Stumptown Coffee Roasters

As a New Yorker living in Midtown, I usually have an empty wallet and a constant urge for shopping. On the few days I can hit the town, I start my day with a $4 cup of motivation. A medium latte from Stumptown Coffee Roasters located at the entrance of the Ace Hotel on 18 W 29th St. Beautiful foam art included. I'm then going to start shopping at Buffalo Exchange on 114. W 26th St. in Chelsea. Buy/Sell/Trade stores are an amazing take on thirfting and they're popping up all over the USA. No two are alike, so always stop in to see what they have.

UNIQLO at 546 Broadway

After a purchase of shoes, rings and a bag, I'm finally hungry so I head over to Johnny's Luncheonette on 124 W. 25th St. Go here for a filling breakfast or a light lunch. It's very "New York," and almost always under $12 (and that's for two). Then off to Soho. I take the N or the R train for a mere $2.25 at 23rd and 5th and get off at the Prince Street stop. Go up the stairs and you're right in the center of New York's prime shopping district.

First stop: UNIQLO at 546 Broadway. It's currently the only one in the States. Think American Apparel meets H&M meets Japan. This store is amazing for your wardrobe staples -- as in a nice pair of jeans or a plain white button up. It's great for both men and women. And cheap! Most items are under $30. Next up is Necessary Clothing: the store that takes almost every New Yorker's money. The best two are located on 442 and 443 Broadway. There are four in a 1/2 mile radius, each one carrying slightly different things, so you're bound to walk into them all. It's heaven for all things trendy. It's also the place to get a pair of Jeffrey Campbell look a likes or a pair of Oxfords for under $30. You can also find a great pair of leggings, skinny or harem pants for under $20. The sale section is even better. No one will ever complain about an adorable sun dress for $5!

Amsterdam Boutique at 454 Broadway, In Trend at 426 Broadway, and Chill on Broadway at 423 Broadway are three other stores in Soho with great deals on trendy clothing. If I'm in the mood, I'll check out Pearl River Market for a never ending utopia of cute -- finding things I never knew I needed. If at that point I'm tired and need a refresher, I'll stop for a parfait and green tea at Le Pain Quotidien on 100 Grand between Mercer and Greene. It's a great place to rest your feet and take a breather. If I'm ready for a nice lunch instead, I'll head over to Fiat Cafe on Mott between Kenmare and Spring. It's a must. Split the grilled chicken panini with a friend and perhaps an Iced coffee to go (under $12 for two)! Now that I'm nice and refreshed, I'll make my walk to the East Village and finish the day with vintage and thrift stores. No Relation on 204 1st Avenue is always my first destination.

They have an amazing array of cowboy boots, bags, dresses, and leather jackets -- all under $40, and that's pricing it high. Great pairs of classic leather cowboys are around $25, and a nice button-up is around $10. At the nearby Buffalo Exchange on 332 E. 11th St, I'll grab a few more stylish, thrifty items. If I'm hungry for dinner, I'll go to 2 Bros Pizza on 8th St for a $1 pizza slice. If not, It'll be off to Butter Lane Bakery at 123 E 7th St to get a vanilla cupcake with peanut butter frosting. After I'm done, I'll fight the urge to over-shop, and take the subway back home!

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