Location - 652 Broadway (between Bleecker & Bond)

The funniest thing about Cockpit USA is what it has displayed inside - you enter off the bustling liveliness of Broadway Ave and are instantly greeted by a huge (you guessed it) cockpit.  Before turning around and writing off the store entirely, maneuver passed the arced desk and take a lay of the land.  The store is affiliated with the American Airpower Museum, hence the decor.  Yes, there are airplanes hanging from the ceiling and Howard Hughes-esque memorabilia tucked into every corner, but the actual wearable clothing selection is surprisingly interesting.

The menswear collection is larger, but the well-edited selection of womenswear includes vintage-inspired pieces from Tulle, bright-colored basics from Bobi, and denim from WESC.  Their spring collection has vintage-inspired cropped striped cardigans, pleated color-block skirts, and jersey pocket dresses, all from $30-150.  Unless leather flying jackets are your style, bypass them towards the dressing rooms that are fittingly draped in coarse plaid fabric and leather hoops.

The second floor "Yard Sale" section has racks and heaps of vintage finds at cheap prices.  They have a good selection of casual, comfy shoes by Tretorn (more for men than women).  If you have the time, definitely dress up in the patched-up flight jackets and the personable staff will definitely weigh in with their opinion.

At the very least, if the decor and older men dancing to the blasting music of Queen disturb you, a display case of fabulous aviator glasses can be found within the first ten feet of the entrance.