Nordstrom Rack

I learned of Agnes B's clothing while in college and studying abroad back in the '70's. Somehow, even then, I knew to appreciate her simple French designs for women. It wasn't until I was much older, however, that I was able to purchase a few of her pieces for myself, and I truly treasure them. It seems that many of Agnes B's stores are closing around the country, but here's to hoping that she can continue here in New York.

Tucked in the middle of all of the high end antique furniture stores on this stretch of 10th Street is a European shop that has a women's line of relaxed, natural fiber clothing reminiscent of an upscale Eileen Fisher boutique. In addition to the fashion in Eskandar's expansive space, they have a carefully curated, eclectic selection of home furnishings including dishes, glassware, flatware, candles, and books.

Other locations: 568 Broadway; 1540 Broadway; 50 West 34th Street; 693 Fifth Avenue

Beneath the Spanish Benevolent Society lies La Nacional, one of Manhattan’s most authentic Spanish restaurants and the most easily accessible part of the society. Just by walking down the steps into the dimly lit basement lounge, we felt the bustle of 14th street quickly recede and we were transported across the ocean. La Nacional has the same relaxed, no frills atmosphere as most tapas bars in Spain. We gazed at the old photographs from the society’s earlier years on the walls and then had the option of sipping a drink at the bar, sampling some classic simple Spanish tapas such as tortilla de patatas, croquetas or chorizo, or dining on a full meal of paella. Perhaps the most authentic option, though, was to simply have a seat by the television to watch the fútbol game - it is always on. For visitors from Spain who want a taste of home, those of us pining for the Spanish travels of our past, or New Yorkers simply curious about a new culture, La Nacional is the place to go.

Ken Giddon likes to say that he went “from riches to rags” by leaving a career as a bond trader to reopen his grandfather’s men’s clothing store. Harry Rothman used to peddle his wares from a pushcart on Delancey Street in the 1920s before moving into a retail space. “He kind of created the concept of a discount clothing store, ” Ken remarked. Rothman's closed for a time after Harry’s death in 1985, but Ken revived the business a year later in a stunning, 11, 000-square-foot storefront on the corner of 18th Street in Union Square. “I love being on a side street. It gives us the ability to afford a bigger space while watching the movable feast that is New York walk by every day. ” Five years after the shop’s reopening, Ken invited his brother, Jim, to join him. “This is one of the true family businesses in Manhattan. ” The store, which carries both casual and formal attire from top designers, aims to make the shopping experience for men “as efficient and rewarding as possible. ” To this end, Ken and Jim scour the market, travel abroad, and attend numerous trade shows to find the best brands. “We try to provide our customers with that personal, small-town feel in the middle of the city, ” Jim said. Despite Rothman's more modern look and merchandise, the brothers strive to keep some core elements of their grandfather’s business alive, particularly by preserving his humble approach to owning a men’s retail store. As Harry used to say, “It’s not so serious what we do. We just sell pants for a living. ”

I learned of Agnes B's clothing while in college and studying abroad back in the '70's. Somehow, even then, I knew to appreciate her simple French designs for women. It wasn't until I was much older, however, that I was able to purchase a few of her pieces for myself, and I truly treasure them. It seems that many of Agnes B's stores are closing around the country, but here's to hoping that she can continue here in New York.

For the modern gent who appreciates vintage boots, jackets, denim, flannel shirts, bags, belts, hats and much more, we have found a phenomenal shop. On our journey across 13th Street, we were thrilled to uncover this truly vintage collection of menswear. Melissa Howard is the proprietor, and she has made a fantastic effort to carefully curate each bit of space. Our conversation with her convinced us that she is an expert in her field, and there is no doubt that she recognizes her store is a rare find. Stock's clothing, which is fittingly housed in a building that dates back to the 1800s, consists of pieces from the same period through the 1950s. This is certainly a go-to for those in the market for something salvaged and special, handed down from the working class men of last century. Melissa has been in the vintage clothing business since a young age and was inspired by her mom, who runs an antique store in Michigan. Melissa has recently expanded her collection to include women’s and children’s clothing as well, carrying a wonderful array of shirts and jackets. She told us that she is looking forward to designing her own line of vintage-inspired clothing with a great team of people and selling them to her customers, who are sprinkled all over the world.

Established in Brooklyn in 1997, this vintage store purchases and sells clothing and shoes. Drop by any day of the week during store hours and bring in unwanted clothing that is in good condition. The staff at Beacon is happy to assess your items and give you either 35% cash on the retail value that they decide on, or a 55% credit towards shopping in their store.

Founded in 1786 with a grant from Robert Murray, a wealthy merchant, and educating New York’s Quaker population at this 16th Street location since 1860, the Friends Seminary is the oldest co-ed K-12 school in New York City. The institution holds true to the Quaker principles of diversity, inclusion, and peace, seeking to shape well-rounded and thoughtful scholars, artists, and athletes through their curriculum.