While designer flagships and big department stores tend to attract shoppers, the small, independently-owned boutiques have the best finds in New York City (if you ask us). These hidden gems, dotted throughout the city’s different neighborhoods, are perfect examples of the funky, eclectic style that defines New York. From expertly curated fashion collections to one-of-a-kind accessories and home decor, these boutiques offer shopping experiences that are well beyond the ordinary. Ahead, learn more about our favorite independent boutiques in NYC. Trust us, your next shopping spree will be anything but basic.
Clothing:
Cloak & Dagger
It’s a fact: Cloak & Dagger has some of the best clothing and accessories around. Located in the heart of the East Village and founded by designer Brookelynn Starnes, this boutique has a great collection of goodies that range from cool clothes and statement jewelry to nice handbags and so much more. Here, you’ll find pieces that are stylish, chic, and totally unique. (Be sure to check out the purses, they’re too cute to pass up.)
A Second Chance
An authentic luxury retail store that has been around since 1993, A Second Chance has got it all when it comes to designer goods. This family-owned and -operated business specializes in luxury handbags and accessories and prides itself on offering a 100 percent authenticity guarantee on every item they sell. With a focus on luxury brands like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, the boutique is ideal for shoppers who want the real deal without the ultra-high prices.
Veda
Established in 2008, Veda is an NYC-based women’s fashion label with a focus on creating the perfect leather jacket. Following its inception, VEDA now has a full range of ready-to-wear collections with items including woven tops, dresses, knit sweaters, leather outerwear, and separates. Known for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality craftsmanship, Veda’s pieces are the definition of modern and chic.
IF
Founded in 1978 by three siblings (Jeannette Bird, Johnny Farah, and Soha Farah), IF is perhaps the oldest clothing store that’s still operating in Soho. It started with collections including Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, and Moschino, along with IF’s founder and owner Johnny Farah’s own leather accessories collection. Now, it sells more collections from designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme Des Garcons, and Danish designer Ivan Grundahl. If you appreciate fashion, you’ll appreciate IF.
Design:
The Future Perfect
David Alhadeff started The Future Perfect in 2003. Now, it’s one of the world’s leading contemporary design galleries. With houses in Manhattan’s West Village, Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, and a gallery in San Francisco, each space offers specialized programming that includes exclusive exhibitions from contemporary artists. Here, shoppers will find extremely stunning pieces that’ll elevate their spaces.
Collyer’s Mansion
Opened in 2012, Collyer’s Mansion is a Brooklyn hotspot for design lovers. With an eclectic collection of items made by both locals and people from around the globe, shoppers will find everything from eco-friendly furniture and vibrant textiles to original artwork, handmade jewelry, and more. And, even though it’s a small business, they’re still able to pack and ship most orders from the Brooklyn studio within one to two days. Plus, they offer great design services!
Coming Soon
Coming Soon is a furniture design and gift shop founded by Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria in 2013. Located between the Lower East Side and Chinatown, this shop is known for its unique mix of contemporary furniture, decor, and accessories. Visitors can expect to find a variety of home goods, including stylish sofas, eye-catching lighting fixtures, and one-of-a-kind decorative items. If you’re looking to redecorate, you need to check out Coming Soon.
Lifestyle:
Fishs Eddy
Quirky, fun, and different, Fishs Eddy is a true New York City institution. Complete with a wide selection of kitchenware, dinnerware, and home goods, it has unique and vintage-inspired pieces that cater to both everyday use and special occasions. The store is famous for its whimsical decor and funny designs, all of which are sure to add flare to anyone’s home.
The Primary Essentials
From artisanal kitchenware and handcrafted ceramics to cool textiles and unique decor items, The Primary Essentials is known for its items that feature both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re in search of the perfect gift or looking to add a new accent to your home, this shop is sure to have exactly what you need.
Perfume & Skincare:
MiN New York
Looking for a new scent? We’ve got just the place. MiN New York has a curated selection of perfumes, body lotions, shampoos and conditioners, sprays and candles, and more. One thing we love most about MiN–aside from the incredible scents–is that all of its products have ultra-chic packaging.
