It's a hot, muggy Saturday, and everyone's left town. You could curl up with your air conditioner and think of bad things that happen to people who spend weekends at the beach—or indulge in some sun and cool water yourself. Pack sunblock, a suit, and a lock for your locker and head to one of these day-rate dunks.

Autumn in New York -- upstate, that is -- never seemed so inviting. Especially when day trips are this affordable: Time to take your leave to see the leaves.

Alter boys: Alongside NoLIta's fashion boutiques, a satellite industry thrives: the local guys who can make those hip-huggers really hug.

For spring, fall in with the fashion ranks as olive turns anything but drab: Canvas boots, helmet bags, and even parachute pants return to earth.

Neutrals are nice, and brights are dandy—but for this spring’s raciest sandals, put your pedals to the metal.

Shave and a haircut: Okay, it costs a little more than two bits -- but these barbers still keep their prices trimmed.

Polish your act: That sleek, pampered look doesn't have to break your budget. This summer, get trimmed, buffed, and tinted in a top salon at barber-shop prices.

Gold pairs perfectly with this spring's glossy styles, so it's no wonder New York jewelry designers are catching yellow fever.

Positively 8th Street: The downtown shoe-seeker's mecca, formerly on a downscale spiral, turns on its heel -- and we pay its shops a booty call.

Tea on your tie? Coffee on your cashmere? Don't send those items to the cleaners' when you can scrub them yourself: We got a professional to spill his secrets.