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New York City has more stores than anyone could physically tackle, but somehow we always keep returning to the usual suspects. To break out of the rut, we've asked some local shopping and fashion gurus to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around our fantastic city that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.
Image via Racked NY
Alana Frankfort, the New York and Hamptons curator for Gilt City, spends her time unlocking the best kept secrets in and around NYC—for less. She helps find items of exclusivity, including, tickets to sold out concerts, discounts at the latest UWS restaurants, and how to snag a two-hour massage for a fraction of what you would normally expect. When she turns the spotlight on herself, she can be found shopping for clothes and bags (both new and old) at this quaint Meatpacking District shop. Coach fans take notice...
I first discovered Darling when I moved to the West Village about five years ago. It is the most charming clothing and accessories boutique and is, like the name suggests, completely darling. In addition to the fabulous fashions, my favorite perk of Darling is being able to chat with the owner, Anne. The reason why there is such an eclectic, well edited mix of goodies at Darling is due to Anne's former career as a costume designer and teacher (she taught Zac Posen at St. Ann's—talk about being an influencer). Some of the finds I've discovered at Darling include my vintage Coach messenger bag and my Dakota blazer...both of which I happen to wear at least once a week.
· Darling [Official Site]
· Gilt City: New York [Official Site]