Hidden Vintage Stores and Luxe Spa Treatments in Union Square

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For all the times you transfer subways at Union Square, how often do you actually exit the station and take a look around? If it's been a while, let's go for a little walk. From a shopping session at a hidden vintage store, to the ultimate makeup tutorial and a farm-to-table brunch, here's how we'd spend our perfect Union Square Saturday.

Walk up to the point where Union Square meets Gramercy for a farm-to-table brunch, courtesy of Friend of a Farmer (77 Irving Place). The dishes are hearty yet fresh—think omelets stuffed with vegetables, pumpkin pancakes, and a farmer's breakfast with bacon, sausage, ham, cheeses and veggies.

Up your lingerie and sleepwear style with a trip to Journelle (3 East 17th Street). Stock up on Hanky Panky and Wacoal, go glam with Dita von Teese, splurge on Stella McCartney and find your new favorite nightshirt from Eberjey.

Hidden away on the second floor of a nondescript building (just ring the buzzer) is the New York City vintage-lover's best-kept secret, Shareen (13 West 17th Street). The bicoastal owner specializes in dresses, stocking her secret shop with styles that range from bridal to everyday. A super-friendly, knowledgeable staff and a "no boys allowed" policy are meant to make you feel like you're trying on gems in your best friend's apartment.

Union Square's Beacon's Closet outpost (10 West 13th Street) appears deceptively tiny from outside, but open the door and you'll see racks upon racks of lightly-worn (and sometimes brand new) goods. A recent trip turned up vintage bejeweled sweaters and perfectly broken-in Vans.

You could while away an entire day at The Strand (828 Broadway)—there are 18 miles of books, after all. Check out the discount tables lined up outside the entrance, and then head in to browse everything from limited-edition prints and obscure biographies to bestsellers and beautiful coffee table books. If you've somehow made it this long in New York without owning one of the iconic shop's tote bags, now is your moment.

Right in the thick of Union Square's hustle and bustle is a beauty oasis: Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa (200 Park Avenue South). Stop by the beauty bar to sample new makeup and skincare, get a blowout at the salon, treat yourself to an intensive healing pedicure, or indulge in a detoxifying seaweed wrap.

Meander through the Union Square Greenmarket (Broadway at 17th Street) to sample and stock up on some of the city's freshest fruits and vegetables. Or go straight for the good stuff—you'll also find vendors selling treats like baked goods, cheeses, cider, and candy.

·All Perfect Saturday Posts [Racked NY]

Foursquare

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

663 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022 212-546-0200 Visit Website

Strand Bookstore

828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 (212) 473-1452 Visit Website

Beacon's Closet - Williamsburg

88 North 11th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 Visit Website