A jaunt to New York is incomplete without visits to Barneys, Bergdorfs and Bloomies. But, be sure to bring an extra Longchamp for loot from these local gems too.

If we could stash an antique silver leaf chandelier in the duffel we would. Prices at Aero can be astronomical but a visit to this Modernist mecca is worth it. www.aerostudios.com

Paper geeks should pay Mr. Boddington’s Studio a visit. Bespoke cards on 100 per cent cotton stock with hand-painted edges in blueberry and persimmon ink, sound like your thing? www.mrboddington.com

It’s the oldest apothecary in the U.S. and C.O. Biglow still remains a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Look out for charming hair barrettes, delicious candles and lesser-known lines like Propoline and Marvis toothpaste. www.bigelowchemists.com

John Derian is always a winner for interiors; Cire Trudon Candles, Astier de Villatte plates, Berber Rugs and interesting postcards are just the beginning. www.johnderian.com

Hey, specky-four-eyes, how about a pair of 1930s inspired Moscot Originals? www.moscot.com —Athena Tsavliris

Last time we sojourned in New York, we chose a luxe hotel over spending sprees in the West Village. This time, we’re sacrificing Frette linens to shop, shop, shop. Herewith, our best on-a-budget picks:

If you don’t mind sharing a washroom (two of them feature claw-footed, free-standing bathtubs), The Harlem Flophouse is a unique experience. Doubles from $100. 242 W. 123rd St., New York City, 212-662-0678, harlemflophouse.com

Stylish and high tech, choose bunk beds at The Pod and enjoy your BIG romance. Doubles from $107. 230 E. 51st St., New York City, 212-355-0300, www.thepodhotel.com

The newly renovated Chelsea Lodge is a brownstone gem. Doubles from $128. 318 W. 20th St., New York City, 212-243-4499, www.chelsealodge.com

The Washington Square Hotel evokes 1930s Paris. Doubles from $190. Some rooms have a view of the park. 103 Waverly Place, New York City, 212-777-9515, www.washingtonsquarehotel.com

(All prices in USD.)

There are plenty of things we wish we could do: fold fitted sheets, dance the foxtrot, poach a perfect egg.

We also wish we could knit, patchwork and crochet. For those who can, there is the wonderful NYC-based Purl Soho. It’s a crafters delight, filled with yarns, trims, buttons and fabric to satisfy every whim.

We can wrap a present, and for that there is a feast of gorgeous papers, felt tags and pretty ribbons.

As for the foxtrot, we’re still waiting for our Fred Astaire.

www.purlsoho.com

Who remembers holidaying with a hot pink Kodak-for-Fisher-Price camera?

Brooklyn-based photographer Mina Georgescu has turned her childhood hobby into a body of work that is truly magical.

Her Coney Island and Other Magical Places series conjures memories of eating candyfloss on a ferris wheel or building sandcastles under a steaming hot sun.

If only we could say the same for our weird and wonky holiday snaps.

www.minagraphy.com

With the US dollar so weak, now is a great time to flex that plastic on a shopping spree in NYC.

Stay

One of our favourite places to stay in New York, The Mercer is ideally located among the heavy hitters and rising stars of the fashion pack. Breakfast alone (honey cinnamon soaked grapefruit, eggs poached to perfection and homemade granola) is worth the extravagant room rate (from $480). www.mercerhotel.com

Shop

Marni

Designed by Future Systems, the signature undulating clothing rails at the Marni store are worth a peek. From easy flats to skyscraping heels, we also love this season’s shoes. 161 Mercer St., New York, 212-343-3912, www.marni.com

3.1 Phillip Lim

New York’s golden boy du jour, this is Lim’s first store. Check out his line for haute tots—as beautifully constructed as his ready-to-wear collections. 115 Mercer St., New York, 212-334-1160, www.31philliplim.com

Mayle

Filled with easy-to-wear feminine pieces, Jane Mayle’s pretty little boîte is a favourite among the likes of Helena Christensen and Sofia Coppola. 242 Elizabeth St., New York, 212-625-0406.

Kiki De Montparnasse

From ruffled camisoles to hand-painted silk bloomers, this panty emporium is pure opulence. 79 Greene St., New York, www.kikidm.com

See

For a change of pace, wander over to the MoMA to see Georges Seurat’s soft crayon drawings of Parisian life. www.moma.org

Think a trip to New York is going to cost you an arm and a handbag? We've got the inside scoop.

see

When it's not playing host to Fashion Week, Bryant Park provides the perfect backdrop for another kind of black-and-white classic. Grab a spot on the grass, order sandwiches from 'wichcraft (delivered straight to your blanket), bring a bottle of wine (but don't advertise it) and cuddle up with your sweetie under the New York City lights. Our pick? Casablanca on August 13. Free movies run Mondays all summer long, at sunset. Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 212-768-4242. www.bryantpark.org

eat

Pssst!!!! Can you keep a secret? PDT (short for Please Don't Tell) located at the back of Crifdogs, is a speakeasy style lounge only accessible via a secret entrance in a vintage phone booth. Pick up the receiver and smile for the camera that's checking you out from the other side. Once you're buzzed in, grab a chair (there's a strict no standing policy) and chow down on deep fried hot dogs and tater tots that, oddly enough, go quite well with muddled fruit cocktails. Drinks are $11 but the dogs are street cheap, starting at $2.25. 113 St. Marks Place, 212-614-0386, www.pdtnyc.com

do

Free on Friday? If you are, then the MoMA is too. Every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., the Museum of Modern Art waves its standard $20 admission fee thanks to Target Free Friday Nights. Don't be daunted by the line, it'll all be worth it once you get inside and see the Richard Serra retrospective, currently the hottest exhibition in the country. 11 West 53 Street, 212-708-9400. www.moma.org