The ultimate destination for the home has humble roots that go back to 1897 when Sam Weinrib started a business selling used carpets out of a cart on the Lower East Side. What a difference a century (or so) can make: today, the seven-story store on the stretch of Broadway formerly known as “Ladies Mile” is an enchanting souk, with lavish antique chandeliers hanging from exposed pipes and fur throws draped across beds. On the ground floor, an artfully curated collection of jewelry and accessories is sprinkled in for good measure. Take a shopping break at one of star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s two attached restaurants—ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina—which have as much panache as the store itself.

A fabulous addition to the Upper East Side's shopping scene is the gorgeous showroom of a Roman designer, Achille Salvagni Atelier.

A home furnishings store with beautiful pieces, ranging from contemporary pieces to antiques from centuries past and countries near and far.

Shoppers can stock up on light fixtures at this cutting-edge shop in Soho.

Set on the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, the Vanderbilt mansion was once considered the most impressive house in the United States, with its enormous ballrooms and crenellated towers. Today, the site is home to what is possibly the most remarkable department store in the nation. The eight floors are arranged like a series of small boutiques, selling the best of everything, from haute wedding gowns to personalized stationery to a veritable shoe spectacle. BG Restaurant—designed by hotel impresario Kelly Wearstler—is the ultimate perch for the very stylish ladies who lunch, with views overlooking Central Park. The basement level is a beauty Mecca, complete with a small gem of a day spa.

Whether you’re looking to up your kitchen game or need a last-minute wedding gift, the pieces in Big Night are always a conversation starter.

Founded in 1838, this old-school pharmacy full of hard-to-locate beauty discoveries has been frequented by everyone from Mark Twain to Sarah Jessica Parker. The shop itself is like a piece of history: check out the chandeliers, which were once powered by gas, and the old-fashion wooden cases. And while some things have changed—the soda fountain is no more—the apothecary continues to sell cult products like its rose salve. Complete with vintage-style packaging, the heavenly smelling miracle cream transforms both dry skin and chapped lips.

Leave it to the Brits to create a children’s clothing company with such incredible craftsmanship that your kids will look like they’ve stepped out of a Jane Austin novel. Prices aren’t easy on the wallet, but with exquisite details and vintage flourishes, these are the kind of treasures that get passed down through the generations. The shop also stocks handmade blankets, pint-sized totes, and a well-curated selection of toys and books.

This tiny and much-loved boutique, located in the heart of thriving Williamsburg, offers a meticulously curated collection of jewelry, accessories, home goods and beauty products. Amid a girly, white-walled décor, find dainty pieces from little-known local designers, non-traditional engagement rings and fantastic gifts (whimsical stationary, Rodin oils and plenty more).

After setting the London fashion scene on fire with the multi-brand concept store Dover Street Market, Comme des Garçons designer and trailblazer Rei Kawakubo has taken her show on the road to New York. In an unlikely Flatiron District building, installation artists have turned a seven-story space into a veritable museum, complete with a sound experience. (The store will close on a regular basis to completely transform itself.) All the big names are there—Vuitton, Saint Laurent—and in the fourth-floor Energy Showroom, there are up-and-coming designers such as Phoebe English, who crafts clothing from macramé, tulle, even hair. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s also an outpost of Rose Bakery, the beloved Paris café.

This quirky emporium is more than just a little nibble: it is packed to the ceiling with terrific toys, eye-popping gifts for all ages, and a tremendous array of T-shirts for girls. Do stop next door at its sister store, E.A.T., for a light lunch.

This Upper East Side treasure trove brought uptown girls some seriously cool style when it came along in 2012. The concept store mixes costume jewelry and finds from around the globe with boundary-pushing designers like Alexander McQueen and Preen. Twentysomething owner Claire Distenfeld took inspiration from some of the world’s top concept shops, including Colette in Paris and Milan’s 10 Corso Como.

Designer John Derian brought new life to decoupage by plastering plates, paper weights, and more with antique visuals of everything from butterflies to maps to the letters of the alphabet. He later branched out into a line of furniture—tufted ottomans, wingback chairs—that look straight out of Paris’s Clignancourt flea market. His East Village bolt hole is packed tight with his own designs, as well as finds that have tickled his fancy, including vintage Moroccan trays, industrial floor lamps, and quirky papier-mâché animals by a London folk artist.

This Greenwich Village gallery is known for its exceptional Biedermeier furniture.

Light up your day with their chic chandeliers—and bask in their unparalleled selection of French pieces from the ‘40s and ‘50s.

Gorgeous home accents and furniture from a French interior designer.

One-of-a-kind gifts, garden furniture and extraordinary dry-flower arrangements, all of which sport the signature style of Michael Walter (a disciple of London’s flower master Kenneth Turner).

Mecox offers a mouthwatering mix of delectable, fun furniture (both antique and reedition), great gifts for the home and first-edition decorating books. Don’t miss the selection of magnificent mirrors.

Walking into this gorgeous British interiors store is like visiting the pared-down yet welcoming Soho loft you’ve always wanted to own. Beyond the oh-so-stylish raw wood doors, teardrop chandeliers hang above handcrafted wooden tables, while leather benches invite you to recline. Besides Ochre’s own line of furniture and lighting, there’s a covetable collection of ceramics and glassware for sale.

This shop carries exotic jewelry and gifts galore, as well as a range of whimsical, affordable baubles.

The sister shop of Roberta Freymann, this is full of irresistible pillows, bedspreads and furniture.

Great for antique-lovers and design-addicts alike, Salt Lizard has sourced some of the most unique antique pieces available in the city.