The Tamesis
A true jewelry box in its truest form, this Manhattan store specializes in everything that sparkles. Box after box of engagement rings from the Art Deco era are truly stunning (even if you’re “just looking”), as well as pieces by Cartier and Mikimoto. More than half of the store is dedicated to costume jewelry, scarves and the occasional clothing item.
Address: 104 West 17th Street, Manhattan
Liz Wolff grew up scouring garage sales and dumpsters in New York, so it only made sense to one day open her own antique store. Inside the spacious East Village store are bowls of buttons, pristine vintage clogs, records and rows of sequined dresses. Cure Thrift also donates a portion of its proceeds to juvenile diabetes research, a disease Wolfe was diagnosed with when he was 11 years old.
Address: 91 Third Avenue, Manhattan
Shannon Hoey and her team at New York Vintage have documented more than 150 years of fashion history. Their business model is unique: rental only, with a primary focus on fashion. You’ve no doubt seen New York Vintage’s work in Madonna’s magazine shoots and Baz Luhrmann’s magazine shoots The Great Gatsby. For those truly obsessed with antiques, there are private group tours of the archives (which include a glimpse of the rarest treasures).
Address: 117 West 25th Street, Manhattan
The treasures of New York’s clubhouses were the stuff of Andy Warhol’s fever dreams. Checkered tile floors and a leopard-print sofa (with pink pillows spelling out “SEX”) set the stage for the main event: a Galliano-era Dior saddle bag, That Tom Ford Gucci thongs and modern Fran Fine coveted accessories are perfectly displayed.
Address: 69 Mercer Street, Manhattan
