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House-of-Oldies
New-York
I skipped many a high school class to spend time in this old store searching for doo-wop. I think it was here that I bought a mint \"Woo Woo Train,\" by the Valentines, on Rama Records for less than $5. That same record now probably costs over $60 and you can probably still find it at the House of Oldies. The store has over one million vinyl records in stock in everything from R&B to surf music. If vinyl oldies are your thing, there's no better place.I skipped many a high school class to spend time

Housing-Works-Used-Books-Cafe
New-York
Here's a way to do something good for yourself and others at the same time: Buy your reading material at this spacious yet cozy used-book shop, sporting 45,000 books and records. It's part of Housing Works, a not-for-profit organization that provides housing, services, and advocacy for homeless people living with HIV and AIDS. The collection is terrific and well-organized, with lots of well-priced paperbacks, hardbacks, advance copies, and coffee-table books. There's a cafe in back that serves coffee and tea as well as sandwiches, sweets, and other light bites, plus beer and wine. The bookstore often hosts readings by well-known writers as well as occasional music performances on Wednesday and Thursday evenings; call or check the website for the current listings.Here's a way to do something good for yourself and

Hue-Man-Bookstore
New-York
One of the nation's largest black-owned bookstores, providing the area's largest selection of African-American literature and books. Lines snaked around the block in 2004 when Bill Clinton staged a signing of his memoir.One of the nation's largest black-owned bookstores, providing the area's

Huminska
New-York
If you're addicted to colorful, flirty dresses and shapely swirl skirts, make a beeline for this shop. The offerings change with the whims of the designer, but the current collection of dresses seems to be inspired by the 1950s and the wonder that is polka dots.If you're addicted to colorful, flirty dresses and shapely swirl

Intermix
New-York
The place to dress and accessorize in style, at not-too-expensive prices. The Flatiron location is the original, and remains the best.The place to dress and accessorize in style, at not-too-expensive

Ito-En
New-York
You want green tea? You want black tea? Herbal tea? White tea? No problem. There are so many varieties of teas here you need a catalog to peruse the selections. Located in a Madison Avenue town house, Ito En is like an art gallery of teas; everything is neatly displayed and there is a calming, serene feel to the store. There is a sencha bar (tea bar) where you can sample some of their teas and get tea advice from the experts working there. They also sell green-tea-dusted chocolate-covered almonds that are an addictive, and very expensive, munchie.You want green tea? You want black tea? Herbal tea?

J-and-R-Music-and-Computer-World
New-York
This block-long Financial District emporium is the city's top discount computer, electronics, small appliance, and office-equipment retailer. The sales staff is knowledgeable but can get pushy if you don't buy at once or know exactly what you want. Don't succumb -- take your time and find what you need. Or better yet, peruse the store's copious catalog or extensive website, both of which make advance research, and mail order and comparison-shopping, easy.This block-long Financial District emporium is the city's top discount

Jack-Spade
New-York
Looking for a gift for the man who has everything? Then head to Jack Spade, which specializes in vintage and new \"guy toys.\" The inventory changes constantly, but expect goodies along the lines of vintage phonographs and microscopes, old maps and globes, cool desk accessories, and the like. This shop was launched by the husband of Kate Spade (she of chic handbags and paper-goods fame), so you can expect a smart, upmarket collection.Looking for a gift for the man who has everything?

Jazz-Record-Center
New-York
I have a friend from Paris who lives for jazz and this is the first place he hits whenever he visits New York. It's the place to find rare and out-of-print jazz records. In addition to the extensive selection of CDs and vinyl (including 78s), videos, books, posters, magazines, photos, and other memorabilia are available. Prices start at $5 for vinyl, $10 for CDs, and soar from there, befitting the rarity of the stock. Owner Frederick Cohen is extremely knowledgeable, so come here if you're trying to track down something obscure. (Cohen does mail-order business as well.)I have a friend from Paris who lives for jazz

Jeffrey-New-York
New-York
At the end of a deserted street in the still-industrial Meat-Packing District is this oasis of cutting-edge haute couture. Jeffrey New York caters to the Barneys crowd, but this outpost of the famed Atlanta megaboutique is much more accessible and user-friendly. Great accessories and shoes galore. The collection is mostly geared to women, but there's a notable men's department, too. A worthy schlep for style hounds.At the end of a deserted street in the still-industrial

Jill-Anderson
New-York
Finally, a New York designer who designs affordable clothes for real women to wear for real life -- not just for 22-year-old size 2s to match with a pair of Pradas and wear out club-hopping. This narrow, peaceful shop and studio is lined on both sides with Jill's simple, clean-lined designs, which drape beautifully and accentuate a woman's form without clinging. They're wearable for all ages and many figure types. (Her small sizes are small enough to fit petites, and her larges generally fit a full-figured size 14.) Her clothes are feminine without being frilly, retro-reminiscent but completely modern, understated, and utterly stylish.Finally, a New York designer who designs affordable clothes for

Jill-Platner
New-York
Platner's Aboriginal- and nature-inspired silver pieces are bold enough to look great on both men and women. Many are strung on brightly colored Tenara (a Gore-Tex-like thread) for a prehistoric-meets-21st-century feel. Prices are quite reasonable; it's easy to find a cool pair of earrings or a groovy ring for just a little more than $100.Platner's Aboriginal- and nature-inspired silver pieces are bold enough to

Jimmy-Choo
New-York
The boutique for sexy stilettos. The shoe display is gorgeous at this sophisticated three-floor emporium.The boutique for sexy stilettos. The shoe display is gorgeous

Jonathan-Adler
New-York
Anybody who has been reading shelter magazines over the last couple of years will recognize this hot potter's bold vases and lamps instantly. His style merges organic shapes, geometric patterns, natural hues, and mod ideas into a one-of-a-kind style that works in almost any decor -- really. Good throw pillows, too.Anybody who has been reading shelter magazines over the last

Jutta-Neumann
New-York
If you stop into this studiolike shop, you're likely to find the artist herself behind the counter, cutting and stitching her geometric, bold-hued leather goods -- bags, wallets, boots, and more. Her mules and strappy sandals are also popular.If you stop into this studiolike shop, you're likely to

karikter
New-York
New York's biggest collection of sleek and playful Alessi housewares from Italy (including Michael Graves's iconic teakettle with bird whistle), as well as European animation cells and toys starring Tintin, Babar, and Asterix.New York's biggest collection of sleek and playful Alessi housewares

kate-spade
New-York
Kate Spade revolutionized the high-end handbag market with her practical yet chic rectangular handbags, which have seemingly taken over the planet. They come in a wide range of fabrics and sizes, from pretty seersuckers to groovy prints to fashionable flannel to basic black, plus a wide range of solids. The daintier evening line is charming, particularly the grosgrain silks. The line has expanded to include chic baby bags, luggage, sexy shoes, and comfy pajamas. You can also find the signature bags at Saks, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale's.Kate Spade revolutionized the high-end handbag market with her practical

Kates-Paperie
New-York
Three cheers to Kate's for keeping the art of letter writing alive in our computer age. You could browse for hours among this delightful shop's handmade stationery and wrap, innovative invitations and thank-yous, imported notebooks, writing tools, and other creative paper products, including cool paper lampshades. Lovely art cards, too -- perfect for writing the folks back home -- a joy! The SoHo location is best.Three cheers to Kate's for keeping the art of letter

Kentshire-Galleries
New-York
Kentshire Galleries -- Still going strong after a half century, this large and lovely gallery is the city's prime stop for 18th- and 19th-century English antiques, ranging from jewelry and tabletop items to formal furnishings. Furniture is displayed in richly appointed rooms that make for great browsing.Kentshire Galleries -- Still going strong after a half century,

Kidding-Around
New-York
This boutique stocks pricey, high-quality toys, many imported from Europe. The emphasis is on the old-fashioned -- low-tech goodies like puzzles, rocking horses, and tops. One wall is devoted exclusively to tub toys, windups, and other stocking stuffers.This boutique stocks pricey, high-quality toys, many imported from Europe.

Kiehls
New-York
Kiehl's is more than a store, it's a virtual cult. Models, stockbrokers, foreign visitors, and just about everyone else stop by this always packed, old-time apothecary for its simply packaged, wonderfully formulated products for women and men. Kiehl's now has counters in several department stores (evidence of how they've really moved up in the world), but stop into the original if you can. Love the free samples!Kiehl's is more than a store, it's a virtual cult.

Kitchen-Arts-and-Letters
New-York
Foodies, take note: Here's the ultimate cook's and food-lover's bookstore. You'll be wowed by the depth of the selection, which includes rare, out-of-print, and foreign-language titles focusing on food and wine. The staff will conduct free searches for hard-to-find titles. The shop is an overstuffed jumble, but if this is your bag, you'll be browsing for hours.Foodies, take note: Here's the ultimate cook's and food-lover's bookstore.

Leader-Restaurant-Equipment-and-Supplies
New-York
The Bowery is the place to find restaurant-supply-quality kitchenware, and Leader is the best dealer on the block. This big, bustling, friendly shop is a good source for Chinese and Japanese wares -- chopsticks, rice and noodle bowls, sushi plates, sake cups, and the like. You'll see a lot of the same styles you'd find at the high-end home stores in SoHo or the Village but at a fraction of the prices (this is where they buy, too).The Bowery is the place to find restaurant-supply-quality kitchenware, and

Lord-and-Taylor
New-York
Okay, so maybe Lord & Taylor isn't the first place you'd go for a vinyl miniskirt, but this New York institution has an understated, elegant mien. It now operates under the May Company banner but maintains its own sensibility. Long known as an excellent source for women's dresses and coats, L&T stocks all the major labels for men and women, with an emphasis on American designers. Their house-brand clothes (khakis, blazers, turtlenecks, and summer sportswear) are well made and a bargain. Sales, especially around holidays, can be stellar. The store is big enough to have a good selection (especially for petites) but doesn't overwhelm.Okay, so maybe Lord & Taylor isn't the first place

Lost-City-Arts
New-York
Lost City features vintage modern furnishings and a quirky selection of accessories (station signs, 3-D photos, and the like), plus their own new midcentury-inspired furniture and accessories, including one inspired by the otherwise forbiddingly expensive custom designs of Machine Age genius Warren MacArthur. A real treat.Lost City features vintage modern furnishings and a quirky selection

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