Spring seems to be just a bit late this year, but maybe just maybe it's here to stay. Thus ladies (yes, I'm referring both to the guys this is geared towards. No pun intended and the ladies, as in girlfriends, sisters, friends etc... in our lives) it's time to do some spring cleaning – Goodwill is on 23rd Street and easier to deal with then the Salvation Army. Found that out the hard way) and get some new gear for spring and summer. As a guy from a clothing point of view they are for the most part one and the same with the exception of summer, you add shorts, "swimwear" and flip flops to the mix. Of course if you want to get technical then yes, linen and white bucks starting Memorial Day.
I prefer SoHo for a few reasons, aside from all the great places to get everything from suits to surfboards, you have some of the absolute best people watching in the world from eccentric native Nu Yawkers to drop-dead beautiful foreign women from all over the globe. On top of that some of the best chow in the city and as an added bonus, art that ranges from high end galleries to great street art. So whether you need to to go from the sand to the street, the lake to the lobby or the river to roof-top bar, the following places have what you need and more.
EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports): Ourdoorsmen shop geared heavily towards climbing and camping. A great selection of gear from North Face, Smart Wool, Marmot, Mountain Hardware, plus their own line. For trail runners, hiking and trekking boots, EMS has the best selection in the city stocking Merrel, Salomon, and Scarpa. EMS employs a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Icebreaker: I was turned on to this brand at EMS and they have since opened up their own location right across from Patagonia. Icebreaker offers pure merino wool athletic gear out of New Zealand. I started with their winter gear and they have since added a running, biking, and travel line. Now some of you may think "wool for running around in the heat...you're nuts," wool breathes remarkably well and doesn't hold odors. I just returned from 90+ degree heat in Vietnam and could not believe how well this this stuff performed. I wore my T-shirts and polo over and over. Stay dry and cool while looking like James Bond on a mission.
James Perse: It's between these and Vince for my favorite T-shirts. These are well cut and less fitted while the colors are generally more muted. Same price points. They also carry a full line of lounge wear, sweaters, shirts, trousers and even bed sheets in T-shirt soft fabric.
Lord Willy's: While they do custom cut suits and shirts, it's their off the rack checkered shirts that I buy. They are not cheap, but very well-made and cut. They also stand out by using colorful buttons on their shirts (ask and they will give you extras buttons). I've received more compliments on these shirts then any other. Lord Willy himself Alex is a great guy only bettered by his better half Betty.
Patagonia: Carries their own line of Gore-tex, Capeline, organic cotton and wool clothing for your outdoor needs. Great friendly staff that don't just work in a place that sells clothing to be worn from the slopes to the surf, but more importantly that regularly hit them. They also have a great selection of messenger bags, backpacks and a new travel line.
Pull-In: Started out in the south of France making board shorts for surfers. They have expanded the line to include lycra and cotton boxers with all sorts of awesome graphics. You may wish she forgot what happened after those boxers come off, but she wil not forget those boxers. They also have a pretty sweet selection of women's lingerie and bikinis.
Saturdays: Believe it or not a real authentic surf shop in SoHo. Saturdays carries surfboards, leashes, wax, fins and wetsuits. They have expanded their line of clothing since opening that includes T-shirts, board shorts and hoodies as well as carrying Bolt, Levi's and Van's. Of special note, they have really good coffee and a big backyard area with loads of seating to chill out. A very cool little oasis in SoHo. Try to keep this one to yourself.
Vince: I go here primarily for the awesome colored T-shirts in a variety of unique shades (someone knows their pantones). They are in the $40 range, but very well cut and made. Please note they are a bit fitted so go up a size. They also have well cut chinos, jeans, sweaters and sweats. I like the SoHo location – ask for Natalie, but I usually go to the one in the Meatpacking District – ask for Jasmine.
Food Break: For coffee hit Aroma, Gimme, and Ground Support. For quick bites go to Ben's (Spring St.) and Ray's (on Prince St.) for pizza. For tacos Pinche Taqueria and La Esquina Taco Stand, Cafe Habana (take out next door); and Parisi for sandwiches, Pinkberry (healthy and also loaded with good looking girls gone SoHo shopping) and Asia Dogs(get it topped with Mango Relish, Wasabi Slaw, Pork Belly) and last but far from least, if your sweet tooth needs something, check out Little Cupcake Bakeshop.
List of Best Gear for Guys in SoHo:
EMS: 530 Broadway, at Spring St.
Icebreaker: 102 Wooster St., between Prince & Spring Sts.
James Perse: 60 Mercer St., at Broome St.
Lord Willy: 223 Mott St., between Prince & Spring Sts.
Patagonia: 101 Wooster St., between Prince & Spring Sts.
Pull-In: 252 Elizabeth St., near E. Houston St.
Saturdays: 31 Crosby St., between Grand & Broome Sts.
Vince: 16 Prince St., at Elizabeth St.
