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Where does one begin? That is the question one must ask before embarking upon the vast shopping opportunities that
New York has to offer. Tourists and locals alike are presented with a wide range of shopping possibilities, which may seem overwhelming at first. One needs to first assess
the type of shopping experience that they want to engage in. Whether it be the uptown, upscale department stores of Fifth avenue or the downtown variety of endless boutiques,
New York has it all and finding it all is half the fun.
For those who can afford it the uptown shopping experience starts by walking along two world famous stretches of pure
shopping bliss, Fifth and Madison Avenues. This is the shopping capital of the world. Seemingly every designer on the planet showcases their products in upscale boutiques
along these avenues. Whether your looking for a Chanel cocktail dress, Mont Blanc pen or a Prada handbag you will assuredly be able to find it here. If you can’t find a
particular designers boutique be sure to check the offerings at one of the many sophisticated department stores like, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman,
and Henry Bendel. These stores offer high – end fashions but they also offer a type of shopping experience that seems to embody the attitude of the upper – east side. The
posh and refined atmosphere is worth a glimpse of even if you are not of royal or socialistic stature. If you find this type of shopping experience intimidating, don’t worry it is.
Calvin Klein
654 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 292-9000
Within the walls of this temple to minimalism are tasteful,
luxurious clothes and accessories: beautifully tailored suits, sexy, simple dresses, and cashmere everything -- scarves, pillows, blankets and purses. Even Calvin's square candles scream good taste.
Chanel
15 E. 57th St. / Tel: (212) 355-5050
Herr Karl has gone a little edgy this year, and we can't help
but love all of the clothes just a bit more than usual. The bags, shoes and baubles are worthy of our obsession, and those double Cs still thrill every label queen, especially when
they're decorating a pair of hipper-than-thou sandals.
Chloe
850 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 717-8220
Flirty, feminine and eminently wearable clothes from Brit
wunderkind and celebrity spawn Stella McCartney.
Dolce & Gabbana
825 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 249-4100
A modern palace on the more byzantine Versace block, filled
with expensive and trendy clothes for exhibitionist celebrities.
Fendi
720 Fifth Ave. / Tel: (212) 767-0100
What's not to love about those fabulous Fendis? For
decades, they have never wavered from their brilliant fashion vision. From the amazing, edgy clothes to the outre furs, tantalizing bags and signature sport sandals, everything here is pure genius.
Ferre
845 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 717-5430
Go at least for the all-stainless- steel, uber-Jetsons interior.
The clothes are sometimes saucy, sometimes stuffy.
Giorgio Armani
760 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 988-9191
The Italian master does his minimalist-chic thing, decorating
these simple clothes with lots of sparkle and shine. The windows look like the waiting line at the Academy Awards, and up top, you can get the grooviest look in ski and
apres-ski wear, perfect for hitting the slopes in Gstaad.
Givenchy
710 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 772-1040
What happens when a stagnant French couture house hires
a British bad boy as head designer? The result is both brilliant and scary, but always interesting.
Gucci
685 Fifth Ave. / Tel: (212) 826-2600
It's no secret that I love all things Gucci: the consummate
stiletto sandals, Gucci-print everything, the handbags, clothes and even the perfect silver ashtray. Whatever Tom dreams up makes me want to run uptown and shoplift.
Hermes
11 E. 57th St. / Tel: (212) 751-9339
The Kelly bag -- the Rolls Royce of purses -- reigns supreme
at this palace of ultimate indulgence, but there are plenty of other treasures to attract your attention, from the signature belts, bracelets and watches to super-sleek alligator shoes,
collectible scarves, ornate ashtrays and even opulent carpets. And don't forget the luxe, layered (and surprisingly low-key) clothes designed by Martin Margiela.
Moschino
803 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 639-9600
Everything at this boutique is pure, unadulterated Moschino.
Fantastically optimistic, the interior refects a tongue-in-cheek take on the world. The clothes are fun and funny and genius -- especially the Flaming Suit. Perhaps a little levity from the great beyond?
Prada New York
45 E. 57th St. / Tel: (212) 308-2332
724 Fifth Ave. / Tel: (212) 664-0010
841 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 327-4200
What fashionista in her (or his) right mind doesn't worship at
the altar of Prada? The impeccable clothes, the most spectacular shoes, the coats, the endless array of flawless bags.
Shanghai Tang
714 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 888-0111
Thirty years after the bloodbath, Cultural Revolution drag
has finally hit Manhattan. This tri-level Chinese luxury goods emporium offers the ubiquitous Mao suit in a palette of neon silks.
Valentino
747 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 772-6969
I love Valentino's version of sheer fantasy done in the most
luxurious way: beautiful clothes that scream “I am fabulous and fierce.”
Versace
647 Fifth Ave. / Tel: (212) 317-0224
The king of Milan, Hollywood, and fashion pages near you,
Giorgio Armani serves up a line of classic and casual looks -- denim, sweaters and shirts in the hottest spring colors -- for those with small purses but cultivated tastes.
Major Department Stores
Not much to say here--they all enjoy a large inventory from a variety of major designers along with a few of the more
conservative up and comers. Great places to buy for the body and the home.
Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave. / Tel: (212) 753-4000
Barneys New York
660 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 826-8900
Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Ave. / Tel: (212) 753-7300
Henry Bendel
712 Fifth Ave. / Tel: (212) 247-1100
If you are out to look for the latest styles by up and coming designers or on the search for eclectic finds then head
downtown to the areas of Soho, Tribeca, and Chelsea. These were once creative Mecca’s full of lofts and warehouses that have now been transformed into premier shopping districts. Some of the renowned designers that
once only had stores on the famous uptown streets are catching on and opening new flagship boutiques along the cobblestone streets amidst galleries and whimsical cafes. In
addition to the varied designers are the corporate stores that offer knock-offs for the economical shopper, D&G, Armani Exchange, Guess, and lets you shop in a fun and open area that doesn’t resemble a mall.
Anna Sui
113 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 941-8406
Sui continues to counter minimalism with her My Generation
romance, Stevie Nicks accessories, studded corduroys and orange leathers with red and purple rainbow-stripes.
Armani Exchange
568 Broadway / Tel: (212) 431-6000
The king of Milan, Hollywood, and fashion pages near you,
Giorgio Armani serves up a line of classic and casual looks -- denim, sweaters and shirts in the hottest spring colors -- for those with small purses but cultivated tastes.
Bagutta
402 W. Broadway / Tel: (212) 925-5216
This European fashion boutique has recently added an upper
level for men and expanded its selection for women. Get your European fashion fix with the designs of Chloe, John Galliano, Antonio Berardi, Alexander McQueen, Dior, and more.
Barbara Bui
115 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 625-1938
This Parisian designer has a knack for creating clothes in
classic shapes with luxe materials, always with a little surprise that makes them distinctive. Here you can find beautifully tailored pants, shrink-wrapped T's in the most
flattering silhouettes and colors, and long, padded vest-dresses with large vents along the back. The shoe collection is deceptively edgy.
Betsey Johnson
1060 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 734-1257
138 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 995-5048
248 Columbus Ave. / Tel: (212) 362-3364
251 E 60th St. / Tel: (212) 319-7699
Betsey's funky shops are the best showplaces to see her sexy clothes. The chartreuse walls and bright, bordello-style
decor will make any young cutie feel like a tart...but wait ‘til they start trying on Betsey's sassy, stretchy designs inspired by women of the streets, rock ‘n' roll punker girls and Wild West bad girls.
Bottega Veneta
114 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 334-4891
When Mr. Mickey was 10 years old all he wanted was a
leather basket-woven Bottega Veneta hobo bag. Now the luxe Italian fashion- and leather- goods designers have settled into this new SoHo location, in addition to their outpost on 635 Madison Avenue.
Camper
125 Prince St. / Tel: (212) 358-1842
Camper was early on the sneaker-shoe crossover that came
into favor after trainers fizzled. The store itself is a retail landmark of sorts, with its signature shoes-on-the-floor display, mammoth Ingo Maurer lighting and whoopee-cushion seating.
Costume National
108 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 431-1530
Favorites with the art crowd, these Italian designs give you
that hard, streamlined look necessary to slink into openings. Men's and women's clothes are spare, razor-sharp and sexy, using nylon and other synthetics to great effect. The shoes and boots are pure urban geometry.
Craft Caravan
63 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 431-6669
One of the first shops to open in SoHo in the early 70's,
Craft Caravan still brings us the best in Africana: carved stools, barbershop paintings, fertility dolls and folk art.
Cynthia Rowley
112 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 334-1144
Rowley's store is the place for stylish men and women to get
"fun and funky." You can always find pretty, party dresses in sheers and light cottons, with embroidery and beading, as well as sporty knits for everyday. The place is accessory
nirvana, with pair after pair of shoes you can't live without, purses, lipstick bags and totes in ice-cream colors to schlep your stylish shit from one fabulous hot spot to the next.
D&G
434 W. Broadway / Tel: (212) 965-8000
The younger, edgier, less expensive line from these dazzling
Italians is sexy, sexy, sexy: filmy, sparkly, revealing and over-the-top clothes for women (along with superlative shoes and bags) and some very handsome, twisted classics
for men. It's the perfect look for stars and exhibitionists, and the actual shopping experience is fun, with loud, pulsating music and a captivating staff who will help find your size or just dance with you.
Dosa
107 Thompson St. / Tel: (212) 431-1733
The cult of Dosa continues to grow among the low-key art
ladies, though now that it's sold at Calypso Street Barth, the social crowd has gotten in on it, too: Peggy Siegel once spotted my iridescent silk frog-closure shirt and said, "I love
Dosa! You got it in East Hampton, right?" Simple, timeless shapes in the softest, most unique fabrics -- like silkscreened Indian cotton gauze and Thai silk -- ensure
effortlessly sophisticated dressing with an Asian twist.
Freelance
155 Spring St. / Tel: (212) 965-9231
Madonna scooped up more than a few pairs of these
French-designed shoes, popular with downtown girls (and boys) for whom up-to-the-minute style shouldn't necessarily come with a $350 price tag.
French Corner
464 W. Broadway / Tel: (212) 505-1980
Though they carry famous designers' lower-priced lines, this
is a surprising treasure trove of unique tops. The best are the one-size-fits-all sweaters by Diabless, which magically lift, separate and hug all curves in the most extraordinary
way. The store also carries, Fripomme, a fabulous line directly from Paris. Somehow the sales staff manages to be helpful and friendly without the hard sell. Miracle!
Frenchware
98 Thompson St. / Tel: (212) 625-3131
Jean Paul Gaultier's signature, a parade of striped French
maritime boatneck pullovers, is a fashion must. Frenchware imports the authentic articles and piles them generously amid a thorough stock of Tintin detritus.
Guess
537 Broadway / Tel: (212) 226-9545
The one-stop shop for hipsters who love their Guess. Men's
and women's jeans lines and the higher-end Guess Collection for women are available.
Helmut Lang
80 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 925-7214
The staff in this gallerylike space is more intimidating than
the clothes -- masterfully simple, incredibly modern basics spiced up with geometrically challenging dresses and slashed T-shirts. It only seems too expensive until you try it on...
If Boutique
94 Grand St. / Tel: (212) 334-4964
A wonderful place to see a sophisticated and international
selection of fashion like Martin Margiela (both women and men, plus the less expensive 6 line), Dries Van Noten, Veronique Branquinho, Comme des Garcons, Marc LeBihan, People Who Used to Dream About the Future.
Ina
101 Thompson St. / Tel: (212) 941-4757
Women’s: 21 Prince St. / Tel: (212) 334-9048
Men’s: 262 Mott St. / Tel: (212) 334-2210
The mother of all designer resale shops still reigns as the
purveyor of labels for less, albeit not always less than some more recent competitors. Designs by Prada, Gucci, Helmut Lang can be found casually dangling from bloated racks in either of their SoHo locations.
J. Lindeberg
126 Spring St. / Tel: (212) 625-9403
Stockholm designer J. Lindeberg has built a reputation on
the cuts of his menswear, notably his straight and short-fit sweaters and the low- and straight-waisted pants they complement. The salesboys here have cute haircuts.
Jack Spade
56 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 625-1820
Jack Spade's in-house portage standards, in canvas, nylon
and treated wools, work a sort of Weezer-goes-to-
boarding-school charm that's well complemented by the Tretorn yacht loafers and Ray-Ban aviators.
Jill Stuart
100 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 343-2300
Her fresh, feminine designs--modern with a subtle nomad
edge--are still coveted by all.
Kate Spade
Women’s: 454 Broome St. / Tel: (212) 274-1991
Men’s: 56 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 625-1820
This bag lady's designs have been so wildly successful that
she just opened a larger shrine to her simple-chic sacs. Battle tourists for that ocelot shoulder bag and tomato-red nylon tote. Grab something for the laptop-carrying man in
your life from the Jack Spade line at the Greene Street store. Her new leathers and suedes are instant classics.
Le Corset By Selima
80 Thompson St. / Tel: (212) 334-4936
More than just satin and lace, Le Corset stocks New York's
sexiest, most sophisticated lingerie from around the world, as well as a few choice vintage items. House designer Ellen Berkenbilt's stunning Selima Lingerie nylon creations are too
good to hide under your clothes. Plus, there are the sexy designs of Karen Gilson and Collette Ginnigan.
Liza Bruce
80 Thompson St.
Liza Bruce cuts the sexiest swimsuits this side of Giorgio di
Sant'Angelo. The tiny black-lacquered shop also features a chic range of sarongs and cover-ups. Because resort isn't a place, it's a lifestyle.
Louis Vuitton
116 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 274-9090
Marc Jacobs has thoroughly modernized the company's
image by reinterpreting their classics in whimsical colors and trendy treatments (like metallics) for the men and women's ready to wear collections. There's also plenty of that lavish
signature Vuitton leather, in the form of bags, belts, accessories and over-the-top luggage.
Marc Jacobs
163 Mercer St. / Tel: (212) 343-1490
Marc Jacobs, now more than ever, is all about simple,
clean-lined classics in the most luxurious fabrics. I hear there's actually a waiting list for the (very pricey) cashmere tank tops. Wearable opulence is the name of the game for
Jacobs, and the clothes work perfectly with the store's minimal but elegant setting.
Miu Miu
100 Prince St. / Tel: (212) 334-5156
While Prada continues to haunt me in my dreams, Miuccia
Prada's bridge line, Miu Miu, will do for now. This younger line is innocent yet brazen, with see-through dresses and barely there skirts. Their basic black pieces are always a worthy
investment, and the sequined stilettos are beauties; they'll certainly look lovely on my mantelpiece come triple- markdown time.
Morgane Le Fay
67 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 219-7672
746 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 879-9700
Rich urban gypsies and other romantic types collect Liliana
Casabal's elegant layers in silk, wool and techno blends that wrap, button and tie to stunning effect. The winter coats are collectible, the wedding dresses simply the best for the
modern bride. And now the designer has home wear for yoga, sleeping in, lounging...
Moss
146 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 226-2190
More Moss
150 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 226-2190
Moss could be the best design store in the world. With the
spacious addition of More Moss next door, it now has the breadth of a design museum.
Pastec
459 Broome St. / Tel: (212) 219-3922
Don't pass by this unassuming shop. Inside is a wondrous
array of items, the majority of which are unusual Italian sweaters that actually look more Japanese. Owner Sara Spinelli, who's as sweet and fun as she is honest, says she
just buys what she likes without paying attention to inventory. Her pashmina shawls are so soft and come in such gorgeous colors, who cares if they're wool, not
cashmere? The store also has the quirky stylish Parisian designers Miller et Bertaux and lots of those great colorful, spring scarves. Besides, you won't find better prices for the same quality anywhere else.
Pearl River Mart
277 Canal St. / Tel: (212) 431-4770
A perennial resource for devout fashion mavens, this is the
place to indulge your Suzie Wong fantasies with a wealth of bargains in the area of must-have chinoiserie. There are all kinds of silk and cotton kimonos, plus tons of silk
cheongsams, Mandarin jackets and shirts (for men, women and children), patterned silk PJs with matching robes, thin silk tees and underwear, embroidered velvet slippers plus the
traditional cotton slip-ons, embroidered purses and much more--all at startlingly inexpensive prices.
Peter Fox Shoes
105 Thompson St. / Tel: (212) 431-7426
806 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 744-8340
Beautifully made footwear with a uniquely retro look. If
you're a bride-to-be and are totally stumped as to what to put on your feet, come here. No matter how many new styles they come up with, there's a consistency to the
shapes that make them instantly recognizable -- rather a wonderful thing in the fickle world of fashion.
Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti
452 W. Broadway / Tel: (212) 460-5500
Modern and feminine uses of grey felt, chiffon and beading
are the norm at this new SoHo store for the slim and stylish ladies.
Pleats Please Issey Miyake
128 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 226-3600
Issey Miyake's SoHo store takes window dressing to new
levels. Play peekaboo with his futuristic, travel-friendly, accordionlike designs, some featuring traditional Japanese and Korean artworks.
Plein Sud
70 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 431-6500
With racks of leather and fur arranged by exuberant color,
Plein Sud is the 21st century's North Beach Leather.
Prada Sport
116 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 925-2221
Haunted by the ghost of Comme des Garçons, Prada Sport
continues the Wooster Street legacy with stark racks of modern ready-to-wear. It's a little noisier than its predecessor, what with the pitter-pat of covetous editrices
and their Marc Jacobs Minnie Mouse flats, but if it's a little more of that Miuccia magic you seek, look no further.
Red Wong
181 Mulberry / Tel: (212) 625-1638
Suzy Wong specializes in sexy clothes for women who really
know how to have a good time. These days, the mood is "very cocktail: Suzy past midnight" -- hostess dresses and bustle back skirts in panne velvet and tulle in lots of bright
colors like pink, lime green and white.
Scoop
1275 Third Ave. / Tel: (212) 535-5577
532 Broadway, New York, NY 100Tel: (212) 925-2886
A swell but focused collection of hip young designers, Scoop
is always a lifesaver when you need a piece to complete a look. There's plenty of Katayone Adeli, along with a nice selection from William B. Paul & Joe and others, plus fab
beaded evening bags and plenty of those ubiquitous chunky sweaters. Look for Scoop's lip gloss, blended by Bobbi Brown.
Stephane Kelian
158 Mercer St. / Tel: (212) 925-3077
717 Madison Ave. / Tel: (212) 980-1919
Sure they're expensive, but they'll last forever; you can
actually walk in them and receive compliments galore. Remember to check out both stores during their great sales because they don't always carry the same styles.
Steve Madden
540 Broadway / Tel: (212) 343-1800
Nobody does it better than Steve when it comes to
ultratrendy shoes and boots (most of them are monster platforms) in an array of colors and styles, from sporty to statement-making. And the prices are so affordable, you'll
take home a bagful and hardly feel any pain.
Steven Alan
60 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 334-6354
Steven Alan minted the fancy-slip-skirt-and-trainers look
that defined the downtown girl of the 90's. Well into another fashion moment, he moves ahead with silk-screened tops with suede trim by November Six and playful stitching from Seth Shapiro's American Manufacturing.
Steven Alan Men Store
558 Broome St. / Tel: (212) 625-2541
When Steven Alan Men went looking for a heightened
shopping experience to offer patrons who brave the wild west of SoHo, electronics were deemed too geeky, music overdone and gallery space far too obvious. Two barber
chairs later, the men's apparel that opened the shop has been joined by three hairstylists and a gallon of Barbasol. That's retail 2000 for you.
Tocca
161 Mercer St. / Tel: (212) 343-3912
These flirty, feminine party dresses are surefire man
magnets--or so the celebutots say. From pretty, embroidered, empire-waist chiffon dresses to sexy v-slipdresses and strapless dresses, the Tocca aesthetic is
clean and sweetly nostalgic. Check out their new home line, Tocca Casa, as well as new lingerie and beauty lines.
Todd Oldham
123 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 219-3531
The ever-eclectic Oldham has filled his store with so many
wonderful things. His couture collection is more toned-down and wearable than in seasons past, but still colorful and tons of fun. There are also the Times 7, T.O. men's, and Todd
Oldham Jeans lines. The shoes are just as flashy and spunky as the designer himself.
Tootsi Plohound
413 W. Broadway / Tel: (212) 925-8931
Whatever your footwear fetish of the moment, it can be
found here, where the best selection of desirable designers' shoes fly out of the store. It's no secret that those with a bad shoe jones and not much cash wait for the semiannual $99 sale.
Transfer International
594 Broadway, Ste. 1002 / Tel: (212) 355-4230
Label hounds of all income levels stop by this treasure trove
on a regular basis to see if any new Prada or Gucci stock has made its way over from Milan -- sometimes as much as 60 percent off. Big-name shoes, bags, women's and
menswear are sold on consignment. Models and celebs are known to clean out their closets here.
Union
172 Spring St. / Tel: (212) 226-8493
The big brother of up-market B-boy stores carries a tightly
edited collection of high-end street gear by naturals like Duffer of Street George and McNairey Brothers, an assortment of Professor Head T-shirts, Yogi footwear, and the requisite leather and digital wristwear.
Vivienne Tam
99 Greene St. / Tel: (212) 966-2398
After her Oriental embroidered-mesh designs were ripped off,
Tam gracefully moved on to create even more unique fabrics and designs, borrowing equally from China, Tibet and 70's sitcoms.
Xoxo
426 W. Broadway / Tel: (212) 334-9450
732 Broadway / Tel: (212) 995-5858
All kinds of cute, feminine pieces for style girls without the
high-style price tags. Get designer "contemporary junior" looks at a fraction of the cost.
Yohji Yamamoto
103 Grand St. / Tel: (212) 966-9066
With epic scale and romantic flourish, Yamamoto never
disappoints. The women's wear veers from immaculately disfigured classic skirt suits to gorgeously surreal, hand-knit ballgowns that would fit right in at the Mondrian, while the
men get glammish coats trimmed with fur collars that could have been skinned from the bleached heads of East Village boys.
YSL Boutique Ltd.
88 Wooster St. / Tel: (212) 274-0522
This gorgeous new boutique sells the devastatingly chic
menswear that sex-god designer Hedi Slimane whips up for the legendary house of Street Laurent.
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