Travel & Guides

Some may remember the early days of Steven Alan at an undersized split-level store on Wooster where you had to ring a buzzer to gain entry. Today, the loft-like Tribeca space is pleasantly unmanic and awash in natural light. Once inside, you'll find Alan seems to favor notes of academia mixed with lab references--there are library-style walls (complete with rolling ladders), which hug the length of the store, and antique display cases including a large wooden pharmacy cabinet filled with independent beauty labels. But enough about the space.

The clothes are what you're here for, and what you heard is right. Alan is a master at compiling various lines that seem to magically merge into one super collection. Translation: Everything works together, making for tough editing at checkout. Organized by color (which Alan isn't afraid of), the clothing evokes a marked sexiness minus the flash. Lines range from established labels like Claudie Pierlot and Mayle, to lesser-known brands like No. 6, Wayf, and Mociun. The shoe selection is also pretty spot on, with stars like F-Troupe, Repetto, and Devotte all vying for a place in your shopping bag. What's a gal to do? Come back the following Saturday, like the rest of Alan's amorous followers.