August 8, 2007

Michele Varian New York

Woodsy, folksy, precious objects, plus gothic marvels and the designer’s famous handmade pillows. Take a peek in the jewelry case, too, as there are some stellar finds you won’t see anywhere else.

  Downtown, Fashion, Design Junkies, Good for Gifts

January 19, 2007

MoMA Store New York

Goods that reflect what’s going on in the museum (except you might actually be able to afford something here). Look for pleasing kitchen and tableware, jewelry by design firms, cool art books, and a selection of Muji accessories. Sometimes the gift shop is more fun than the museum itself. (Maybe why that’s why there’s a second location in Soho.)

  Manhattan, Culture, Design Junkies, Good for Gifts

May 17, 2006

Christopher 19 Design Collective New York

West Village home furnishings, jewelry, bags, and accessories emporium. Decor is retro meets organic (think oriental mirrors paired with barren tree branches).

  Downtown, Fashion, Design Junkies, Good for Gifts

September 8, 2009

Frock New York

Originally a rental showroom, the LES store now offers women’s designer clothing, accessories, and shoes from the ’60s to the ’80s. Browse big names (YSL, Dior, Chanel, Valentino) — perhaps even alongside a few (Rachel Weisz, Beyonce, Lucy Liu). 

  Downtown, Fashion, Celebrity Sightings, Design Junkies

April 23, 2009

Auto New York

A lifestyle shop for modern design junkies stocking bedding, books, and stuff for baby. Good spot for indie wedding registries.

  Manhattan, Fashion, Baby, Design Junkies

July 20, 2006

Moss New York

Iconic gallery and furnishings shop captures the hearts of high-design geeks and ambitious gifters.

  Downtown, Fashion, Design Junkies, Impressive Decor

June 23, 2006

Oak New York

Full of sleek, avant designs for both men and women by the likes of Complex Geometries, Helmut Lang, and Ksubi. At the moment, they’re the talk of the town.

  Brooklyn, Fashion, Avant-Garde, Design Junkies