Kevin Aeh

Whether you’re on the hunt for prime vintage, cheap (but still chic!) threads or avant-garde designer merch, shopping in NYC never disappoints. That is, if you know where to go (or sift through). Luckily, we’ve done the grunt work for you and uncovered the go-to spots to snag discounts, accessories, throwbacks and anything else you need to cross off your never-ending to-buy list. From trendy boutiques in Soho to thrift shops in Bushwick, you’ll find exactly what you envisioned at these retailers—if not more! Looking for stores in a specific nabe? Check out our shopping guides by neighborhood.

Boredom in the bedroom? Want to spice things up but have no idea where to begin? This list of the best sex classes in NYC has something for singles, couples, throuples, and everyone in between. Learn the (bondage) ropes of tantric sex or dirty talk, then stop by one of the best sex shops in the city to get all the accessories you’ll need. You're in for a real treat.  If you’re on the prowl, hit up one of the city’s hookup bars or swingers clubs. You’ll probably want to keep this playlist of the best sex songs handy, too. And of course, most importantly, stay safe and enjoy yourself. Having fun should be your number one priority.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

It’s no secret that NYC is, arguably, the sex capital of the world. But exactly how are New Yorkers doing it these days? To find out, we go deep with five locals and see just how they’re doing the dirty these days. And if you’re looking for some saucy stimulation, be sure to check out our roundups of the city’s best sex shops, swingers clubs and sex songs that’ll get you in the mood.

It’s easy to get stuck in a fitness rut. If you do work out, you have that one standby class you swear by…and that’s about it. Experts say if you want to get the best results for your bod, it’s a good idea to change up your routine. That’s where these ten new fitness classes come in. And if you’re looking for more ways to get toned, check out our roundups of the best weird NYC fitness classes, top spinning classes and the best gyms and health clubs in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to fitness classes in NYC

Putting away some dough ain’t easy for a New Yorker. Sure, there are cool cheap things to do in NYC, cheap date ideas in NYC and bargains if you’re into shopping in NYC. But if you’re really serious about building up that savings account, check out these awesome money saving apps.

New Yorkers are a passionate bunch. Need proof? Just see how into their pets they are. Meet seven locals and their adopted companions. And if this story inspires you to want to take the pet plunge, find the best places for adoption, pet stores and even dog-friendly restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to pets in NYC

New Yorkers, a busy-as-hell bunch as any, deserve some time off. But what if you’re not craving a weekend getaway or cheap summer getaway from NYC? Luckily for you, the city itself boasts a ton of ways to escape it all. Follow our itineraries for amazing staycations that’ll make you happy you didn’t leave home, including culture-vulture adventures, Bronx explorations, old New York vibes and much more. RECOMMENDED: Full guide of staycations ideas

Whether for hobby or sport, Chicago runners mean business. You'll find those fast feet hitting the pavement day and night, summer or winter, on the 606, the Lakefront Trail and in any one of our great neighborhoods. Serious running means serious running products, and you'll find all of the best shoes, apparel and accessories you need at these friendly, fitness-focused shops. Take the next step, get on your feet and run like the wind.   RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to the Chicago Marathon

If spinning in a small, candlelit room makes you feel claustrophobic—or preoccupied by fire worry—you might want to give this class a, heh, spin. The Dumbo studio offers cycling sessions in front of a massive IMAX screen, so even though the bikes stay still, the screen displays images—like a scenic mountain climb in the Swiss Alps, beautiful sunsets and even outer space—that make you feel as if you’re on a two-wheeled world tour. You’ll barely even notice you’re working your ass off!

Those looking to join any rowing class at this new Columbus Circle studio must first take Rowing 101, which teaches proper technique and commands. After that’s completed, rowers can sign up for a regular EngineRm, an indoor workout that focuses on group exercise. There’s no music in this 12-person class—instead rowers focus on the rhythm of the erg machines and the motivating commands from the coach. Each session is themed around a specific regatta, such as the U.K.’s Henley Royal and Boston’s Head of the Charles. 

This newish studio in the Flatiron District gives fitness instructors a no-frills space where they can offer new classes and build up clientele. One instructor who’s gaining a big following here is Courtney Paul, a Barry’s Bootcamp alum, with his CPXperience. The 50-minute high-energy strength-training and cardio–boot-camp class mixes up moves that focus on a different body part each day: Mondays are all about the back and biceps, Friday is chest day. One thing you can always count on in each session is ab work (the road to a six-pack, unfortunately, involves many, many crunches). Paul keeps class sizes small so you can expect the kind of attention you’d normally find in a personal-training session. Translation: It’s hard to slack off. $28/class.

David Barton’s newest gym, located in Hell’s Kitchen, features dramatic lighting, high-tech equipment that syncs with an app to create customized workouts and a 25-meter saltwater pool, but it’s the variety of classes that most gymgoers flock to here. TMPL Strength is the standout: The pros at the gym wanted a sweat session that felt like the opposite of a high-intensity workout, and this low-impact class was born. Instead of plowing through moves, the slower pace allows you to focus on every rep with heavier weights, building total body strength and lean muscles using just a bench, dumbbells and resistance bands. Caution: You’ll really feel the burn the next day.

Sure, everyone breathes, but are you breathing correctly? Controlling your body’s intake of oxygen is one of the best ways to prepare for a healthy, fit life and to find your center. Your moment of Zen starts at this chic Greenwich Village studio, which offers beginner meditators a taste of the ancient spiritual technique in its optional 101 class. Newbies plop down on cushions on the studio floor and are guided through a few different breathing techniques and meditation exercises. After the intro session, you can book other themed classes, which are 30 to 60 minutes long and cover everything from breath work to practicing the perfect posture. New studios are planned for the Upper East Side and Williamsburg later this year.

Try a class for free with Classpass When the studio doors swing open, you’ll be greeted by cheering instructors dancing to an EDM soundtrack in a room filled with laser lights and fog. Party! The energetic vibe takes a quick break for five minutes of yoga flow, but then it picks back up for the remainder of the 60-minute class. The high-intensity, full-body workout includes a course of 20 stations, and at each, you do a difficult exercise (think box jumps, weight lifting, running on a treadmill) for two minutes before switching to the next station where a new challenge awaits. 

Try a class for free with Classpass Most Pilates studios use the reformer machine (a benchlike apparatus that employs pulleys to strengthen and lengthen your body), but L.A. export WundaBar uses its own patented version of the device. It does everything a reformer does but also features a chair and a ballet barre, and it can be used for jumping exercises. You’ll spend the whole 45-minute class on the machine, where you’ll do moves like planks, lunges and ballet-barre pulses. It’s Pilates at a cardio pace. Bonus: The studio donates proceeds from your first class to the Robin Hood Foundation.

With the exception of those sparkling new lavatories that reopened in Bryant Park earlier this year, public bathrooms in NYC are pretty much places you visit only in extreme cases of emergency. Plus, they’re few and far between for a city with a population of 8.5 million people (a conundrum mined years ago on Seinfeld), are usually pretty grimy and are way overdue for a toilet-paper refill. But if NYC took some bathroom cues from these major cities, we’d all be relieved—literally. Retractable toilets in AmsterdamAt night, Dam Square is populated with urinals that pop up from underground. They cater to the drinking crowd, who’d otherwise urinate in public while barhopping. The design has caught on in London and Perth, Australia, and last year, Amsterdam was the first metropolis to offer a version for women.   Self-cleaning toilets in ParisThe idea behind these self-contained johns, located on boulevards and in public parks, is simple: You step inside, do your business, and once you exit, the bathroom momentarily locks for an automatic cleaning and disinfecting session to prepare for the next user. About a decade ago, NYC was on track to install 20 of these around the city, but the project has fallen behind. Fingers crossed that it picks up steam again soon. High-tech toilets in TokyoInnovation reigns supreme in Japan, so of course you’ll find high-tech add-ons in the bathrooms here. Johns equipped with bidets and dryers are the norm in many of the public restrooms in train sta

Think Gotham has turned too prude? Think again. As part of this week’s sex issue, we highlight NYC’s naughty nooks and crannies.   Bowery Bliss This anything-goes swingers’ club nestled on, you guessed it, the Bowery, is mostly for couples and single women. (Unattached dudes aren’t invited to every event here; and when they are, they have to throw down more coin to get in.) Bowery Bliss spans three floors and includes a cocktail lounge (psst: you need to bring your own booze), a group-play floor and private couples-only rooms. Translation: There’s plenty of room to see and be seen. 158 Bowery (917-484-1898) Club Labyrinth Located in a private midtown loft, Club Labyrinth is geared mostly toward straight couples and singles. Each night features a different theme: For instance, on Ménage à Trois Monday, female-male-female “throuples” get in for free; on Cuck and Bull Wednesdays, guys can watch their wife or girlfriend get it on with another man. It’s strictly members only, so once you R.S.V.P. , you’ll learn the Labyrinth’s exact locale—if you’re chosen. Paddles In case the name didn’t give it away, this Chelsea hub is all about S&M. You’ll find different kinds of events catered to a variety of lifestyles, but the all-male events tend to get the top billing and biggest crowds. Highlights include the after-hours parties (until 7am) on Friday and Saturday nights, a post-brunch Sunday Funday party for bears and, of course, a spanking party on the fourth Thursday of every month tha

The bad news: You still have a little over a month before you can indulge in select $50 spa treatments from more than 100 spas in NYC. It's part of Spa Week, the twice-a-year event where you'll find deep discounts on luxurious treatments. So yeah, the next Spa Week takes place October 20–26, but the good news is you can start booking your appointments now...And then spend the next month dreaming about that awesome upcoming massage. The best services get snatched up first, so we recommend scooping up these popular Spa Week sessions asap. Find more info here. RECOMMENDED: Best of Spa Week NYCSpa Week De-Stress Body Treatment at the Red Door Union Square (50mins)This body treatment features a full-body exfoliation, body wrap and a relaxing scalp massage. Yep, sounds like a good way to de-stress to us. Spa Day package at Affina Beauty and SpaWhy settle on just one treatment? Get the most bang from your buck with this package which includes a mini facial (with microdermabrasion), an eye treatment, plus your choice of a bikini wax or laser hair removal session. The Power Peel at Joanna Vargas Skin Care (50mins)This mild resurfacing facial uses only organic skin care products and is said to leave your skin smooth and glowing. Signature Swedish massage at New York Fashion Beauty (60mins)Because, really, you can't go wrong with a classic hour-long rubdown, right? Brightening Oxygen facial at Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa (60mins)This hydrating treatment includes extractions, which is

Don't let the sun fool you—the temperatures outside are definitely frightful. As anyone who walked from the train to the office and felt their tears freeze to their face this morning can assure you, Mother Nature has brought winter to New York this week. We've had snow, and the sub-zero temps look like they're sticking around for the rest of the week. And with this weather comes the freezing of the fountain in Bryant Park. We noticed New Yorkers posting pics of the scene on Instagram and Twitter, and had to share a few of our favorite images. It's much better to see a beautiful frozen fountain from the warm glow of your computer screen, right?     Looks even cooler this morning! It's like an image out of Frozen #solidstate #bryantpark #ny #nyc #fountain #winter A photo posted by Jose Moreira (@jmorenyc) on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:00am PST   #frozenfountain #nyc A photo posted by Sandra R (@rockie80) on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:02am PST     #frozenfountain #bryantpark #frigid A photo posted by Daniel NG (@danielysng) on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:27pm PST  

Okay, we'll admit that yesterday's snow shower in NYC was pretty…for about 15 minutes. Then we were over it. But, unfortunately, the freezing temps won't be ending any time soon. As we prepare for the reality of winter in NYC (slushy sidewalks, boots ruined by salt..ugh), we're trying to stay positive by thinking about some of the good parts of the season (like going through this list of the best hot chocolate or downing these awesome winter cocktails). Another bonus to this weather? Seeing dogs prance (stumble?) around the city in their winter boots. We know the canine accessories are necessary (those paws need to be protected from sidewalk salt!), but the sight of a puppy wearing shoes for the first time always brings some much needed comic relief as we're cursing the weather gods. Just watch this video for proof: Need to pick up some winter gear for your four-legged friend? Stock up on goods at the best pet supply stores in NYC.

Hopefully your inevitable New Year's Eve hangover won't be keep you down too long because the post-holiday sales currently happening in NYC stores are worth getting out of bed for. Many shops are open on January 1, but the majority of these sales are happening through the long weekend. If your New Year's resolution is to save more money, you really can't miss these five deals. And, of course, you'll find even more sales in NYC over here. StoryAs you know, Story changes its theme every few weeks and its recent collab with Target, "Home for the Holidays," is getting ready to wind down. But there's still some time to shop. And here's an incentive: Spend $50 or more at the Chelsea shop and you'll get a $25 Story x Target gift card (that's good to use at Target). Through Jan 4. Opening CeremonyThis sale isn't as massive as the company's big sample sale a few weeks ago, but you'll still find some good deals. Look for up to 60 percent off on items like Moschino McDonald's-print pumps (now $238), Opening Ceremony x Magritte sweatshirts (now $125) and men's Kenzo button downs ($98 and up). J.CrewHead right to the sale section at this preppy chain. That's where you'll find a majority of current season items on sale with an extra 40 percent off. Standouts include women's color block tunic sweaters ($60 before the discount), men's lambswool sweaters ($60 before the discount) and more. ABC Carpet & HomeDeck out your crib in style, thanks to this annual winter blowout sale. Most home goods

You had the best intentions to finish your holiday shopping this weekend, and...that didn't happen. But it's not too late to scoop up some awesome last minute gifts. And if you're looking to put some big ticket items under the tree this year, Gilt is here to help. The flash sale site has a curated list of last minute gifts for men and women on its site and is offering free same day delivery today and tomorrow in NYC via an Uber Rush bike messenger. See the full offerings here, but some of the standout splurgy items include a stainless steel Rolex watch ($5,599), a baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio ($929), a Qi cashmere scarf ($89) and a women's Prada wallet ($479). The service is available to certain zip codes in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Order by 3pm and you'll receive your purchases by 8pm.  Now, if only Gilt will you help you wrap your presents, too.

When it comes to Christmas in New York, we usually associate a lot of hustle and bustle as we fight through the shopping crowds and search for the perfect holiday gifts. But Kenan Aktulun of the agency Truth NYC sees the scene a little differently. As part of an assignment for NYC skincare line Erno Laszlo, Akulun shot these awesome slo-mo black and white videos of NYC shopping and holiday scenes using only an iPhone 6 Plus. He actually made the spectacle that is Rockefeller Center look like a zen experience. It really is a Christmas miracle! Rockefeller Center from Truth NYC on Vimeo.

We've been counting down the days for Spa Castle to open its Manhattan outpost ever since the news broke earlier this year. And guess what? The time has come. Spa Castle Premiere 57 is finally opening, and we got a sneak peek of the space. Photo: Filip Wolak If you’ve visited Spa Castle in Queens, then you know why we’re pumped about this new location. Occupying floors seven, eight and nine in a midtown building, Spa Castle Premier 57 promises to be the ultimate relaxation mecca. The shoe-free facility (you’ll still have to wear those odd T-shirt/shorts uniforms) is open Monday through Saturday 9am to midnight; day passes (which include access to tubs and other communal areas) are $65. Food, drinks and treatments cost extra. Photo: Filip Wolak The Queens outpost has a popular area dubbed “Sauna Valley,” and you’ll find one here, too. The new spot features six types of rooms (including cold saunas, one paved with gold—seriously—and an infrared lounge). This is the only Spa Castle to boast a meditation room outfitted with a waterfall at the center that’s infused with a choose-your-own-relaxing-aroma function. Want a private spa treatment? Head to the floor dedicated to services ranging from shiatsu massage to caviar facials and coffee body wraps. Photo: Filip Wolak Here's the main difference between this outpost and the family-friendly Queens location: In keeping with its luxury theme, no one under 16 will be admitted entry at the Midtown East spot. We can only imagine wh

Ask any New Yorker tuned into the NYC shopping scene which new store they're most excited to see opening this year, and the answer has usually been "COS." The store, which is H&M's pricier sister brand (the clothes are more chic and better made), has been in the works for a while now. It was supposed to open in the spring. And then the summer. But COS is finally open in NYC, and it looks like it was worth the wait. Photo: Courtesy of COS   The 4,950 square-foot, modern space features four floors filled with highly fashionable styles for men and women. We have our eye on pieces like sweaters with leather on the shoulders ($135) and textured wool trousers ($125) for men as well as flap pocket tops ($99) and clean edge wool-coats ($225) for women. There was a line of shoppers waiting to enter the Soho boutique when it opened its doors earlier today, and we'd expect big crowds to continue show up throughout the weekend. But even if there's a line, we're used to waiting, right?

Hopefully your Thanksgiving plans are complete, because now it's time to start coming up with a holiday shopping game plan for the long weekend. We already told you about the can't miss sales happening on Black Friday in New York. But you shouldn't forget about Small Business Saturday, the day when neighborhood boutiques offer incentives to keep your seasonal shopping on the local level. Line & Label is offering 25 percent off everything in its Greenpoint shop on Saturday. Look for women's clothing, handbags and accessories that the store describes at "chic rocker with a nod to the '50s and '60s," so maybe you'll find an awesome party dress for your next swinging' holiday party. Brooklyn boutique Dusty Rose is one of many shops participating in Etsy's "Small Source" program that day. As part of the initiative, it's hosting a trunk that includes prints of style icons illustrated by Libby VanderPloeg, winter accessories from Little Knitty Things, earrings made from recycled vintage materials by Manhattan Hippy Vintage, and more. Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store is also hosting a special trunk show on Saturday. Designer Alexandra Ferguson is at the shop from 3pm–5pm showing off her pillows, makeup bags, totes and more. Make sure you work up on appetite when you shop at Story on Saturday. The SnowDay food truck will be at the Chelsea store, giving lunch to anyone who makes a purchase that day. In fact, the truck will be parked at the shop every weekend until Christmas, in case y

That warm and fuzzy feeling you get from doing a good deed should be enough, but these NYC stores offer other perks (in the form of discounts) for your kindness. We'll take it! Donate a gently used coat to women’s athletic store Lolë through December 1, and you’ll get a $50 credit for new outerwear (starting at $160). The brand is selling many of the donated coats (including ones from Liv Tyler and Padma Lakshmi) at Brooklyn Flea this weekend, with the proceeds going to 
food bank Ample Harvest. Local shop Veda is also having a coat drive through the holiday season, with donated items going to the Coalition for the Homeless. Your reward is 15 percent off your purchase. Men's shirt shop Marcella Custom is accepting gently used dress shirts that'll be donated to folks in need of professional attire for job interviews (via Career Gear). Drop your shirts off at the Soho outpost through December 15th, and you'll get $20 off your next custom shirt purchase. And finally, the new Paul Frank pop-up isn’t accepting used clothes but is asking you to buy a pair of pajamas ($18–$42) to donate to the homeless and at-risk youth. Do that, and you’ll get a 50 percent discount on a pair for yourself.