Savvy Shoppers’ Survey

La Petite Coquette, Inc.
51 University Place (9th & 10th Sts.)/212-473-2478
Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.

The Edge: Racy, sexy, late-evening wear. § A very small shop featuring sexy European lingerie. Large selection of European bras and larger bra sizes. Two floors of sleep wear, bras, panties, slips to wear in or out, and cover-ups all year round. Great for pick-me-up indulgences. § “Charming shopping.”

Clothing & accessories
Underwear & lingerie
quality style service value: 50 49 49 39

La Perla
777 Madison Ave. (66th & 67th Sts.)/212-570-0050
Mon–Sat 10am–6pm.

The Edge: Wonderful Italian imports. § Expect to find a huge selection of La Perla’s lovely, sexy, soft lingerie, plus bathing suits. To create a look, try on the Sculpture bra—it’s a new you. Century 21 gets La Perla often and sells it at about a third of retail. § “Great underwear, but expensive!”

Clothing & accessories
Underwear & lingerie
quality style service value: 45 45 43 38

Joovay
436 W. Broadway (Prince St.)/212-431-6386
Daily noon–7pm.

The Edge: Feminine delicate lingerie. § Features delicate colors, fine fabrics, and feminine trims. Stocks top lines like Christian Dior, Hanro, La Perla, and Pluto. Bras priced from $22 to $147, and panties from $9 to $95. § “Fun to wear.”

Clothing & accessories
Underwear & lingerie
quality style service value: 42 36 42 38

Enelra
481/2 E. 7th St. (1st & 2nd Sts.)/212-473-2454
Daily noon–8:30pm.

The Edge: Sexy lingerie. § Runs the gamut from practical to sexy (her specialty) lingerie (teddies, slips, and nightgowns) to funky, including jeweled bustiers and vinyl bondage wear (if you find that funky). Lingerie from $5 to $250.

Clothing & accessories
Underwear & lingerie

Brief Essentials
1407 Broadway (38th & 39th Sts.)/212-921-8344
Weekdays 8:30am–5:30pm.

The Edge: The basics in moderately priced lingerie and exercise wear. § Discounter.

Clothing & accessories
Underwear & lingerie
quality style service value: 40 30 40 35

Bra Smyth
905 Madison Ave. (72nd St.)/212-772-9400
Mon–Sat 10am–7pm.

The Edge: Bras that fit. § The staff will advise on fit and style appropriate to the need. Alterations are free at the Madison Avenue shop. Bras are arranged by style and color, with panties to match or complement. Favors La Perla, Chantal, and similar high-end European lingerie labels. § “Great selection and good catalog options. All sizes.” “Best fit and choice.”

Clothing & accessories
Underwear & lingerie
quality style service value: 50 50 50 32

A. W. Kaufman
73 Orchard St. (Broome & Grand Sts.)/212-226-1629
Mon–Thurs 10:30am–5pm, Fri 10:30am–2pm, Sun 10am–5pm.

The Edge: Could be the best-stocked top-quality designer lingerie shop in the city. § Crammed with quality lingerie, lounge wear, underwear, gowns, and robes at about 20% off. Features European (French, Swiss, and Belgian) lingerie. It’s virtually impossible to see what it has since the store is stocked so tightly and is often crowded. Labels include Calida, Christian Dior, David Brown, Hanro, Lejaby, Pluto, Wolford, and more. Phone orders are routine—if they have it, you get it; if they don’t, you never hear from them. Service is abominable. The shop is always crowded, help is limited and slow, and you’re not permitted to look without help. Absolutely no returns. § “Enormous selection, all plastic wrapped.” “Good-quality Hanro.” “Service is fine by phone; in person you’re ignored and the staff is rude. The great stock makes you put up with it.”

Clothing & accessories
Underwear & lingerie
quality style service value: 44 44 34 42

TSE Cashmere
827 Madison Ave. (69th St.) / 472-7790
Mon–Wed and Fri–Sat 10am–6pm, Thurs 10am–7pm.

The Edge: Luxurious cashmeres. § Classic cashmere turtlenecks, cardigans and polos, sportswear, coats, and natural-tone robes and blankets. Lots of cashmere blends—cashmere with silk, cashmere with cotton, etc. TSE has an outlet at Woodbury Commons, where you’ll find these wonderful things discounted. Favors muted colors and more current styling. Deluxe. § “Good deals at the sample sales and at Woodbury Commons.”

Clothing & accessories
Sweaters
quality style service value: 41 43 37 37

Lucien Pellat-Finet
226 Elizabeth St. (Houston & Prince Sts.)/212-343-7033
Tues–Sun noon–6pm (closed Sun July–Aug).

The Edge: The Rolls-Royce of cashmeres. § Understated chic sweaters in a wide range of colors (pastel in spring, stronger hues in other seasons). Contemporary styling. Very soft, not bulky-looking. Nice patterns. These sweaters fit—not tight but close to the body. Prices are high ($665 for two-ply to $1,500 for four-ply sweaters)—but you only live once. The four-ply collection is special order only. Clients include Ellen DeGeneres, Jeremy Irons, and the like. § “Fabulous! If I only had one sweater, theirs would be the one.”

Clothing & accessories
Sweaters
quality style service value: 48 48 46 38

Granny-Made
381 Amsterdam Ave. (79th St.)/212-496-1222
Weekdays 11am–7:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–5pm.

The Edge: Grandma-designed, but machine-executed, sweaters. § Sweaters in children’s through adult sizes. A full range of knit items, from ski caps to suits and dresses. Sweaters only for men. § “Very lovely choices.”

Clothing & accessories
Sweaters
quality style service value: 42 37 37 32