In a recent article, the New York Times declared "SoHo is dead. Long live SoHo." Whatever that means. In essence, the piece waxes poetic on the decline and uptick in this particularly shop-heavy, retail self-important downtown neighborhood. Gone are the days of Yohji Yamamoto on Grand Street, but in its place is wunderkind designer Alexander Wang and his super-cool clothing and even-cooler swing fur hammock. Part of this energetic retail resurgence can be found in the southernmost part of SoHo, hence the term "South SoHo," and its appeal is credited to other 'hood additions including Surface to Air and Orla Kiely, with YSL and Balenciaga boutiques on deck. And lest we forget, Opening Ceremony, Saturdays Surf, Dunderon, and Aesa & Electric Feathers have been nothing but street cred reinforcement for the South SoHo name.

So, does that mean that SoHo was cool until about 2010, then not cool for a year, and now cool again, but only in a certain part of the neighborhood? My head is spinning — I can't keep track. How about we simplify the issue unto itself? 'Hood versus self. Is it a better version of itself now that there's new retail spots to reinvigorate the dry spell, or is it just about the same as usual? Lots of tourists, David Z.-like shoe emporiums and overpriced salad delis peppered throughout the designer flagship lineup like always . . . I'm torn. To be honest, I haven't noticed much a change in either direction as much as I do love my daily caffeine fix at Saturdays. I'm curious to know where you stand.

Source: Flickr User nicoalaryjr