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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 Harris Levy
Laurel Pantin is the associate shopping/market editor at Glamour magazine. This former Teen Vogue assistant beauty editor also contributes to Glamour.com and appreciates a fine linen set, which is why she's loyal to Harris Levy, a family-run Lower East Side spot.
There's an amazing linens store called Harris Levy that has been on the LES since pretty much the dawn of time (since 1894). It's family-owned, and the couple that run it are hilarious. I always end up in a giggle fit every time I go. There are tons of pictures of their grandparents and their kids everywhere; it's just a really sweet, warm place, and I love it. They also make the softest, most beautiful sheets—they carry the staple brands, but their own line is my favorite.
The best thing is that when you go in and ask for something, she'll start by showing you the most basic (least expensive) option and then work her way up, explaining why each set is better than the last, but she doesn't pressure you if you decide you want the least expensive set (which are still insanely soft and gorgeous). The quality is so good too that if you take care of your sheets or towels or whatever, they last forever. It's just the best place ever, and hands down they have the best, most beautiful things.· Harris Levy [Official Site]
· Glamour [Official Site]
· All Shopping Confidential Posts [Racked NY]