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1. Odin
The Norse god Odin is often portrayed as sporting an eye patch and an array of shabby robes to complement his dour, bearded visage. That may have been fashionable in medieval Scandinavia, but to make it in NYC, he’d have to pick up some Robert Gellar, Rag and Bone or Comme des Garcon from this upscale men’s boutique bearing his name. Spring accessories, tasteful jewelry and amazing shoes—the Sperry Topsiders ($225) strongly beckon us—are also available to those with the cash flow needed to shop here. 199 Lafayette St between Broome and Kenmare Sts (212-966-0026) Common Projects shoes, $295
2. Bicycle Habitat
For 30 years, this miniscule joint has been outfitting riders with dope bikes and cycling gear. From trusted American company Trek, handmade models designed for pavement pedaling include the 1000 WSD ($600) and top-of-the-line Madone 6.9 Pro ($8,360). For those who don’t want to lock up their wheels, the Brompton folding bikes ($1,050–$1,350) can fit easily in your cramped studio apartment. And, unlike many shops, Bicycle Habitat allows you to test-drive bikes. 244 Lafayette St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-431-3315, bicyclehabitat.com)
3. Amarcord
Everything in Amarcord—mostly vintage mens- and womenswear dating from the 1940s through the ’80s ($80–$950)—is carefully chosen in Italy by proprietors Marco Liotta and Patti Bordoni. 252 Lafayette St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-431-4161, amarcordvintagefashion.com)
4. In God We Trust
Indulge those fleeting but persistent rockabilly fashion urges at this Soho outpost of the culty Williamsburg boutique. Designed by owner Shana Tabor, its retro garb for both genders is reasonably priced and includes checkered men’s shirts ($80–$160), jeans ($100–$250) and ’50s-esque frocks (from $250) as well as antique odds and ends (from $250) for the home. 265 Lafayette St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-966-9010)
5. Nypull
Yes, this joint’s name is pronounced “nipple” but you won’t find any mammaries on display here. Happily, Nypull is still a titillating experience, mixing well-preserved vintage clothes with freshly minted ones by up-and-coming lines like Mike & Chris, Iodice and Obey. 265 Lafayette St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-625-2000, nypull.com)
6. Otto Tootsi Plohound
This sun-filled consignment spot always receives fresh threads flown in every few weeks from Japan, but we love OTP best for its on-trend lineup of men’s and women’s footwear. An entire wall serves up hip shoes including throwback Nikes (from $260) and menswear designer John Varvatos’s take on iconic Converse sneakers ($95 and up), making it a necessary stop on any Lafayette Street sojourn. 273 Lafayette St at Prince St (212-431-7299)
7. Supreme
The kids behind the recent anti-emo riots in Mexico have a thing to learn from this urbanwear parlor where punks, hip-hop aficionados and skaters covet culty tees and sneakers. Long-sleeved flannel button-downs ($118), and Kermit the Frog’s green visage on tees ($44) and on a Supreme skateboard ($68) entice NYC’s youth, as well as adults who want, for some reason, to look like MTV addicts. 274 Lafayette St between Prince and Jersey Sts (212-966-7799, supremenewyork.com.)
8. Brooklyn Industries
Even if you don’t like having brooklyn stamped across your chest, there’s plenty to choose from among the racks at this borough-specific brand’s downtown outpost. Our picks: A slim-fitting guys’ Korinthian blazer ($138), and the Shino City print T-shirt ($32) for the ladies. 286 Lafayette St between Jersey and Prince Sts (212-219-0862, brooklynindustries.com)Korinthian blazer, $138
9. Triple 5 Soul
You’d think there’d be tons of them all over the globe by now, but this streetwear label still limits its two depots to NYC. The Soho flagship carries the company’s comfy hoodies ($80) that we all know and love, but shoppers can outfit themselves completely here with ladies’ flirty Capri dresses ($84) coupled with a pocket-bedecked shoulder bag ($96) or, for the fellas, plaid shorts ($72) and suede ankle boots ($85). 290 Lafayette St at Jersey St (212-431-2404, triple5soul.com)Green Mainland polo, $44
10. Elan
Founder Jeff Greenberg collects antique pieces from around the country and sells vintage pieces—mostly circa 1950s America—back to those of us tired of cookie-cutter home furnishings. Items start at $175 and run into the $4,000 range for bedroom sets and rarer pieces. 345 Lafayette St between Bleecker and Bond Sts (212-529-2724)