New stores (April 12–18, 2012)

This Italian couture men’s designer has opened his first U.S. boutique in the landmark Edwardian Room of the Plaza Hotel. The elegant space reflects its former glory as an early-20th-century men-only café with its original, intricately painted wood ceilings and opulent chandeliers. The luxe menswear ($300–$65,000) is housed in lacquered wood, glass and velvet display cases. All the products in the shop are handmade in Italy and can be custom-made to your choice of cut, fabric, color and monogramming. Splurge on alligator and crocodile briefcases ($10,000), monogrammed leather loafers ($1,000–$2,000), and wool, silk or linen suits ($3,500–$7,000). Finish off your dapper new look with silk and cotton ties ($300–$500), or go casual in leather-and-metal-detailed jeans ($1,000).

This San Francisco hatmaker expands with a second NYC location (the original is in Park Slope). Brick walls, a black tin ceiling, a leather lounge chair and Edison-style lightbulbs provide an old-timey vibe—fitting, since the company began in 1895. Even the merchandise harkens to the days of yore, with a wide range of fedora styles for ladies and gents, including short-brimmed leather ($100), satin-banded straw ($50) and summery plaid ($54) variations. Guys can don any number of newsboy caps ($38–$110), while women can get a sweet retro look with all manner of cloches ($34–$140). Goorin does contemporary styles too, as evidenced by wildly printed ball caps ($34) and trucker hats ($25). Gals should stop in for summer’s must-have floppy sun hat ($350–$490), such as our favorite red Panama straw version ($140).

Christopher Coffee, co-owner of the recently opened Gotham Skincare and Lasik, targets busy New Yorkers with this express beauty bar. The 500-square-foot space boasts four treatment stations: one for makeup applications ($75–$120), another for hair care ($30–$75), a third for waxing and lash treatments ($15–$285), and the last for nail care ($27–$55). Most prettifying services clock in at under an hour, including eyelash and eyebrow tints ($35) and lip plumping ($30), which uses a noninvasive exfoliating scrub to make your pout look fuller. Although there are no cuts or color, you can still get your locks coiffed with blowouts ($30) and updos ($75–$100). Mancentric offerings include the Razor Sharp (40 mins, $70), a gommage-based cleansing and exfoliating service, and the Eliminator (60 mins, $125), during which an aesthetician extracts and treats problem areas on men’s faces and legs with a glycolic-acid solution. If you work nearby, take note that facial prices (normally 40 mins, $75) get chopped daily during lunchtime (30 mins, $45), so you can squeeze some relaxation into your hour of freedom from cubicle servitude.

Peter Shapiro, one of the entrepreneurial masterminds behind Brooklyn Bowl, has created another visually stimulating space with this ’70s-inspired boutique. A psychedelic paisley feather motif covers the entire surface of the shop, vintage Charles Hollis Jones Lucite-and-white-leather stools and green couches are scattered throughout the space, and a lit-up theater marquee hangs over the register. More than 50 different brands of hooded apparel for men and women ($40–$695) are showcased on custom-designed acrylic-and-brass hanging racks. You’ll find Kings of Cole cotton pullovers with rose-gold zippers ($165), Aviator Nation retro zip-ups ($175) and Halfman Romantics army-print utility jackets ($250). The shop is set up with a full DJ booth and movie screen for late-night shopping parties, trunk shows, films and live music (follow @thehoodieshop on Twitter to stay in the know).

Feminine prepster clothing meets edgy accessories in this contemporary designer’s first East Coast shop. The collection, which ranges from lace-and-leather apparel ($60–$2,500) to animal-print and studded add-ons ($58–$595), is inspired by the designer’s travels to Bali and South Africa. Chiang’s girly-with-an-edge aesthetic is embodied by the store’s decor: plush velvet sofas and glass display tables offset charcoal drapes and jewel-toned walls. Ladylike leather clutches with chevron lace detailing ($695), quartz stones set on two-finger rings ($195) and leather sandals with croc-embossed ankle cuffs ($395) pair well with draped-back dresses trimmed in metal chains ($195). You’ll also find signature teddy-bear-embellished items, such as velvet slippers ($195) and gold scented candles ($145).

Get psyched, football fans: The 2012 season feels like it has arrived early this year. To coincide with April’s NFL draft, the league launches this temporary shop. The massive 10,000-square-foot venue takes up an entire block and boasts a mock football field. Partnership brands such as Nike and Under Armour will be among the labels carrying merchandise for all 32 teams. Ladies can support their home team with Vineyard Vines canvas totes ($95), Cuce Apparel rhinestone tees ($70) and LogoArt silver NY Giants charm necklaces ($117). Guys will find New Era hats ($35) created specifically for the draft, Nike jerseys ($100) and Quiksilver board shorts ($65). Diehard fans can also browse a museum-like rotating display of memorabilia, including the Vince Lombardi Trophy (April 5–14) and championship rings from Super Bowls I to XLV (April 8–14). Beginning April 19, shoppers can purchase Wilson footballs for in-store customization with a name or favorite team logo ($130–$230).

This full-service salon and spa is the second location of this guys-only spot (the first is in Midtown East). Take a seat on leather couches in the waiting lounge while sipping a gratis drink at the bar and watching SportsCenter or CNBC on one of the two flatscreen TVs. The ten grooming stations are sectioned off with acrylic-and-chrome dividers, and are outfitted with red leather barber chairs. Maintain your mane with a haircut ($68), straight-edge shave ($55) or 45-minute Professional package ($88), which includes a hair wash with scalp massage, cut, manicure and shoe shine. A style bar is stocked with grooming products such as Kiehl’s Creative Cream grooming wax ($17), Jack Black Supreme Cream shaving product ($23) and Dr. Dennis Gross Lift & Lighten eye cream ($60).