The city has become a bit of a nightmare in this arena. The town that used to cherish individuality has now become host to a bevy of ….well…crap. The "mall"-ification of America has hit its final destination…The city that never sleeps now sleeps. And boy, do they rest up to endure those long lines at Bradlees, Toys-R-Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Filene’s Basement (can it really be a basement if it’s on the second floor?). Such a hatred I have for the giant chain stores (and consequently such a hatred of Guiliani and his "let’s-suburbanize-the-city" bull that we will only be talking about individually owned boutiques and shops that have true style and panache. You won’t even find the likes of the Armani store (or should I say, stores…all 5 of them) listed below. You want Gucci or Dolce & Gabanna, go look it up yourself. We are taking a trip to the edge. 
Bagutta    Steven Alan    Dom   Selima Optique    
Le Corset   Language  Zero    Variazioni
Kiehl's
To get some some of the hottest new designer clothes around, check out this very cool site, www.christinadefalco.com!!Debbie is constantly accosted by jealous admirers every time she wears her sexy silver dragon coat!!! Get one before everyone realizes that 2000 is the Year of the Dragon and they sell out!!
SOHO
BAGUTTA
402 W Broadway(@Spring)
212-925-5216
The absolute favorite boutique in Soho if you’re looking for high end…Mark Bagutta is somewhat of a Soho legend and his store only stocks the best of the best of Margiela, Narcisco Rodriguez, Herve Leger, etc. The recently expanded boutique has added a gorgeous second level atop a fabulous, yet scary staircase where the men’s wear resides. Ask gorgeous Bernard’s opinion on anything…The man has some serious style going on. And remember that face, he’s going to be a mega music sensation one day… mark my words.
STEVEN ALAN
60 WOSTER STREET
212-334-6354
This sweet little boutique caters to the model set. Who else could wear the teeny little stylish get-ups other than those with serious genetic blessings? You won’t find much bigger than a hankie, especially the ultra sexy backless titty halters that seem to defy nature. Got one in every color.
DOM
382 W. BROADWAY
212-334-5580
A blessing for style conscious, yet New Yorkers with tiny flats, this German company supplies stylish and smart solutions for city living on a budget. The chrome wall closet is very functional (holds around a dozen pairs of shoes), looks like an old piece, and runs only 99 bucks. Great kitchen gadgets that don’t have that mass-produced Pottery Barn feel.
SELIMA OPTIQUE
59 WOOSTER (@BROOME)
212-343-9490
I know Selima from way back in the day when she was at Alain Mikli…You’ve come a long way, baby! Her Soho boutique caters to the forefront of the fashion front…you name a cool celeb, they’ve been here and more than once, I might add. She has a lot of standard high fashion fare (Gucci, etc.) but mixed with lesser-known, edgier designs. Plus her own as well. It’s the only place for a "four eyes" to be seen.
LE CORSET
80 THOMPSON STREET
212-4936
Another Selima venture with quite possibly the loveliest lingerie in town. A bra and panty set might run you a hundred bucks or so, but a girl’s got to have some glamour, no? Just make sure you’ve got someone to appreciate it(even if it is your own damn self!!) The place has got a great intimate vibe to it, with sales people who know their stuff.
ATTENTION!!
Just when Soho’s becomes too much to bear (can feel like a Galleria minus the glass roof), the hip moveth east…. Yet the concept of one stop shopping permeates even the chicest boutiques…They’re calling it SoHo East. We call it The Lower East Side.
LANGUAGE
238 MULBERRY STREET
Husband and wife team Ana Abdul and Lipe Medeiros offer up edgy designers Bella Freud and Fred Sahtal, hip housewares, La Ligne de St. Barth hair and skin products (the only place outside of St. Barth where I could find it), modern furniture that's high on design and works by young artists are always on rotation.
ZERO
225 MOTT STREET
Another husband and wife team, designer Maria Cornejo and photographer Mark Borthwick offer the simple-with-a-twist designs of Cornejo, watches, books, and rotating art exhibitions, as well.
VARIAZIONI
37 W. 57TH St.(between 5th & 6th Aves.)
212-980-4900
Midtown
Cool, hip clothes for the cocktail party set and lower level fashion industry types. If you can’t quite afford Dolce & Gabbana on a regular basis, check this out. Up to the minute pieces to add to your wardrobe. I know there is more than one Variazioni which would normally "86" one from this list…But it still rules! Even worth the trip to midtown.
KIEHL’S
109 3rd Ave.(@13th St.)
East Village
212-677-3171
Best natural beauty products ever. Supermodels and make-up artists alike can’t get enough. Been in the biz since 1851…So cool they’ve even got a Ferrari and a couple of Ducati’s in the shop. They sell by mail and are generous with the samples. Men must have their shave gel. Women must have everything else.






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