Macarons, Manis, and Shopping Away From Broadway in Soho

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Soho is one of New York's best shopping neighborhoods, but the problem is that everyone knows it—all over the world. The floods of tourists on a Saturday can make it almost impossible to enjoy the something-for-everyone mix of luxury and indie fashion. We're making the case, though, that it's still worth hitting up the neighborhood's best spots lay away from the crowded main drag of Broadway.

Spend a Saturday re-exploring this hood and its unrivaled shopping, the brunch spots, style set-favored salons, and its most delectable macaron tea house.

The Cleveland (25 Cleveland Place) is a favorite of both the food and fashion crowds, with its welcoming atmosphere, linger-friendly garden, and menu of ever-so-slightly reinvented dishes that range from healthy to hearty. Savor kale and poached eggs, a lobster omelette, a fried chicken sandwich or breakfast bahn mi, washed down with a mimosa or michelada. [Photo by Daniel Kriegerf]

After leaving your garden table at The Cleveland, continue your quest to be surrounded by pretty at Carven (83 Mercer Street). The modern, mirrored interior is a trip, and just the right setting to display Carven’s sweet old-school-meets-contemporary, uptown-meets-downtown style.

If you’re hankering for avant garde '90s nostalgia, VFiles (12 Mercer Street) is a mandatory stop. The company has made serious waves with its irreverent attitude and genius curation of wacky, over-the-top statement pieces and modern streetwear. Just as crucial as the shopping: the people watching. [Photo by William Chan]

Designer of the downtown girl's daily uniform and Target collab veteran, 3.1 Phillip Lim (115 Mercer Street) fittingly has its airy flagship on one of Soho's best blocks. Pop in for a look at the draped tailoring, bright dresses, tongue-in-cheek graphic tees, asymmetrical jackets and coveted satchels. A plus is the selection of items you can only find in store, like travel accessories. [Photo by Brian Harkin]

Kirna Zabete has been shaping Soho —and New York—style for 15 years, with a life-of-the-party, cheerful vibe. You’re sure to fall in love with at least several wardrobe game-changers from a mix of powerhouse brands and buzzy up-and-coming labels like Altuzarra, Eddie Borgo, Baja East, Duro Olowu, Mary Katrantzou, Givenchy and MSGM.

Starting to feel like it’s snack time? You're in the right 'hood. Complement your day of designer shopping by grazing (or feasting) on fashion’s favorite sweet and swing by Laduree (398 West Broadway). The painfully pretty shop is a dose of Paris in New York: settle into its charming tables for tea, or pick up a box of macarons to go.

Brighten up your closet with a trop to Tibi 120 Wooster Street), which is having a major moment right now thanks to its crisp, sleek silhouettes and perfect balance of casual and polished. Don't miss the selection of shoes, including summer slides and simple stilettos.

You can’t shop in Soho without paying your respects to the unrivaled kingdom of cool, Opening Ceremony (35 Howard Street). With its knack for discovering some of the world’s most talented designers and delivering high-impact looks you won’t find anywhere else, it's become the last word in trend-transcending fashion. Its collabs and the house line have become just as coveted as the names it carries: Kenzo, Rodarte, Suno, Undercover, Delpozo and so many more.

Now that Damien Hirst has opened his Soho store Other Criteria (458 Broome Street) in Soho, you can experience what it’s like truly like to shop a museum. It’s safe to say you won’t wander through another store quite like this one, because it's full of the weird and wonderful (shoppable) things, plus plenty of signs of the owner—like iron-on versions of his dots so you Hirst-ify whatever you want.

If not just any manicure will do, stop by former beauty editor Eleanor Langston's just opened salon Paintbox (17 Crosby Street), which concentrates on giving clients insanely chic designs and, of course, a healthy dose of pampering. Instead of the overwhelming color wall, choose your mani from a seasonal lookbook while you sip a gratis glass of champagne.

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Opening Ceremony

35 Howard Street, New York, NY 10013 (212) 219-2688 Visit Website

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Kirna Zabete

477 Broome Street, New York, NY 10012 212-941-9656 Visit Website