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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.
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New York-based designer Adam Davidson has a line of unisex bags called AANDD that are both minimalistic and functional, created with rich materials and unique hardware. All of his products are made locally, and his line can be found in boutiques and shops in and around NYC. When he wants a pair of kicks to accompany one of his creations, Davidson heads to Park Avenue's CitiShoes for new gear courtesy of his new favorite line Sanders. Beware: While there may be a plethora of Chukka Boots and Wingtips, according to Davidson, there are some styles that just don't belong.
You wouldn't typically look at Park Ave for 'hidden gems,' but then again, you also wouldn't really look at Park Ave for anything besides banks, office buildings, and public art. CitiShoes is a hidden gem in plain sight. It's a mecca to preppy men's footwear and its merchandising will take you back to the department stores of your 70's/80's youth. They've got standards like Church's and Alden, as well as some unfortunate Dad shoe duds like Mephisto.
My pick of the moment comes from a lesser known founded-in-1873 British shoemaker, Sanders. Their suede chukka boot has a generous gum sole that gives a platform effect and looks oh so right right now. Check out the store on Park Ave between 56th and 57th. The newly renovated Phillips de Pury is kitty corner and two blocks up on 59th between Park and Fifth is Macaron, a great, if frilly, French patisserie that has fantastic sandwiches and salads in addition to the eponymous cookie.
· CitiShoes [Official Site]
· AANDD [Official Site]