New York City Chelsea

Chelsea tends not to be a shopping destination in its own right, its focus fixed primarily on art and nightlife. Still, there are a number of fun shops to enjoy.

17 @ 17 Thrift Shop, 17 W 17th St. (☎212-727-7516), between 5th and 6th Ave. S 1 to 18th St. This nonprofit thrift shop sells secondhand goods and clothing in a serene setting. The vintage Emilio Pucci clothing sold at silent auction might cost you $400, but a paperback book costs only $0.50. Glorious finds have included a Dolce and Gabbana calf-length jean skirt for $25 and an Oscar de la Renta white jacket for $90. They sell furniture too—check out the re-upholstered couches and old restaurant-style booths ($300). Open M-Sa 11am-6pm.
Academy Records and CDs, 12 W 18th St. (☎212-242-3000; www.academy-records.com), between 5th and 6th Ave. S 1 to 18th St.; F, L, V to 14th St. A small, well-stocked store of classical, jazz, and pop vinyls and CDs (most $8-15) that is a neighborhood favorite. The staff will be happy to point you in the right direction. Albums can also be ordered online; the website is updated daily. Open M-Sa 11:30am-8pm, Su 11am-7pm. The 77 E 10th St. location (☎212-780-9166) stocks more jazz and pop.
The Barking Zoo, 172 9th Ave. (☎212-255-0658; www.thebarkingzoo.com), between 20th and 21st St. S 1 to 18th St. This adorable pet store sells quirky, premium goods for those extra-special dogs and cats. Dress your feline or canine friend to the nines with polo shirts (from $28) and running shoes ($55). Leashes of all shapes and sizes from $20. Beaded dog collars, hand made by the Masai tribe of Kenya ($22), are especially popular. M-F 11am-8pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su noon-5pm.
Books of Wonder, 18 W 18th St. (☎212-989-3270; www.booksofwonder.net), between 5th and 6th Ave. S F, V to 23rd St./Ave. of the Americas (6th Ave.). A large selection of current children’s books, topped off with a collection of vintage reads. 1915 1st edition Wizard of Oz character cutout book $8,500. Original artwork for well-known children’s books hangs on the walls (for sale for up to $30,000). Hosts a variety of programs related to kid lit. Open M-Sa 10am-7pm, Su 11am-6pm.

union square, the flatiron district, and murray hill

If you know where to look, you’ll discover some excellent specialty stores and discount boutiques in these lower Midtown neighborhoods.

Paragon Sports, 867 Broadway (☎212-255-8036; www.paragonsports.com), at 18th St. S N, R, W to 23rd St./Broadway. This 3-floor sporting goods distributor has everything you could possibly need for sports ranging from kayaking to squash. Puma bags $35-40. Lacoste tennis shirts $80. Patagonia, North Face, and Gregory backpacks $35-150. Open M-Sa 10am-8pm, Su 11:30am-7pm.
Reminiscence, 50 W 23rd St. (☎212-243-2292; www.reminiscence.com), between 5th and 6th Ave. S N, R, W to 23rd St./Broadway. Happily stuck in a 70s groove, this Japan-based store features a wide selection of campy gifts. Revisit childhood with an Etch-a-Sketch ($23), or hit Central Park with one of their pocket kites ($5). The back has a large selection of clothing. Open M-Sa 11am-7:30pm, Su noon-7pm.
Revolution Books, 9 W 19th St. (☎212-691-3345), between 5th and 6th Ave. S F, V to 23rd St./Ave. of the Americas (6th Ave.); 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14th St./Union Sq. America’s largest revolutionary bookstore is nonprofit and staffed mostly by volunteers. Large collection of works on Marx, Mao, and Malcolm X. Wares ($2-12) range from political science volumes to manifestos, from posters to ’zines. Meaty selection of anti-war and anti-Bush paraphernalia and literature. Significant number of Spanish-language works. Open M-Sa noon-7pm, Su noon-5pm.
Rock and Soul, 462 7th Ave. (☎212-695-3953; www.rockandsoul.com), between 35th and 36th St. S 1, 2, 3 to 34th St./Penn Station/7th Ave. Head past the bling-bling jewelry and DJ equipment up front, and you’ll find a pathway to full crates of vinyls. Old-school classics and new releases in house, R&B, reggae, or hip-hop. Most LPs around $15. Used CDs from $7. Open M-Sa 9:30am-7pm.
Shoegasm, 20 W 23rd St. (☎212-741-3288), between 5th and 6th Ave. S F, V to 23rd St./Ave. of the Americas (6th Ave.); 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14th St./Union Sq. They may not be designer, but Shoegasm’s shoes look good, and come at budget-friendly prices. Frequent sales on Steve Madden, N.Y.L.A., Franco Sarto, and Chinese Laundry footwear. A limited selection of men’s shoes. Open M-Sa 10am-8pm, Su 11am-6pm.