Where This Nylon Magazine Employee Shops on W. 80th Street

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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.

Storefront image via Google Maps

Eva Valerio works for Nylon, where she helps merchandise and write copy for their online store. She has a sick obsession with clothes, travel and knick-knacks, and admits to being somewhat of a hoarder, with a weakness for garage sales and thrift stores. Here, she shows us Tibet Himalayan Gifts & Accessories on the Upper West Side.

I stumbled across this hidden gem on a trip to the local grocery a few months back. Coaxed by the eyes of the Tibet sign, I peered down the steps towards the trinket-lined windows and instantly fell in love. It's only a few steps below street level but somehow you're miles away. The small store is lined with Himalayan treasures, from massive statues to ornate jewelry to fur-lined vests. It gives the Met a run for its money.

Although I drool over the artifacts, I turn to the store for their more affordable jewelry, beautiful silk scarves, knick-knacks and of course their assortment of incense and candles. What really sets Tibet apart from the rest of the obscure shops out there? The store owners. They infuse a personality into the store and you instantly feel at home when speaking with them. Ask away—they have endless wisdom (or at least seem to).

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Tibet Himalayan Gifts & Accessories

213 West 80th Street New York NY 10024