New York City Lower East Side

Shopping on the Lower East Side is becoming an expensive venture. Trendy boutiques abound on Stanton and Ludlow St., displaying cutting-edge, often handmade wares in spaces that look like museums. For a mix of thrift stores and high fashion, head to Orchard St., between Houston and Delancey St.

Las Venus Lounge 20th Century Pop Culture, 163 Ludlow St. (☎212-982-0608), at Stanton St. S F, J, M, Z to Delancey St./Essex St. A wild vintage store selling everything from giant retro floor lamps (from $500) to Engelbert Humperdinck 8-tracks ($80). M-Sa noon-9pm, Su noon-8pm.
Toys in Babeland, 94 Rivington St. (☎212-982-0608; www.babeland.com), between Orchard and Ludlow St. S F, J, M, Z to Delancey St./Essex St. Though smaller than the SoHo location (see previous page), this sex emporium is still a haven of empowerment, sex toys in every color, and good advice. 18+. Open M-W and Su noon-10pm, Th-Sa noon-11pm.
Bluestockings, 172 Allen St. (☎212-777-6028; www.bluestockings.com), between Rivington and Stanton St. S F, J, M, Z to Delancey St./Essex St. A progressive bookstore and fair trade cafe that “promotes empowerment.. through words, art, and activism.” A good source for books on political and critical theory as well as activist ’zines. The store doubles as a space for lectures, readings, poetry jams, and workshops. Check the website for a listing of the nightly events. Open daily 11am-11pm.