Neighborhood Watch: SoHo Boasts Boutique-Studded Boulevards

The original gentrified New York neighborhood, SoHo (named for its location south of Houston Street) has a long and storied history. During the 1960s and 70s, poor artists used to live in the area’s idiosyncratic lofts, and many of the buildings feature the famed cast iron architectural details that give SoHo its “Cast Iron District” nickname.

However, questionably zoned housing for starving creative-types has given way to designer boutiques, trendy restaurants, and uber-luxurious hotels and residences. Despite its reincarnation as a popular tourist shopping destination, SoHo retains its hip vibe and remnants of times past, including intricately detailed building façades and cobblestone streets.

All the usual suspects can be found here—Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, and Burberry. There are also a large number of vintage stores in the area: Chelsea Girl Couture’s two neighborhood locations (186 Spring St. and 63 Thompson St.) both offer hard-to-find designer pieces that easily mix with a cheaper contemporary wardrobe.

For those looking to maintain the girlish, whimsical look, Anna Sui has always designed detail-heavy pieces with a custom feel that certainly cater to the individualistic fashionista. Sui’s store (113 Greene St.) has a “Victorian punk” vibe, and one can find her designs alongside cheap-chic, fun trinkets. For spring, Sui’s costume jewelry, designed by Erickson Beamon, is perfectly trendy.

Need to stock up on downtown wardrobe staples such as the riding boot, layering tee, and garment-dyed skinny jeans? Head to Madewell. Their clothes are priced reasonably, especially if you take advantage of the student discount—just present your school ID at the register.

Customers can look online at www.madewell1937.com to check out the store’s looks, but a trip to the downtown store (486 Broadway at Broome Street) is necessary to buy the clothing. Yours truly swears by their grandpa cardigans and sweaters, and a belted cropped trench combined with their lavender jeans is the perfect antidote to this year’s seemingly endless winter.

Naturally, the long-awaited Topshop American flagship store will also be located in SoHo. This spring, the British retailer will finally open its U.S. store on Broome Street at Broadway. At last, chic American girls don’t have to beg friends heading across the pond to bring back Topshop’s covetable goods. Featuring brands like Kate Moss’ self-titled clothing line, as well as Topshop’s own designs, the opening of the American flagship is certainly worth a trip South of Houston.