East Village: Shopping

Shopping in this neighbourhood is a real treat. There's no chain stores, NO Abercrombie and Fitch and no crowds of people to battle your way through to try on your new find.

Snake your way around East 9th street down to East 7th across from Aves A to 2nd and explore the range of wonderful boutiques selling everything from vintage clothing to the latest New York designers and the unique stores selling graffiti art, books and records, cards, antiques and everything else in between.

A few to look out for on your meander...

Meg (E9th st btw 1st/2nd ave) Owned and run by the lovely Meg herself who designs all the stylish feminine pieces. She also provide a tailoring service so your new fab dress fits just right. This stretch of E9th Street in particular has several other great boutiques also.

Fabulous Fanny's Eyewear (E9th st btw 1st/2nd ave) A fantastic vintage eyewear store that you simply must have a rummage in trying on the fabulous and ridiculous glasses from eras gone by.

De La Vega Museum (St Marks Place (8th st) btw 1st ave/ave A) The well known New York graffiti artist sells his work out of this 'musuem', which is really just a shop. His work is controversial so be prepared if you're easily offended! Keep an eye out for his tags randomly showing up on pavements or trees in the neighbourhood.

Upper Rust Antiques (E9th st btw ave A/1st ave) If you walk down this street you can't miss this store as its wonderful collection of mirrors, tables and plant pots spill onto the pavement. A cavernous shop with a fantastic array of shabby chic items that you'll convince yourself will look just right in your tiny apartment.

Barbara Feinman Millinery (E7th st btw 1st/2nd ave) This is such a beautiful, whimsical shop and will make you feel as if you've been transported into another place and time. There's all kinds of gorgeous handmade hats, which the staff will happily let you try on and play dress up - enjoy!

Alphabets (Ave A btw 7th/8th st) This place has two separate entrances but is actually just one store joined in the middle by the cash desk. A cute place selling cards on the one side and a random selection of kitschy, retro gifts and gadgets on the other as well as a small funky clothing collection at the back - worth popping your head into.