New York Magazine

Attracting a deeply loyal clientele of local musicians, finger-picking carpetbaggers, and front-page rock stars, this one-stop guitar shop’s been hosting impromptu jams and encouraging ambient noise on the block since 1997.

Run by two sisters-in-law who share a "love of all things paper," A Most Creative Affair has been keeping couples happy since 1999.

See the profile of this NYC store at 290 Columbus Ave. in Manhattan.

So you think that bra fits? This legendary vendor of women’s and men’s undergarments and sleepwear knows what’s right.

Jazz and folk musicians come here for accordions from companies like Excelsior and Hohner.

Cordovan loafers, orthopedic styles, and the boots Indiana Jones made famous.

Designer teapots, flatware and other eclectic household knickknacks are housed in this legendary Italian kitchenware master's American outpost.

Designer teapots, flatware and other eclectic household knickknacks are housed in this legendary Italian kitchenware master's American outpost.

Handcrafted men’s dress shoes that have the feel of sneakers.

With a high-quality inventory of all things printed, Alpine covers all wedding stationery needs.

This Milan-based chain offers almost 3,000 Italian silk ties, plus everything needed to accessorize the hedge-fund set.

Whimsical animation, illustration, and fine art

Urban spin on the country general store.

This miniscule storefront does big business in custom embroidery.

Oceanic-inspired lighting in organic shapes.

Home to one of the city’s most extensive collections of antique printed matter, Argosy has been around (and run by the same family) since 1925.

An expansive selection of premium and novelty pens, plus quirky desk accessories.

This dizzyingly bag-packed shop has more than 500 styles from which to choose.

This Japanese-based millinery brand stocks over 100 statement-making styles of hats for men and women.

This chic Union Square full-service emporium features professional personal consultants and gorgeous custom-printed suites.

Gifts for all ages from Japan, China, India, Korea, and Indonesia.

The luxury book publisher of high-shine manifestos on photography, art, and fashion unveils its first stateside boutique in the lobby of the renovated Plaza Hotel.

A rockhound’s dream, this two-story shop sells minerals from around the globe.

Supremely intricate Swiss-made timepieces, many with windows to show off their inner workings.

Tens of thousands of well-organized fabrics fill this family-owned shop.