Lacoste – HomoCouture.Com

By Edingston Alexander

Hopefully most of us could’ve cleaned out our closet and do a thorough spring cleaning in order to replace the old with the new. Now the dilemma sets in… how much to shop and where to shop? I have collected some of my favorite spots along with recommendations from HomoCouture staff to come up with 20 places in NYC to help you in this venture. Many reasons are there to be shopping, summer, Prides and Sizzle. We were very cognizant to choose stores in varied price points and to introduce new locations to the close-minded.

Opening Ceremony
Location: 35 Howard Street
New York, NY 10013

This gem of a store is one of my personal favorites and offers an array of fresh and distinctive clothing. Most of the clothing is unique to them, so you definitely will not be a clone!! They carry their own in-house label but also stock many other fresh designers like Band of Outsiders and Alexander Wang. A new location was recently opened at the Ace Hotel, that many of fashion folks are going go-go-ga-ga for!!

Inven.tory
Location: 237 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10012

I love this store also and thank my friend Charlie for introducing me to this joint. This is a must visit for the young and trendy folks. It carries a lot of emerging designers and offers them at wholesale prices, like the 3.33 footwear line that o absolutely adore.

French Connection
Location: 435 West Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Proud to be an honorary alumnus of the FC team, where I worked and enjoyed the clothing allowance while in design school. Famous mainly because of their t-shirts that carry phrases such as “Too cool to Fcuk” this store offers sharp, smart and trendy clothing.

Topshop/Topman
Location: 478 Broadway
New York, NY 10013

I remember perusing the racks at opening ceremony to see pieces from this brand and then they crossed the pond. This import delivers a splash of British fashion and copies the runways to detail! I love their Topman line, especially their jeans that have the right amount of spandex for boys with a lil’ junk in the trunk!!

Uniqlo
Location: 546 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Uniqlo is a Japanese import and the only one in the Americas. Well rumors are roaming of one soon to be open on Fifth Avenue but until then the Soho location is the one and only in the Western Hemisphere. Always one to collaborate with designers like Phillip Lim and most recent Jil Sander, they always know how to combine technology, style, affordability and comfort into one major shopping experience.

Patricia Field
Location: 302 Bowery
New York, NY 10012

I’ve always love Patricia field store which made me feel a little closer to Carrie Bradshaw. Trust, I’ve found some unique pieces that are still in my closet and under my bed. I found sequined sneakers and cut-off biker gloves at one of their ridiculously cheap sale where I was served champagne and showered with glitters. If you want a shopping experience that’s affordable and make you feel like a tipsy drag queen after this is the place. Oh! Don’t forget to go downstairs…wink, wink!! Plus my friend Aaron Potts did the sketching of those glorious girls on the website.

Century 21
Location: 22 Cortlandt St.
New York, NY 10007

If you never want to be in a hap-hazard big box grabbing match with tourist, this is not the place for you!! This gigantic discount department store carries everyone from Galliano to Versace at ridiculous bargains.

H&M
Location: 505 5^th avenue
New York, NY 10017

They are leading the pack when it comes to providing cheap and trendy clothing. This Swedish company made a major impression on the American market and expanded very quickly and wisely, sometimes I think it is acting like the Duane Reade of the clothing world.

OAK
Location: 28 Bond St.
New York, NY 10012

I always love this store and it carries some of my favorite brands like Unconditional and Beta Unit. This store is for the boys who love to be a trendsetter but also have to have a deep pocket also!! If you’re looking for a key piece from a cutting edge designer this is the spot to go shop!!

Atrium
Location: 644 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Atrium is an Urban Chic haven providing a wide selection of jeans, sneakers and other designer duds.

MACY’s
Location: 151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10018

Everyone loves Macy’s, with its wide assortment, old world charm, great prices and convenient return policy. It’s more like a tourist hangout joint for most New Yorkers but sometimes you can get an incredible deal on an item in one of their many sales. I rather take to the online site than wrestle with the tourists’ in the store.

Zara’s
Location: 101 5^th Avenue
New York, NY 10003

This Spanish Brand came over before the likes of Uniqlo, Topshop and Mango so were definitely the first to compete with H&M. They were always more upscale and seem to always be inspired by Roberto Cavalli. Footwear is also great and how we love when they do those discounts!

Daffy’s
Location: 115 5^th Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Shopping here can be a beautiful nightmare or a sweet dream but whatever experience you have it’s a must stop. It has and carry a lot of Euro cut/styled clothing but you can find designer names a deep discount prices. I prefer the 5^th avenue branch much cleaner and better assortment.

Club Monaco
Location: 160 5^th Avenue
New York, NY 10010

I always felt that they should be the sportswear line for Chanel because of all the Black and white they use. I love the accessories and the way the merchandise their collection, they make it covetable. It has great fit and fairly good fabrication and not too expensive. This past winter their extra long scarves were giving me all the warmth I needed.

Lacoste
Location:   134 Prince Street
                          (between Broadway & Wooster St.)
                          New York, NY 10012

Famous for their famous French pique crocodile-emblazoned shirts, they also offer accessories like slacks, golf bags and leather wallets. I loved going in here and being catered to by their helpful staff. The summer is already showing off its heat so this is definitely a spot to stop at.

Jeffrey
Location:    449 West 14 Street
                           Between 9^th & 10^th Avenue
                           New York, NY 10014

This is a very intimate shopping experience with excellent customer service. The store carries an array of designer goods and has one of the best shoe departments for men in the city. They did a small collection of exclusive polos with Lacoste which is all the rage in this small boutique. Make sure it’s a definite stop after exiting the Highline Park.

Urban Outfitters
Location: 628 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

I love this location personally because it’s larger and a little less hazardous than the others. I love the selections and sales and always could find some quirky books and great spring scarves here. It’s like a sister to Anthropologie but not as pricey and way funkier. I love how it’s so versatile in its stock and carries clothing, accessories and apartment items for men and women.

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Location: 163 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10012

I love his funky shoes and famous satchels; Marc knows how to give the kids what they want. You can always finds something cute to compliment your wardrobe, sometimes they can be a little pricey but it’s worth the investment. Look out for the sales because I know I do!!

Odin
Location: 199 Lafayette St.
New York, NY 10012

Rag & Bone did a Capsule collection for them and they carry other fav designers of mine like Thom Browne and Richard Chai. Not really on the cheaper side, they still have a relatively good sale. The customer service is so good that you feel so bad looking at the price tag. The piece you purchase here should be a worthwhile investment. This might serve as a buffer for the amount you may spend here.

Mango
Location: 561 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Many people don’t know or even realized that Mango started carrying menswear. The collection is very fashion forward and carries footwear, accessories and denim.