manor
Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Givenchy (and cult brands such as Alaia) reign supreme at this high-end shoe boutique, where sexy couture kicks are displayed amid piles of books and antique armoires. Inside scoop: The shop’s airy interior evokes the country home of owner Davinia Wang’s family—which also happens to share this boutique’s name.
391 Greenwich Street, 212-431-3890

Sweet Lily Spa
Pamper yourself at this diminutive spa, which offers basic treatments—manis, pedis, and waxing—with some luxe twists. A honey-walnut manicure leaves your hands silky smooth, and a pedicure includes indulgent skin soothers like coconut and pineapple. Relax in a rustic rocking chair while you wait for your perfectly painted digits to dry.
222 West Broadway, 212-925-5441

Urban Archaeology
Whether your tastes run toward Gothic, Art Deco or contemporary, you’ll dig the home furnishings at this eclectic shop. In addition to new wares, the store showcases salvaged goods: antiques that have been rescued from urban sites and are looking for new homes. A large gate from a Pennsylvania bank vault can be had for $27,500.
143 Franklin Street, 212-431-4646

Union Square Shopping

Union Square Wines and Spirits
Tastings take place regularly at this spirited spot, and the impressive selection of domestic and international vintages will make sure you leave with something in your hand, as well as your gullet. Seeking sake? Bourbon? No problem. They’ve got it all.
140 Fourth Ave, 212-675-8100

Sol Moscot
A family business for more than 90 years, Sol Moscot has fitted the likes of Johnny Depp with fierce retro frames. Pick up a pair of the shop’s signature specs (about $150)—soon you’ll be walking the red carpet looking just like one of them.
69 W 14th St, 212-647-1550

Arthur’s Invitations and Prints
Take note: Inside this huge paper depot, you’ll fine the the cards and letter papers of paperiers from G. Lalo to Vera Wang, plus custom printing ideas that might get you off e-mail for good.
13 E 13th St, 212-807-6502

Forbidden Planet
Batman, Ex Machina and manga all have a place at this comics hot spot. Check your bag at the door, then take in their fine selection of hot-off-the-presses fare and well-curated favorites. The crowded aisles can make it a feat to amble aimlessly. But that’s just part of a superhero’s burden.
840 Broadway, 212-473-1576

East Village Shopping

Other Music
This indie destination for music addicts is the place to go if you want to score Vampire Weekend’s much-raved-about full-length release or El Guincho’s tropicalia masterpiece Alegranza. It’s also a ticket hub for local music shows, should you want to take in some three-dimensional entertainment outside the fest.
15 E 4th St, 212-477-8150

Kiehl’s
This venerable apothecary has been pampering the neighborhood since 1851 with its full line of skin, hair and body products for women, men, babies and even pets. Forgot to pack shave cream or shower gel? Just say please. The store hands out samples of most of its potions to anyone who asks.
109 Third Ave, 212-677-3171

Odin
The East Village location of this dapper men’s shop (which also resides in Soho) does cool effortlessly. Constantly updated merchandise from designers like Rogues Gallery and Y-3 make it a magnet for stylish gents who want to stay decked in the hottest designer threads and accessories.
328 E 11th St, 212-475-0666

John Derian Co.
Beautiful objéts abound at John Derian, primarily in the form of his exquisite decoupage plates and platters adorned with curious and whimsical patterns ranging from antique love letters to vintage pictures.
6 E 2nd St, 212-677-3917

Azaleas
Stylish jewelry and sexy shoes can be found at this hip shop, but most of owner Cindy Kahng’s customers come for the highly covetable lingerie. Dainty numbers on the racks, begging to be taken home, include designs by Clo and Brooklyn label the Lake and Stars, as well as Brit knicker makers Damaris.
223 E 10th St, 212-253-5484

Air Market
With the stereo blasting infectious dance tunes and a board plastered with flyers for local bands and poetry readings, this boutique has the atmosphere of a cool café—but really, it’s a must-stop for the avant-garde shopper. Women’s apparel from popular Japanese lines like Lover’s House and Hello Kitty are highlights.
97 Third Ave, 212-995-5888

St. Mark’s Bookshop
This neighborhood stalwart has been providing New Yorkers with hard-to-find, heavy reads for decades. You’ll find excellent cultural studies and small press fare, along with fiction faves.
31 Third Ave, 212-260-7853