Is that really brown mustard?
Leave it to the experts at famed dry cleaner Meurice Garment Care (garmentcare.com for locations) to vanquish stains.

You deserve a break
Book a last-minute babysitter or housekeeper at absolutebestcare.com.

Ronald McDonald isn’t a chef
The meals are happier at ’50s-style greasy spoon Burger Joint (Le Parker Meridien, 18 W 57th St at Sixth Ave; 212-245-5000), where kiddies can watch their meat sizzle on the grill. (For more suggestions, see “Best in chow”).

Solo show

Collectible works
A temple to well-known and up-and-coming labels, Odin New York also offers a staff who can help you when you’re feeling clueless. More gallery than shoe store, Japanese import A Bathing Ape carries collectible sneakers in a Pop Art palette.

A man’s gotta eat
Chelsea spot Empire Diner (210 Tenth Ave at 22nd St, 212-924-0011) curbs postopening hunger pangs 24-hours a day.

We all have our vices
When you cross the pond to check up on your pieces at the Tate Modern, stock up on hangover cure Berocca (berocca.co.uk). Meanwhile, Nicorette (nicorette.com) staves off cravings in nonsmoking museums.

Power of the press
Land the cover of ArtForum with a personal pitch crew from Rubenstein Public Relations (rubensteinpr.com).

Does Jeff Koons fly coach?
We doubt it, so charter a private flight to Art Basel Miami Beach via Bluestar Jets (bluestarjets.com).

Meet the parents

What to pack
Never overly trendy, Club Monaco offers tailored, upscale-feeling basics such as V-neck sweaters and two-button blazers. Gallic favorite A.P.C. is how the French do casual: crisp shirts and frill-free jeans—with nary a pair of sweatpants in sight. Another European label to stock up on is Brit designer Nicole Farhi, whose not-too-structured three-quarter-length coats and trousers will make you look like a worthy match.

Make nice
Brush up on your manners with a copy of Emily Post’s Etiquette. While you’re out, stop by Cursive or Smythson for some post-weekend thank-you notes.

Peace offering
Since wine is often tricky—collector? recovering alcoholic?—present delectably packaged chocolates from Fauchon (442 Park Ave at 56th St, 212-308-5919) instead.

Because a monthly MetroCard isn’t that impressive...
Rent some choice wheels from nycexoticcarrentals.com; if you’ll be making repeat visits, enroll with zipcar.com.

Corner office

Where to invest your bonus
The eternally tasteful Bergdorf Goodman men’s department caters to power brokers of all types—there aren’t any fashion-victimy items lurking on their racks that you might accidentally buy. Classic English but not-too-stuffy shirtmaker Charles Tyrwhitt offers a bespoke-like fit at affordable prices. Beloved for impeccably stylish canvas and leather luggage, T. Anthony demonstrates what distinguishes major players from poseurs: a high-quality bag.

So you never read Who Moved My Cheese...
Professional career coach Deborah Brown-Volkman (surpassyourdreams.com) teaches killer interview strategies.

Ragged cuticles aren’t gender specific
Tame them with a manly manicure while getting a shave and trim at old-school barbershop John Allan’s (johnallans.com for locations).

You can’t pound Wall Street with broken heels
Polish and fix your wingtips at Cobbler Express (cobblerexpress.com for locations).

Marathon

The circuit
A no-brainer for anyone undertaking a physical endeavor that burns more calories than breathing, Paragon Sports will outfit you in such a way that you at least look like you know what you’re doing. Throw out your holey polyester-blend concert tees for breathable cotton ones at American Apparel. And though you might have to wear briefs, the tighties don’t need to be white, since they sell them in every color of the rainbow here.

You don’t have to train solo
Join the 26.2-mile club New York Road Runners (nyrr.org).

Comfort station
Soothe aching muscles at old-world spa Russian & Turkish Baths (268 E 10th St between First Ave and Ave A, 212-473-8806).

Clean fuel
Power up at vegan soul-food spot Red Bamboo (140 W 4th St at Sixth Ave, 212-260-7049).

The late show
Remember that Seinfeld episode? Invest in a fail-safe alarm clock, like the Nanda Clocky (nandahome.com), which buzzes, flashes and roves around your bedroom until you catch it.