/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45430754/2011_1_SaturdaysSurfNYC.0.jpg)
Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
While some lucky ducks are readying their post-New Year's getaways to sunny St. Barts or slope-shushing in St. Moritz, the rest of us are stuck here trudging our way through what's left of Snowmageddon. Luckily, New York offers plenty of retail destinations that feel like they're worlds away from the frigid East Coast. Here are Five Winter Staycation Shops where you can retail therapy yourself into oblivion. Added bonus: No inflated ticket prices, no rude flight attendants, and no chance of getting stuck at an airport for 36 hours.
1.) Saturdays Surf NYC, 31 Crosby Street between Broome and Grande
Feels like: Newport Beach, CA
Faking it: This tucked-away surf-themed shop and coffee bar in Soho is a chilled-out wave-rider haven, offering a selection of rare boards, popular tees, high-end gear, and various other surf-related paraphernalia to browse through. The coffee bar and outdoor patio (still open) hold optimum hang-out potential. Plus, benches line the front and the middle of the shop where beach-minded urbanites can relax and check out attractive members of the opposite sex—just like SoCal, but with more clothes on. Plus, the staff is fun: A staffer with a charming Aussie accent told us over the phone that they actually built an igloo out back during the blizzard.
Image on right via Jed Jacobson/Getty Images/Zimbio
2.) Fjällräven, 262 Mott Street at Broome Street
Feels like: Dundret ski resort, Sweden
Faking it: The first US outpost for the Swedish outerwear company is a little piece of Nordic ski resort in Nolita, with wintry indoor trees strategically placed throughout the store to complement the sleek white minimalism that we've come to expect from the same country that brought us Ikea. Aside from the puffy down coats to keep you warm on the slopes, the shop stocks nubby sweaters, footwear, accessories, vintage and "super sharp" knives and axes (?!) for the urban adventurer.
Kinokuniya interior on left via NYM; Harajuku street scene on right via Theodora
3.) Kinokuniya,1073 Sixth Avenue near 41st Street
Feels like: Harajuki District, Tokyo
Faking it: This bilingual midtown mainstay is a favorite for Japan-philes, manga aficionados, Japanese cuisine addicts and the generally cosmopolitan über-hip. The frenetic feel of midtown and the eclectically-glam clientele evoke the feel of Tokyo's hippest district. Back in October, Kinokuniya even stocked the Yves Saint Laurent Beauty catalog complete with a YSL logo-ed tote bag all for a wallet-friendly $25. Actually, given that you'd probably pay more for a can of Coke in Tokyo, maybe the shop isn't so authentic after all.
Le Marais street scene on right via TripAdvisor
4.) Pierre Hardy, 30 Jane Street at 8th Avenue
Feels like: Le Marais, Paris
Faking it: Paris-based shoe god designer Pierre Hardy hand-picked the cozy West Village space for his first Stateside outpost specifically because the neighborhood reminded him of home. It felt even more French when Pierre Hardy himself dropped in for the opening and told us how he personally worked with architects to make sure the space was minimally chic and sexy (just like Parisians, non?). Le Marais is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris to boutique shop for contemporary French style (Isabel Marant, Surface to Air, check!), plus the sleepy side streets and cozy greenery are a match with the West Village. You can even go and leisurely sip a coffee at the café next door. Can't smoke a cigarette inside though. We're still in NYC, after all.
Sheherazade interior on left via Design Trade; Djemaa el Fna souk on right via Cheap Late Deal Holidays
5.) Sheherazade, 121 Orchard between Rivington and Delancey Streets
Feels like: Marrakesh, Morocco
Faking it: This Lower East Side emporium for Islamic and Oriental furnishings is known for its plethora of Moroccan furniture and art. The shop's leather poufs, ornate tables, plush couches, and multi-colored lamps and tableware evoke the feel of the bountiful Djemaa el Fna souk in Marrakesh. It's just a lot smaller, way less hectic, and sans orange juice carts, spices, and snake charmers. Inside, everything is authentic—owner Rachid Ouassil works directly with the artisans for the beautiful pieces. Plus, he'll even ship your items for you for way less than delivery from halfway around the world.
We need all the staycation joy we can get, so we'd love to hear any more suggestions in the comments below.
· Saturdays Surf NYC [Official Site]
· Fjällräven [Official Site]
· Kinokuniya [Official Site]
· Pierre Hardy [Official Site]
· Sheherazade [Official Site]
Loading comments...