NYU’s proximity to Soho and 5th Avenue makes the temptation to shop nearly impossible to avoid. There are so many fast-fashion and flagship stores nearby. But sometimes the long lines for the dressing rooms at the larger stores like Zara and Topshop are too much of a hassle, and you want a more laid-back shopping experience. Fortunately, there are plenty of smaller shops and boutiques close to campus to satisfy your shopping needs (and wants).
Just a block away from all of the delicious food on St. Mark’s Place is a street with several unique boutiques to take a look at. A 10 minute walk from Washington Square Park, East 9th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues is home to some easily overlooked shops. While each store has its own identity and defining style, they all contribute to the modern and trendy vibe of the East Village.
Cloak & Dagger
334 E. 9th St.
This eclectic boutique with feminine and retro-inspired designs has a bit of everything. What started out as its own clothing brand has evolved into a freestanding boutique that carries a decent selection of designer labels like For Love and Lemons, Opening Ceremony and Elizabeth and James. In addition to the clothing, Cloak & Dagger also offers shoes, accessories and jewelry, which all pair well with the cool-girl aesthetic. The price point begins at around $100 for separates.
Duo NYC
337 E 9th St.
Featuring both vintage and modern independent designers, Duo has a refined and simple style. The limited inventory focuses on gender neutral womenswear and understated shapes. It’s a good option if you’re searching for a basic and modern outfit that will last. Because the store’s inventory is carefully curated, the price range begins around $100 for the clothing, and $30 for home accessories like candles and incense.
Meg
312 E 9th St.
Like she short and simple name, the clothing at this shop is minimal and streamlined. The clean aesthetic lets the high quality of the clothes speak for itself, although this comes with a higher price tag. Most of the knit sweaters cost $198, and a pair of wide leg pants is $210. The selection of casual yet tailored dresses and jumpsuits makes this a worthwhile place to look for work-appropriate fashionable clothes. There are also West Village and Lexington Avenue locations, as well as Williamsburg and Boerum Hill shops.
Pinkyotto
307 E. 9th St.
This petite shop is stocked with modern clothing that is anything but basic. Most of the inventory is black and white, but there are a plethora of fall-toned burgundys and tans present as well. The clothing is creative, but still very wearable. There are several hybrid pieces, like a sweater/shirt dress combo, that make it easy to pull together an outfit. The pieces are a bit pricey, with dresses averaging around $150, but the selection of clothing is singular and eye-catching, so you won’t be found wearing the same thing as your classmates. Other than the East Village boutique, there are also shops in Soho and Flatiron, plus a Williamsburg location.
Featured Image by Meetali Gupta.
Sophie Shaw is the Violet Vision editor. Email her at sshaw@nyunews.com.
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