New York City is saturated with shops. It can be pretty overwhelming to someone that’s not familiar with shopping in New York. Even with department stores, there can be too many brands to choose from. Also, each neighborhood has its own select shops that sell clothing, furniture or lifestyle accessories. For example, if you want to find some really cool vintage shops, you probably want to check out Williamsburg. If you want a well-known high-end designer piece, then maybe you should go shopping on 5th Avenue in Midtown or SoHo.
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In this article, we’ll let you know about some of the best boutique shopping in NYC. We love boutiques in NYC because each one is curated specifically for their customers. By picking out certain items, boutiques are a great place to go to so you’re not overwhelmed. Here are our favorites!
Where is the Best Boutique Shopping in NYC?
1. If Boutique Inc
If Boutique Inc is one of our absolute favorite stores in SoHo. Admittedly, If Boutique Inc is not the cheapest store in SoHo, but there are some pretty good deals here and the brands selected are top notch. The ambiance in this boutique is truly unique and worth a visit for the design alone. They have a great range of accessories, clothing and shoes for both men and women. (94 Grand Street)
2. Henrik Vibskov Boutique NYC
The boutique Swords-Smith is located in the very popular and stylish neighborhood, SoHo. The retailer thoughtfully curates over 80 women’s and menswear designers such as Henrik Vibskov, Hope, Maison Margiela, Issey Miyake, Collina Strada, Robert Geller, Willy Chavarria and more. They also have an online presence as well. (Address: 456 Broome St)
3. Dover Street Market NYC
Dover Street Market NYC is a boutique located in Midtown East. It’s known to carry exclusive and collaboration items from well-known brands such as Nike, Commes Des Garcon, and Willy Chavarria. As a matter of fact, the owner of Dover Street Market is Rei Kawakubo. She is also the founder of the famous clothing brand, Commes Des Garcon. For more information please visit their website here. (160 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016)
4. Vintage Twin in SoHo and UES
Vintage Twin – The name says it all. With a few locations throughout the city (two in SoHo and one in the Upper East Side), Vintage Twin has become the go-to spot for vintage clothing. Some of the most notable representatives of the fashion industry has shopped here. Also, when you buy something from the store, 10 percent of the proceeds go to charity, which changes every month. (543 Broadway, New York, NY 10012)
5. Front Street General Store in DUMBO
This vintage/lifestyle store is located in DUMBO Brooklyn. The Front Street General Store has a rustic and eclectic vibe and the items that they carry reflect that. Most of the clothing are vintage/deadstock items pulled from various parts of the world, mainly from Japan and France. The price ranges here fluctuate as they’ll carry vintage Levis, vintage Yohji Yamamoto, and vintage Commes Des Garcons. They also carry accessories such as jewelry, socks, hats, and gloves. In addition, candles, scents and household items are also sold here. It’s a small store with a lot of options and is definitely worth a visit. (143 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
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6. The MoMa Design Store
We guess we’ll call this a boutique store in NYC. If you’ve ever been to the MoMa and loved it, then visit The MoMa Design Store. It’s a really neat place to buy gifts since you won’t be able to find these items here anywhere else. Here, you’ll find awesome prints, decor, furniture, and even jewelry. (11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019)
Looking for a guided tour in Soho? Check out our recommendations:
7. Blue in Green in SoHo
This SoHo boutique carries really special casual menswear pieces. A lot of the product in the store is from Japanese brands. They also carry custom-made jeans. The quality is impeccable. Clothing sold here ranges from your basic T’s, hoodies, to knits and outerwear. Aside from clothing, they also sell vinyl records and music. If you’re in the area, definitely drop-by and even grab yourself a cup of coffee in their in-store coffee counter. Visit Website. (8 Greene St, New York, NY 10013)
8. The Assembly
There are two boutique stores in the United States. One is located here in NYC and the other is on the opposite coast in LA. As a brand and designer itself, The Assembly is starting to make its mark within the fashion industry as well. The brand has a minimalist look and some of the clothing is unisex. The store also carries other brands as well that are hard to find. (170 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002)
9. Schott NYC
Are you looking for amazing leather jackets? Then Schott NYC is the place for you. The quality of their leather is one of the best out there and has that classic American aesthetic that leather jackets are supposed to have. There’s no better place for leather jackets than Schott. I mean, they’ve been doing this since 1913 and the founder, Irving Schott was the first person to make the motorcycle leather jacket called the “Perfecto”. (236 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012)
10. ABC Carpet & Home
Are you into interior design? Then ABC Carpet & Home is the store you want to check out near Union Square. Here you’ll find upscale furniture, carpets, and just random (but, not really) items that could elevate your house or apartment. Also, if you get hungry, go to ABC Kitchen, which happens to be right next door. You probably will get hungry because there are six floors to check out in the main store. (888 Broadway, New York, NY 10003)
11. Flying Solo
This store is unique in a way that it is owned and operated by local and independent designers. This number is continuing to climb. Being the fashion industry is tough and finding an outlet to sell to customers is even harder. That’s why Flying Solo was created., It provides a platform for designers to sell their work. They even had their fashion show in Paris! (434 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012)
12. Diane Von Furstenberg
Located in the Meatpacking District, Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) has her boutique, office and her apartment in the neighborhood. If you’re a huge fan of Sex and the City, then this is the store that’s featured in the movie. Here you’ll find the designer’s luxury products such as handbags and shoes for sale. (874 Washington St, New York, NY 10014)
13. Maryam Nassir Zadeh
Since 2008, Maryam Nassir Zadeh or MNZ has built a pretty big following. The boutique brings in up-and-coming designers including her own designs. As a matter of fact, MNZ has been gaining traction the past few seasons as she has been showing her collections at New York Fashion Week. (123 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002)
14. Bird
Being in business for over 15 years, Bird is a women’s boutique based in Park Slope in Brooklyn. This store is for the fashion-forward and stocks emerging and trendy designers such as Steven Alan and 3.1 Philip Lim. (316 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215)
15. The Strand Bookstore
For the people that love books, this store is for you. It’s located in Union Square and carries new and used books. As a matter of fact, they pretty much carry a whole bunch of types of books, from comics to science fiction. Visit their website here for more info. (828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003)
16. INA
This designer consignment store opened up in 1993. Here, you potentially can find some of the most sought after second-hand designer pieces. The staff at INA makes sure to only curate pieces that are of high quality and good condition. There are multiple stores throughout the city. (110 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003), (207 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011), (21 Prince St, New York, NY 10012)
17. Aime Leon Dore
This boutique has opened up their very first flagship store after finally moving out of the pop-up store that they happened to be in for years. Aime Leon Dore has great pieces for men. Ladies, if you like to wear men’s clothing, definitely stop by this store as well. Just check out their website to see how awesome their collection is. (214 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012)
18. Story
The boutique Story, located in Chelsea, frequently changes their inventory after 1-2 months. Each change comes with a theme, making the whole shopping experience pretty fun and engaging. With each theme, that means items are carefully picked out and thoughtfully curated. It’s picked up so much that Macy’s even bought them out. Make sure to check them out. (144 10th Avenue, Manhattan New York, New York, 10011, USA)
19. Tomorrowland
The store Tomorrowland is in NYC’s fashion central, SoHo. Here, you’ll find fine Japanese knitwear for men and women. Not a lot of people have yet heard of this brand yet, but we definitely recommend checking this boutique out for their quality product. (476 Broome St, New York, NY 10013)
20. Oroboro
This upscale boutique in NYC located in NoLita stocks some very chic womenswear, art, and decor. Items inside the store include quality, hand-made crafts from around the world as well from local artists and designers. You can find more information about the boutique here. (217 Mott St, New York, NY 10012)
21. What Goes Around Comes Around
Ever since 1993, What Goes Around Comes Around has been stocking some of the best luxury, high-end vintage items in the city. Celebrities, influencers, and fashionistas make their way to the store to see if they can find some of the rarest luxury products. The items are hand-picked by their team and are curated wonderfully. Please visit their website here. (351 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013)
22. Belief NYC in Astoria
This skate shop and lifestyle store in Astoria, in our opinion, is very underrated. Their clothing is inspired by the NYC hustle and their motto is “Ever Upward”. So if you’re in ever Astoria, Queens make sure to give this local shop some love. (2401 29th St, Astoria, NY 11102)
23. The Little Soap Shop
We realize that the majority of the stores on this list is a lifestyle or clothing store. But, if you’re looking for something different then this boutique is perfect for you. The Little Soap Shop in Long Island City, Queens specializes in all-natural soap and body products. They even have bug repellant as well! (29-03 23rd Ave, Long Island City, NY 11105)
24. HiFi Records
Are you a sucker for vinyl records? HiFi Records looks like it’s from another era but sells all of your favorite hits on, you guessed it, vinyl. There’s something special about music being played on a record player. The store is located in Astoria. Oh, and it’s also a small coffee shop. It’s the perfect combo. (23-19 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11105)
25. Flamekeepers Hat Club in Harlem
Harlem just exudes style and originality. If you’re very serious about hats, then Flamekeepers Hat Club is the place you want to check out. Their quality and expertise of hats are one of the best. You can even ask them to customize hats for you as well! (273 W 121st St, New York, NY 10027)