Best new indie shops: Comfiest boyfriend chair
Fellas won't mind kicking back in these lounge areas.
Mon Apr 11 2011
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New Yorkers' favorite indie shops
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25 best new indie shops
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Comfiest boyfriend chair
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Best hybrid shop
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Best custom clothing
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Best for home goods
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Best for niche athletics
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Best for makeup
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Best for bath and body products
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Best collective
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Best cold-weather outfitters
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Places to make crafts
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Best for locally produced goods
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Best use of a small space
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Dazzling displays
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Best eclectic assortment
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Best for discount designer clothes
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Best affordable vintage
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Cheap and chic
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Best for denim
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Best local jewelrymakers
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Best fashion-forward boutiques
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Best ode to Americana
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Best for channeling California style
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Best streetwear
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Best preppy attire
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Best for his-and-hers shopping
Best new indie shops 2011
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Ruia
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Ruia
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Photograph: Grant Asken
Missoni open-toe clog, $550, at Ruia
Missoni open-toe clog, $550, at Ruia
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Lislie Yeung heels, $545, at Ruia
Lislie Yeung heels, $545, at Ruia
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Ian Tong
Alexander Wang
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Alexander Wang knotted wrap dress, $525, at alexanderwang.com
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Alexander Wang draped one-sleeve goddess dress, $825, at alexanderwang.com
Winner: Ruia
Introducing New York City shoe lovers to stylish European brands like Baldan and Loriblu is a major source of pride for British fashionista Kajal Ruia—but she understands that your male companion may not feel the same way. While you wander her eponymous two-floor shop, scoping out splurgeworthy heels from Lislie Yeung ($545) and Missoni mesh peep-toe boots ($725), direct your dude to the upstairs lounge area. There he can sip complimentary drinks (cocktails, wine, juice, beer, water), settle into one of the overstuffed striped couches and take in a movie or sports game on Ruia's flatscreen television. 65 Mercer St between Broome and Spring Sts (646-449-8464, ruianyc.com). Mention TONY at checkout to receive 20 percent off all shoes through May 1.
Runner-up: Alexander Wang
The award--winning clothier's flagship draws flocks of well-heeled downtown ladies, often with their favorite wingmen in tow. The single-knot wrap dress ($525) and draped one-sleeve goddess dresses ($850) aren't exactly for the budget conscious, but they'll turn heads no matter where you go. Before your fella starts bitching about how many frocks you're taking into the dressing room, escort him to the black fox-fur hammock in the middle of the shop—he can nap while you preen to your heart's content. 103 Grand St between Greene and Mercer Sts (212-977-9683, alexanderwang.com)
