Diesel
770 Lexington Ave. (at 60th St.); 212-308-0055
Euro-chic might be the way I’d choose to describe the funky style that Diesel exudes. Undoubtedly the winner for the most artistic and creative merchandise displays, Diesel’s clothes host the same artistic quality. Find the perfect men’s “already worn” tee for around $50. Ladies, find jeans to ride on any size hips without feeling like you’re wearing the same denim as everyone else. You’ll find endless variations of their signature styles for anywhere between $80 and $200.

GAP
1511 Third Ave. (at 85th St.); 212-794-5781
Affordable yet “classically” trendy, you simply cannot go wrong at the GAP. Any man or woman will have no trouble finding that perfect pair of jeans made to mold to his or her individual curves. Chock full of staple items for your closet, the GAP has it all. Find fashions for teens (silk screened tees, around $10), for men (the most comfortable pair of army green corduroy pants, around $50) and of course, for women (the most flattering pair of “Long and Lean” jeans in an array of different washes, around $70). The best part about it, you’ll find it all under one roof. Season after season, you can count on GAP basics to fill your wardrobe. Ladies, try a four season, buttery soft denim skirt on for size (around $25). Just “fall into it.”

Helmut Lang
80 Greene St. (near Spring St.); 212-925-7214
You’ll feel a bit like you’re walking into an art gallery when you step into the doors of Soho’s Helmut Lang boutique. For both men and women alike, find a truly upscale line of denim designers (up to around $250). Expensive? Maybe a tad. But well worth it… Lang never lets style exceed the boundaries of comfort. Looking for a get-up to lounge in? Helmut Lang is home to a great selection of Three Dots and Hard Tail cotton knits, sweat shirts and sweat pants. Be casual and chic at the same time…how perfect.

Ina
208 E. 73rd St. (near Second Ave.); 212-249-0014
Jimmy Choo for under $200? You can’t beat that with a stick. Find treasures for less than half of their original (and perhaps daunting) prices in this quaint village-esque uptown consignment boutique. Deterred by the word “consignment”? Well, don’t be. Ina’s top notch styles are nothing to sneeze at. Putting quality way above quantity, Ina fills her petite boutique with styles by haute couture labels such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry and even (yes, it’s true) Louis Vuitton. I shall not tell a lie. Ina is by far, one of Manhattan’s best kept shopping secrets.

Levi's
750 Lexington Ave. (near 59th St.); 212-838-2188
Expecting just a pair of plain old 501 jeans at the Levi’s store is quite the misconception. A perfectly hemmed stone-washed denim skirt won me over for a mere $35. Unbeatable? Levi’s is definitely in the running. The selection of men’s denim is undoubtedly the store’s best attribute. So, if you’re shopping for the man in your life (or you ARE that man) give the classic American look a try at Levi’s. Offering endless fits and washes, boot-cut or straight legged, relaxed fit, or low rise, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.