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Insider shopping tips

Helen Yun, Seek writer, Time Out New York
Den
‘I love hitting this tiny guerrilla shop when I’m craving something new in my closet. It’s an addendum to next-door men’s boutique Odin and dedicates itself to a new label every few months.’
Den, 330 E 11th St between 1st & 2nd Aves (1-212 475 0079/www.dennewyork.com). Subway: L to 1st Avenue. Open Mon-Sat noon-9pm, Sun noon-8pm.

5 in 1
‘Part art gallery, part studio, part boutique, this Williamsburg collective is tucked away from the North Sixth strip but it’s an excellent spot to score edgy pieces that you can’t find elsewhere. Since a lot of the designers actually work there, you might even get a chance to chat with them.’
5 in 1, 60 North 6th St, Brooklyn (1-718 384 1990/www.studio5in1.com). Subway: L to Bedford. Open Tues-Sun noon-7pm.

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Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney's, New York
The Knickerbocker
‘A ferociously untrendy restaurant that still has black vinyl booths and Hirschfeld caricatures on the walls. It's totally old-school naff but with great, uncontrived food.’
The Knickerbocker Bar & Grill, 33 University Place, between E 8th & E9th Sts (1-212 228 8490/www.knickerbockerbarandgrill.com). Subway: R, W to 8th St. Open Tue- Thu 11.45am-1am, Fri-Sat 11.45am-2am, Sun-Mon 11.45am-12am.

K-mart Astor Place
‘All the local bohemians cringed when this big-box retailer opened here. I adore it! Great mix of people. I bought a great men’s lounging kimono for $2. Inside the neck it reads “One size fits most”. How true is that?’
K-mart, 770 Broadway, corner of E9th St (1-212 673 1540/www.kmart.com). Subway: R, W to 8th St. Open Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-9pm.Simon Doonan is author of ‘Beautiful People’, on sale May 1.

Jill Bradshaw, co-founder of I Heart NY boutique
Studio B
‘The only place in New York where you can hear great music and people actually dance. Always check out who’s playing here if you come visit. Weekend nights are usually the best.’
Studio B, 259 Banker St between Calyer St and Meserole Ave, Brooklyn (1-718 389 1880/www.clubstudiob.com). Subway: G to Greenpoint Ave. Contact venue for opening times.

Tobias Wong, artist
Obscura Antiques
‘One of my favourite places to visit is this tiny little gallery/shop in the East Village. Mike, co-owner of the shop, has a wonderful collection of everything crazy. And if you don’t see it, he’ll find it. I’ve bought everything, from domestic cat pelts to renting a taxidermy, full-size black Labrador named Banjo for one of my projects.’
Obscura Antiques & Oddities, 280 East 10th St, between 1st Avenue & Avenue A (1-212 505 9251/www.obscuraantiques.com). Subway: L to 1st Avenue. Open Mon-Sun 2-8.30pm.

Lawrence Wiener Retrospective
‘Another must see is the Lawrence Wiener retrospective at Whitney. He’s one of the most influential text-based conceptual artist of our time. My friend recently acquired an official tattoo from him on his arm: “Sink or Swim – Your Ass Gets Wet”.’
Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Avenue at 75th St, (1-800 944 8639/www.whitney.org). Subway: 6 to 77th St. Open Wed-Thurs11 am-6 pm, Fri 1-9 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-6 pm. Retrospective ends Feb 10.

Lee Carter, editor of Hintmag.com
Seven
‘I’ve known the owner and buyer, Joseph Quartana, since forever. Joe’s ability to edit and distill the fashion zeitgeist of the moment is unparalleled. Of course, we’re not as young and silly as we once were, but occasionally we’ll head back to the shop in the small hours for some after-party fun.’
Seven, 110 Mercer St between Spring & Prince Sts (1-646 654 0155/www.sevennewyork.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St. Open Mon-Sun 11am-7pm.

Film Forum
'A true landmark, it shows the obscure, racy, arty and sometimes unsavoury fare that other theaters are too chicken-shit to screen. I’m secretly hoping Film Forum will bring back “Superstar: the Karen Carpenter Story” played by Barbie dolls that was promptly blocked by Mattel. My only caveat with the theater is that its popcorn tastes like microwaved bark.’
Film Forum, 209 W Houston St between Varick & Bedford Sts (1-212 627 2035/www.filmforum.org). Subway: 1 to Houston St.