Spring seems to be just a bit late this year...but maybe just maybe its here to stay. Thus Ladies (yes I'm referring both to the guys this is geared towards..no pun intended & the Ladies as in girlfriends, sisters, friends etc... in our lives) it's time to do some Spring cleaning (Good Will is on 23rd Street and easier to deal with then the S-Army...found that out the hard way) and get some new gear for Spring/Summer. As a guy from a clothing point of view they are for the most part one and the same with the exception of for Summer you add shorts, "swimwear" and flip flops to the mix. Of course if you want to get technical then yes...Linen and White bucks starting Memorial Day...
I prefer Soho for a few reasons...aside from all the great places to get everything from Suits to Surfboards you have some of the absolute best people watching in the world... from eccentric native Nu Yawkers to drop dead beautiful foreign women from all over. On top of that some of the best chow in the city and as an added bonus Art that ranges from high end galleries to great street art. So whether you need to to go from the sand to the street, the lake to the lobby or the river to roof-top bar the following places have what you need and more...
EMS - Ourdoorsmen's shop geared heavily towards climbing and camping. A great selection of gear from North Face, Smart Wool, Marmot, Mountain Hardware, etc plus their own line. For trail runners, hiking and trekking boots they have the best selection in the city stocking Merrel, Salomon, Scarpa etc. EMS Employs a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Icebreaker - I was turned on to this brand at EMS and they have since opened up their own location right across from Patagonia. Icebreaker offers pure merino wool athletic gear out of New Zealand. I started with their Winter gear & they have since added a running, biking, and travel line. Now while some of you may think "wool for running around in the heat...you're nuts"! While that may be true for other reasons wool breathes remarkably well and doesn't hold odors. I just returned from 90+ degree heat in Vietnam and could not believe how well this this stuff performed. I wore my t-shirts and polo over and over. Stay dry and cool while looking like James Bond on a mission...
James Perse - It's between these and Vince for my favorite T-shirts. These are well cut and less fitted while the colors are generally more muted. Same price points. They also carry a full line of lounge wear, sweaters, shirts trousers and even bed sheets in t-shirt soft fabric.
Lord Willy's - While they do Custom cut suits and shirts, it's their Off the Rack checkered shirts that I buy. They are not cheap...but very well made and cut. They also stand out by using colorful buttons on their shirts (ask and they will give you extras buttons). I've received more compliments on these shirts then any other. Lord Willy himself Alex is a great guy only bettered by his better half Betty.
Michael Andrews Bespoke - With Spring in the air and a hot summer on the way either you need some lighter weight wool suits for your current job or the new one you're interviewing for and you realize that B Bros and the Purple Dino's warehouse sale are not the only places to buy a suit. Michael's price points average about $1,195 for a custom cut suit with quite a few additional bespoke touches. Shirts start at $165 and up and come in more colors and patterns then you can imagine. They also carry ties, cuff links etc...and are now doing bespoke shoes as well. By appointment only.
Patagonia - Carries their own line of Gore-tex, Capeline, organic cotton and wool clothing for your outdoor needs. Great friendly staff that don't just work in a place that sells clothing to be worn from the slopes to the surf but more importantly that regularly hit them. They also have a great selection of messenger bags, back packs and a new travel line.
Pull-In - Started out in the South of France making Board Shorts for surfers. They have expanded the line to include lycra & cotton boxers with all sorts of awesome graphics. You may wish she forgot what happened after those boxers come off...but she wil not forgot those boxers. They also have a pretty sweet selection of women's lingerie and bikini's.
Saturdays - Believe it or not a real authentic Surf shop in Soho. Saturday's carries Surf Boards, Leash's, Wax, Fins, and Wet-Suits. They have expanded their line of clothing since opening that includes t-shirts, board shorts, hoodies etc as well as carrying Bolt, Levi's and Van's. Of special note...they have really good coffee and a big backyard area with loads of seating to chill out. A very cool little oasis in Soho. Try to keep this one to yourself...
Save Khaki - If like me you were NOT genetically blessed with a flat as a board ass plus really wide hips and are sick to death of Khaki's and Cords that make you look like you are...Save Khaki has pants that are cut to fit, look good and are made well to boot. They also have shirts and sweaters and jackets...but try them on first...they tend to cut small so size up...
Vince - I go here primarily for the awesome colored t-shirts in a variety of unique shades (someone knows their pantones) They are in the $40 range...but very well cut and made. Please note...they are a bit fitted so go up a size. They also have well cut chino's, jeans, sweaters, sweats etc... I like the Soho location....ask for Nicole but I usually go to the one in the Meat-Packing District...ask for Jasmine
Food Break: For Coffee hit Aroma, Gimme, and Ground Support. For quick bites go to Ben's (Spring St) and Ray's (on Prince St) for Pizza, for Taco's Pinche Taqueria and La Esquina Taco Stand, Cafe Habana (take out next door) and Parisi for sandwiches, Pinkberry (healthy and also loaded w good looking girls gone Soho shopping) and Asia Dogs(ie topped with Mango Relish, Wasabi Slaw, Park Belly, etc..) and last but far from least if you're sweet tooth needs something something... Little Cupcake Bakeshop
EMS is located at 530 Bway (corner of Bway and Spring)
Icebreaker is located at 102 Wooster Street
James Perse is located at 60 Mercer Street
Lord Willy is located at 223 Mott Street
MIchael Andrews Bespoke is located at 2 Great Jones Alley
Patagonia is located at 101 Wooster Street
Pull-In is locate at 252 Elizabeth Street
Saturdays is located at 31 Crosby Street
Save Khaki is located at 327 Lafayette
Vince is located at 16 Prince Street and 833 Washington Street
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