Caroline Knapp - Fashion Shopping

A downtown shopping spree can be exhilarating — when it's not killing your feet and zapping your strength, that is. Blogger and Gilt Groupe fashion buyer Caroline Knapp shops for a living (we're jealous, too!) — so you can bet she knows the best spots to take a breather while on the hunt for killer style in the city. We snagged the style expert for a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Soho, where she spilled on her favorite neighborhood stopovers, boutiques, and the taqueria where she recharges between swipes of the credit card.

Looking very Sartorialist-worthy in her favorite floaty minidresses and chic — yet completely walkable — Timberland boots, this style pro knows there's no need to shop 'til you drop. So, if you're in need of a little recharge during your retail therapy, click on the map for Caroline's expert picks.

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Antique Garage, 41 Mercer Street (between Grand and Broome); 212-219-1019.
"I love all the great shopping in Soho — everything from the boutiques to the street vendors, and Antique Garage. Such a gem. I love the intimate feel of the space with the antique furniture. Plus, you can’t beat an open-air restaurant to people watch on a pretty day. I love taking my NOOK Color, ordering a coffee, and just letting a little bit of the afternoon go by. Oh, and when I'm stomping around Soho, I tend to pick boots that can weather the NYC elements, but still look great paired with a stylish dress. There's a lot of puddles in those cobblestones!"

Timberland EARTHKEEPERS Nevali Tall Boot, available at Timberland.

Photographed by Mark Iantosca; Styled by Emily Barnes; Hair by Tiffany Patton; Makeup by Heather Heiman.

La Esquina, 114 Kenmare Street (between Lafayette Street and Cleveland Place); 646-613-7100.
"La Esquina has great Mexican food. Even though I'm in our Midtown office during the week and spend most of my free time in TriBeCa — where I live — being from Texas, I have to get my Mexican fix more regularly than most New Yorkers. I'm here all the time."

Photo: Courtesy La Esquina.

Haus Alkire, 458 Broome Street (between Mercer and Greene); 646-692-4326.
"When I’m too busy to think about my outfit, I gravitate towards classic, black items. It creates the perfect blank canvas to switch up your accessories and always look polished. This one I paired up with Timberland's Earthkeepers Apley Mid Waterproof Boot. They're perfect for weathering the elements of New York City, but still look great with a stylish dress. I also love red lipstick for when I want to feel confident and sexy. I get so many of my black pieces from the husband/wife design team behind Haus Alkire. They're a true inspiration to me. Julie and Jason are dear friends of mine and I admire their work as a fan and a friend. Jason’s custom fabric prints are the perfect complement to Julie’s feminine and forward silhouettes. I always want everything in the store when I stop by. Actually, it was Jason who introduced me to Antique Garage. "

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Timberland EARTHKEEPERS® Apley Mid Waterproof Boot, available at Timberland.

Photographed by Mark Iantosca; Styled by Emily Barnes; Hair by Tiffany Patton; Makeup by Heather Heiman.

Saturdays Surf NYC, 31 Crosby Street (between Grand and Broome); 212-966-7875.

“Saturday’s Surf NYC is a fun place to grab a cup of La Colombe coffee for a quick pick-me-up between shops. As for what I wear when I'm on the hunt, my level of dress changes based on what I am doing — but as I say, "wear what you feel most confident in and dress to flatter your body type and lifestyle." You always look your best when you feel your best."

Photo: Courtesy Saturdays Surf NYC.