Clothes Shopping in Manhattan

Fans and friends from all over the world keep asking where I shop in NYC. I'm not usually a department store shopper. I prefer small and local shops and find that downtown NYC is turning into a petit Paris. The number of boutiques in my area has grown tremendously in the last few years. Here are some favorites:

Momo Soho (237 Centre St., NYC 10013, tel (212) 979-9595) has gorgeous dresses of unique textures and cuts.  

Les Toiles du Soleil (261 W 19th St., NYC 10011, tel (212) 229-4730) makes comfortable and tasteful espadrilles that compliment a summer skirt nicely.

Club Monaco (160 5th Ave, NYC 10010, tel (212) 352-0936) Many of you can find a location of this store near you.  I find it to be head and shoulders above other national chains in terms of quality, cuts, choices and styles.  The tailoring is tops and the value cannot be beat for what you get.  I love their simple white tailored shirts for summer. 

Urban Zen (705 Greenwich St., NYC 10014, tel (212) 414-8520) makes extremely well-cut and unusual clothes. It can be a bit expensive, but well worth it to purchase one timeless piece.

Shelly Steffee (34 Gansevort St., NYC 10014, tel (917) 408-0408) offers comfortable, yet elegant clothes that are splendidly cut. The store also has a unique selection of jewelry.

Michael (271 West 4th St., NYC 10014, tel (212) 206-7722) is new and one of my recent favorite finds for casual chic. This is the place to find a little piece to stand out. The collection is mostly Italian and features quality material at a good value.

Otte (121 Greenwich Ave, NYC 10014, tel (212) 229-9424) has many European brands and eclectic choices of tops, vests, undergarments, boots and more.

For casual dresses, try Poleci, located at 32 Gansevort St., NYC 10014, tel (212) 229-3701.

The São Store (112 Wooster Street NYC 10012) has gorgeously tailored white blouses that are anything but your typical button down shirt.