Shopping near the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

An initiative of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, Albertine is devoted to works—both in its original version and in translation—and offers the largest selection of French literature in the United States, with more than 14,000 titles from 30 French-speaking countries. The two-floor space is truly an escapist's dream, with a designated reading room with lush sofas and armchairs, all housed in the French embassy.

Ranking among the city’s top tourist attractions, Bloomie’s is stocked with everything from bags to beauty products, homewares to designer duds. The cosmetics hall, complete with an outpost of globe-spanning apothecary Space NK and a Bumble and bumble dry-styling bar, recently got a glam makeover. The compact Soho outpost concentrates on young fashion and cosmetics.  

This UES family-owned shop has been in the haute couture–recycling business since 1954 and is the place to go if you want to score Dior, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana dresses for 70 to 90 percent off retail price. While you shouldn’t schlep your bags of less-than-luxe stuff here expecting a trade (they only buy first-tier designer labels that are less than two years old and in great condition), come here if you want to treat yourself to something luxurious without breaking the bank.

For the past 40-odd years, father-and-son team Lal and Harry Bhambi have been making sure every single hand-sewn garment under their banner is made precisely to look attractive. When you pick up garbs from them, you have the advantage of their veteran touch.

Sure, you can pick up a tome about the museum’s current exhibition of lighting designer Ingo Maurer’s lamps, but the design-focused arm of the Smithsonian thankfully carries much more than just souvenirs. In what was once Andrew Carnegie’s wood-lined library, you’ll now find brilliant wares such as a USB memory stick encased in a twig ($89), Lady de Lacey stainless steel cuff bracelets ($135) and graceful letterpress cards ($24) created by Maryland Institute of Art M.F.A. students.

Corporate megastores aren’t the only places to get the best deals on pillows, comforters and other bed-bath essentials. As an alternative, turn to this family-run version of a big-box chain that has been operating in NYC for 46 years. As the name would suggest, bedding is the star player here, with standouts like the house brand of dobby-stripe sheets ($40–$50) and quilted floral bedspreads ($40–$60). But there are plenty of steals with which to spice up the other rooms in your apartment on the cheap too, such as colorful plush towels for the bathroom ($6–$20), mismatched throw pillows for your couch ($10–$30 each) and Vance Kitira distressed candles for the kitchen ($5–$20).

For nearly half a century, Fred Kooby has been running this prim-and-proper stationery boutique, and though he’s watched as paper companies shrink their lines and e-cards replace formal invitations, his own business has grown from a single storefront to the better chunk of the block. Attribute this to his loyal clientele, who appreciate proper etiquette and classic taste—tenets that are best represented by the wall of Crane & Co. place cards (ten for $9–$100), and selection of Caspari greeting cards ($3–$9) and Charing Cross leather-bound calendars ($32–$49). Kooby’s daughter, Vanessa, oversees the custom-design department, whose shelves are jammed with sample books from lines as mid-range as William Arthur and as elaborate as C’est Papier. Aside from paper products, the store also stocks Kolo photo albums ($17–$50), Tizo picture frames ($17–$150) and fine writing instruments ($39–$495) from Waterman, Parker and Cross.

Upon graduation from FIT in 1981, designer Lisa Perry launched her line of retro women’s threads inspired by her massive personal collection of ’60s and ’70s pieces. After running her boutique in the same space for three years, Perry closed up shop for three months in preparation for a move just a few blocks up from the original spot. Ultrabright pieces, such as color-blocked minidresses ($795–$1,295) and shifts printed with "love" along the hem ($1,295), pop against stark white walls and shelving. You can also find the brand’s cheerful accessories—our favorites are candy-colored duffel bags ($295) and fruit-shaped coin purses ($25). Highlights from her mod home collection include rainbow place mats ($25 each) and matching coasters ($10 each).

After becoming frustrated by seeing everyone around her wearing the same garb, New York native Claire Distenfeld left her job as a gallery director to start her own luxury store, where she makes sure you’ll find only one-of-a-kind pieces. She achieves this by stocking just two of each item, and carries exclusive women’s clothing from avant-garde Russian designer Vika Gazinkaya ($1,795–$3,200) and French brand Risto ($395–$595). The third-floor space is meant to be a pop-up preview of the full-blown men’s and women’s boutique that Distenfeld plans to open on the second floor of the townhouse in March. Until then, you’ll find elegant threads from designer Carin Rodjeber, such as hand-beaded shirtdresses ($420) and suede pants with matching blouses ($195 each). Splurge on Cushnie et Ochs wool felt cropped jackets ($1,790) or Chrissie Morris black suede booties ($1,285) with stingray-leather details. Guys can discover dapper pieces such as Bespoken single-button blazers ($995) and a Hype Means Nothing Notorious B.I.G. T-shirts ($95). Nab great gifts, including Seletti white mugs ($38) with colorful handles and Gaia & Gino evil-eye vases ($55). For cold days, check out Fivestory’s house cashmere line featuring cozy men’s and women’s sweaters ($495–$550), scarves ($100–$500) and throw blankets ($1,100).  

This Paris-based gourmet chocolate shop has multiple locations in New York.