Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with nyc and shopping

No! I wanted a sharp card, not a card sharp

shothotbot — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:23:34 -0800

I am looking for a super-cool card store in NYC. Mrs. HotBot has not wised up lo these ten years and she loves cool and cards. Where can I get her a cool card in NYC? I need to get it the same day - no special orders. And I am not thinking Papyrus - I am thinking albino monks with a small tea salon/cool card emporium on some street I have never heard of.

Antiquing means so many different things

The Whelk — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:32:06 -0800

I need an antique (or sufficiently vintage-y-antiqu-y styled) trunk for my living room. Problem: every piece I've seen to has been too big, too worn, too ugly, or too expensive. Where would I find stores/markets/fairs/dealers in the NYC metro area that might carry such trunks? I got a zipcar, so I can tool around the tri-state area. Insanely detailed requirements follow. Ideally, I'm looking for something about 15 inches high, under 40 inches long and under 26 inches wide. No curved tops, as it has to function as a coffee table. Uneven top surfaces (planks, etc) are okay. I'd also like really cool metal handles and locks but it's not a deal breaker. It should be able to open without creaking and breaking.

Where in NYC can I buy an HP 12C Platinum calculator, today?

xiaolongbao — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:24:21 -0800

CFAfilter: Where in NYC to buy HP 12C Platinum, today? It's gotta be today. Need to start using it ASAP. It's just going to be a back-up for my BA II Plus Pro, but I want to program some functions as well. There must be some way it'll do the geo mean, I mean, really, TI, really? Sorry, anyone taking the CFA might be able to relate here, for the rest of you it's just crazy ol' me anyway.

I'm overnighting it via Amazon (could cancel that prior to preparing shipment if someone can [virtually] guarantee me I can get it at X store today sooooon =), but would like to have in hand today and will figure out returns later. I've done a search of Best Buy(no), CompUsa (no), B&H (no), Staples(no), not sure on J&R, any other suggestions, have I missed anything? I'll be callin' before I head out. I only want the Platinum.

So, Metafilter, start me on my quest for calculator. Where can I buy this computational beast in midtown, bklyn, queens -- maybe even jerz? Have bike, have raincoat, will travel. But there's still studying to be done, so it's a race against time :o)

Thanks in advance. And GL to anyone taking any level this Sat, June 6. *Fist pump*

Where to Buy Fish in Downtown NYC?

toomuchkatherine — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:29:27 -0800

Can anyone recommend a good place to buy fish in lower Manhattan or North Brooklyn? I live in Greenpoint, and I've done a little research already but everyone seems to suggest places that are in Park Slope/South Brooklyn, and as such, inconvenient for me.

I just want to get more into eating fish. I'm trying to do it in a responsible way, so feel a little sketched out by Chinatown, even though it's an obvious choice (have no way of telling whether those fish were sustainably harvested or not). Anybody know a place that has decent fresh fish, below 23rd Street? Extra points if it doesn't break the bank.

Baby and bike boutiques in the Big Apple

fijiwriter — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:11:04 -0800

Headed to New York City, and looking for toddler-geared stores and bike shops. The lovely Mrs. Writer and I are headed back to NYC for our wedding anniversary, and we need guidance on your favorite stores.

We need help finding:

1. Baby/toddler stores in Midtown, Theater, SoHo, Upper West Side, especially clothing. Nothing along the lines of a $90 couture Tshirt, but something unique that we couldn't order online. Something touristy could even count, like a small I (heart) NY shirt for our little 2-year-old girl.

2. I'd like to find a nice bike store to kill some time and support them with a purchase of a store jersey. Ideally, an LBS geared more toward road and pro cycling, if that exists in the city.

Where can I find some beady jewelery for mom?

lunasol — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:24:02 -0800

Where in New York can I buy some of that nice-but-inexpensive non-blingy street stall jewelery? Today, that is. I have a few necklaces that I've bought on the street in Manhattan that my mom really loves, and she's hinted that she would like something similar for Christmas this year. I don't live in NYC, just visit often.

The necklaces I'm talking about are of the chunky-bead variety, brightly colored. I've usually found them just while walking along, always on weekends.
However, now it's a weekday and I'm short on time! Any suggestions for where I might find such stands on a Monday, or of course, a store that sells stuff like that? I'm also looking for something under $30. Obviously I know this isn't some obscure type of item and I'm sure there are a million places I could look, I just don't know where!

I'm currently in Greenpoint, will be traveling to Flushing and the Upper West Side today, but could make a side trip if necessary.

Non-Union Square Xmas gift for my mom?

Viola — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:30:31 -0800

I was a dolt and missed the deadline to ship my Mom's potential Christmas gift to my parent's house before I left town. So now I'm left with one weekend in NYC to find her something pretty for the home that's also small enough to fit in a carry-on suitcase. I need recommendations for classy, inexpensive stores in NYC that carry unique and/or handmade bowls, candle holders, tableware, etc for under $80. The centerpiece was sort of perfect for my Mom, but I can live (sob) with a substitute. Other possible gifts I considered from the same online store were this tray and this bowl, but alas, they won't make it to the house in time unless I shell out another $40 for 2-day shipping.

I swear I tried my darnedest to find a relevant question from the Ask.Metafilter annals, but nothing popped up. I know NYC has tons of stores like this, but many are very expensive or dull.

Thanks in advance!

Cute and classy lingerie online or in NYC?

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:41:45 -0800

Ruffly panties online, or in NYC? i.e. cute, classy panties/bras/corsets/etc that won't break the bank. Victoria's Secret falls apart pretty fast, in my experience. Looking for something a step up, but not ridiculously expensive or (on the other hand) trashy. At the very least, how much should I be looking to spend on such a thing? No stretch lace, or "crotch-free," or no neon pink is the idea here. I've checked the archives and not really come up with anything helpful, other than one post about vintage online stuff. Sizes are "average" = 34C, dress size 6-8.

Shelving in NYC?

cestmoi15 — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 17:48:09 -0800

Floating shelves: Where in NYC? I'm looking for 2 floating shelves 2ft long by 6 inches deep, in NYC, and I'm stumped. Ikea's are too long, West Elm doesn't have them, where else to look? The cheaper, the better.

Electronic Components in NYC?

frieze — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:46:44 -0800

ElectronicsHobbyistFilter: Where can I browse around for and buy small electronic components (microswitches, capacitors, etc.) in New York City? Radio Shack no longer appears to carry this kind of stuff (in New York anyway) Sure I could go with digi-key or Mouser or whoever if all I need is this or that component, but with the prohibitive shipping costs (relative to the product costs) as well as the delay in waiting for shipping this is less useful. I'd really like to just find a time machine to the radio shacks of yore, full of esoteric little subassemblies and packs of mixed switches an knobs. Anyone know a place in Manhattan that stocks this kind of stuff?

And no, an I [heart] NY shirt won't do...

jferg — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:37:25 -0800

NYCFilter: I'm in NYC for training for another 36 hours or so, and would like to find a nice, but not-too-expensive anniversary gift for my wife before I head home. Where should I go? Specific stores or general areas, either one. I can do something in the $50 to $100 range; and I don't really have too many preconceived notions about what I want to get. Something original, not something from a chain store that I can find at home, and not something huge that I can't fit in my suitcase. I'm in midtown Manhattan, but I'm comfortable taking the train just about anywhere within Manhattan (or even Brooklyn). Bonus for things that would be open later tonight, since I won't get out of training until 5ish.
Chocolates are overdone; lingerie and clothing for a larger woman (size 18-20) are possibilities, but wouldn't be able to be used for a while since she's 8 months pregnant at the moment. Cool baby and kid boutiques would be excellent, because I could get a "new-baby" gift as well as something for my 2-year-old. Otherwise, anyplace I can go with shops that have things that an educated 30-ish stay-at-home-mom might like would be cool.
(Yes, I know this is vague, but I'm too tired to be inspired right now.)

Suggestions for baby gifts in New York City?

Atom12 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:19:10 -0800

Where can I find cool baby gifts in NYC on a budget? My stepsister just had her third child, a girl. I'll be in NYC mid-March and would like to pick up something for her/them. I'm not a cheapskate but I don't want to blow $150 on a cashmere diaper, either.

Any suggestions for funky stores with baby items would be appreciated as well as specifics. We don't have kids so I'm open to suggestions. Background: her two other children are twin boys, age 3 1/2, if that matters. Thanks!

Help me be a warm, fashionable vegan in NYC.

Ash3000 — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:32:43 -0800

I need help getting dressed - but it's a little more complicated than that. If you're a vegetarian/vegan in NYC, especially with one with fashion sense, please read on. For the vast majority of my life, I've had no interest in dressing myself well. At all. The reasons for this is a whole story in and of itself. But I'm trying to change that now.

I live in New York City as a full-time resident now, in my first year out of college. I'm trying to find winterwear in particular. And I'm an vegan for ethical/health reasons.

I'm having a particularly hard time with vegan winterwear. MooShoes is great for shirts/belts/shoes, not so much on coats/jackets - and I have NO idea where to start, what is nice winter clothing, etc.

So, to review - if you are a vegan in NYC, or know any vegans in NYC, or know what you would do if you were a vegan in NYC - what the heck should I wear? ESPECIALLY for the winter, now that it's getting cold as anything.

If it makes any difference, I'm 5'11, male, 23 years old, 225 pounds, black hair, blue eyes, big frame, broad-shouldered, really need to lose 30 pounds. I currently wear lots of hoodies, early 80's punk t-shirts, and old jeans. I'm happy to answer/explain anything in further detail below.

Want a unique NYC gift from the financial district.

ceberon — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:11:36 -0800

I'm heading to NYC (financial district) on business next week. I'll only be there for 3 days, but my wife's birthday is immediately following. What should I buy locally for her birthday? Important details:

I won't have a ton of spare time, and I'm not too familiar with the subway system (I can usually figure out a way to use it to get to work from my hotel, but that's about it).

So I would like the store to be in walking distance from bowling green. I can walk a mile or two in my work shoes.

She's a software engineering type professional (carries a laptop & so on). So I had a thought of messenger bags for her laptop? I looked at some stores, but none I could find were that far south?

I'd like something.. New Yorkish. Something she could get and say "Oh, you got this in New York?" So not a book, or electronics.

Find me a great suit jacket, quick!

logovisual — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:12:54 -0800

I'm tall (6'4"), I'm skinny (195lbs), and I need a black suit jacket before the end of the day today (I have the pants, but I'll buy new ones if need be). Obviously the time constraint eliminates any kind of custom garment. Basically, I need to know what stores I should be looking at in New York City -- I like a closer, more European fit, and I don't want to break the bank. First stop is H&M, but I'm not optimistic about what I'll find there. Other suggestions?

Recommendations for places to try on wedding dresses in NYC.

ml98tu — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:48:39 -0800

Need recommendations for places to try on wedding dresses this weekend in NYC. One of my friends is coming to NYC this weekend and wants to go shopping. I just got engaged and she thought it would be a fun/girly adventure to go wedding dress shopping. I'm looking for recommendations of places to go try on some dresses and maybe have a little champagne and fun in the NYC area. I just moved here and don't have any idea which places are good/bad and haven't started doing any real wedding research yet either. There are like 40 listings on TheKnot/WeddingChannel so I would prefer to get recommendations from locals/trusted MeFites. I won't be buying, but just trying on to get a feel for what looks good, as mentioned in this thread. There are a few other considerations that may impact this, please lend me your advice.

- We haven't started planning yet. That means I don't know the season, the location (beach, house of worship, etc), or even the budget. Does that render this useless?
- Am I supposed to do this with a certain person/people? She won't be the maid of honor - is this something I'm supposed to do with my mom, my fiance's mom, or my maid of honor etc? Will I offend anyone if we go? She will probably be a bridesmaid if that matters.
- Is there enough time to get an appointment for Saturday/Sunday? How does this work?

I'd love to hear store recommendations even if we don't go this weekend, since I obviously will be going at some point. We're subway-bound and would prefer Manhattan but are willing to go to other boroughs if there's a place worth visiting.

Thanks!

Can a guy try on a pair of pants at Century 21?

doift — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:34:10 -0800

Does the Century 21 store in Lower Manhattan have a men's dressing room these days? I know it didn't used to, but I seem to remember hearing recently that they've added one. Am I imagining things? And if they did add one, where exactly is it?

Best savings in New York?

idledebonair — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:29:40 -0800

Recently in the New York Times, there was an article here about where to buy no-frills kitchen equipment in New York. What are some other stores/types of stores like this in New York for bulk/no-frills/cheap essentials? Specifically does anyone know of a place to get cheap and generic computer parts and cables? Or Audio/Video cables?

NYC shopping for hip urban girls?

Flakypastry — Wed, 23 May 2007 05:53:45 -0800

Where do hip girls shop in NYC? And eat cake? My oldest is turning 16 shortly, and rather than have the ubiquitous sweet-16-overblown-party-thing, she wants to go to NYC with me for a few days, hang out, and do some shopping (aww!). I'm clueless as to which shops to take her. We have shopped in NYC before, but she hasn't bought anything outside of large chains - H&M, the Gap, etc. Some info about her, if it helps: She's not a very quirky dresser - I'd probably describe her style as laid back hip/urban fashionista- stylish jeans and tops. In other words, no hoodies, pajama pants, etc. Also, any suggestions on neighborhoods to explore would be welcome.

ALSO- I need birthday cake! From a bakery that delivers! We're staying around W 44th and 5th, so if they don't deliver, then close to that area would be great. I called the hotel to see if I could arrange for a birthday cake on her birthday, but they were pretty uninspiring. If there are any NYC cake afficianados out there with local favorites, I'd love to know about them.

Where can I find women's mod clothes in NYC?

deinemutti — Tue, 22 May 2007 19:43:42 -0800

Where can I find women's mod style clothes similar to this in NYC? Where can I find women's mod style clothes similar to this in NYC?

I am aware of Ben Sherman and H & M, but I was wondering if there were any other good places to go? It doesn't matter whether it's new or vintage.

I'm also not looking to spend more than $150 (on a dress)

And yes, I used google but nothing has pointed to any particular stores.

How can I cheapen my already cheap MacBook upgrade?

armoured-ant — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:10:16 -0800

Tax Free Shopping in NYC. I'm visiting New York for ten days starting Boxing Day (woo!), and I'm wondering if it's a good time to sell my black MacBook here (in the UK) and pick up a 15" MacBook Pro in the Big Apple. Whatwith the dollar being so weak against the pound right now, and my MacBook still having a fairly strong resale value over here (I've upped the RAM to 2gb, and there's a 100gb 7200rpm hard disk in there now), I figured it might be wise to use the opportunity to upgrade.

I can get around £900 for my MacBook. A new 15" 2.33GHz MacBook retails at $2,499 (~£1,265), but that's still a good £365 difference. Then I wondered if I'm able to claim back sales tax as I'm a foreign visitor (as non-EU citizens can in British Apple Stores). I know it's only 8.375% - but that's still £105! If I'm eligable (and presuming I forget to declare it on the way back into Heathrow...) do I get it rebated at the airport, at the store, or by mail from back home?

Additionally, any of you have any ideas about how to get this even cheaper?

Oh, and I know there's an NYC meetup this week, but how about a lil one sometime between Boxing Day and my flight back on the 6th?

Moderately priced, new furniture in NYC?

huskerdont — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 09:46:24 -0800

Where are the best places to buy moderately priced (and new) furniture in New York besides Ikea? I will be moving in a few weeks to a new apartment. Now, I've spent the past few years in roommate situations and lack a sofa and living room set of my own. It's shopping time. This topic has been broached before, but I'd like to avoid used furniture. It works like a charm in most cities, but in NYC you run too much of a risk of unexpected visitors.

Ditto for Ikea. Noone likes furniture that breaks down after two years, despite the limited hipster cachet.

I'm aware of a bazillon indie furniture stores around the five boroughs and N. Jersey, but don't have time to drive around and explore, unfortunately. I wish I did - but I don't.

So, good NY users of AskMeFi, I ask you. Where can I find a quality, no-nonsense furniture store that won't break the bank? Extra points for mom and pop stores that are cool with haggling. I like haggling. And let's avoid the tacky Bensonhurst/Bay Ridge Natuzzi school of thought - I grew out of my guido phase at the age of 10.

Suggestions?

Corporate Career Action Dress-Me-Up Barbie

Marnie — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 08:25:39 -0800

Ladies' suit shopping, online or NYC - gentle, painless, nurturing, or at least not overtly hostile. I need to do some serious job interviewing. Therefore I need a tasteful, corporate, to-be-taken-seriously suit for a late-20s size 8.

My closest approximation of what I'm looking for is Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J. Crew or Brooks Brothers, but I haven't worked in corporate America for a while, so there may be more appropriate sources. Yes, I have staked out the lunch-hour crowd in midtown, and that seems to be the look. Nordstrom's Forever 21-looking offerings horrify me, and I don't want something polyester or cheap-looking. Let's say I have $600 to spend, but would be grateful to pay much less than that. My only major body consideration is that I have hips, so "European-cut" pants like at H&M or Express are not an option.

Q. What stores should I look at? Which locations are the least likely to be swamped / snooty / have limited sizes or styles in NYC and the surrounding areas? Or is there a reasonable way to do this online? Where can I find other workday-appropriate clothing that will cost $80 or under per outfit? Are there other information sources such as websites or magazines that would be helpful to me for current corporate fashion? Should I worry about tailoring? What about shoes? Shirts? Seasonal concerns?

I'm a blank slate here, people. I hate shopping and the Mercury's pushing 100. Help.

Looking for unique New York shopping experiences

Alison — Wed, 03 May 2006 10:57:50 -0800

Where are your favorite places to shop in New York City, specifically interesting, unique shops and fabric stores? I will be in NYC for a conference in early June and I plan on blowing off a day for a shopping trip. I've been to New York before so I'm not looking to hit FAO Schwartz. Instead, I want to visit the coolest boutiques unique to New York. They can sell books, bags, fossils, robots, shoes, it doesn't matter. However, I am looking for personal recommendations. I've found plenty of guides, but they are either too overwhelming or lacking in detail. Sample sale suggestions are also welcome.

Also, I will be making a special trip to the Garment District for fabric shopping. Does anyone know about anything I shouldn't miss? Does anyone have a favorite fabric store? I'm always looking for good graphic prints, vinyl and sweater knit fabric.

Thanks in advance!

Where can I buy a nice XXL Tall black suede jacket in NYC?

paul_smatatoes — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 18:20:20 -0800

Where can I buy a nice XXL Tall black suede jacket in NYC?