NYC Shopping Guide: New Yorker Approved

If there’s one thing that New Yorkers like to do, it is a shop. From the world-famous luxury retailers of Madison Avenue to the expensive boutiques of Soho, there’s something for every taste and style. Here is a look at some of the best neighborhoods to find things to fill your closet; maybe pick up a few gifts.

The Upper East Side

The Upper East Side’s Madison Avenue is the obvious go-to for luxury jewelry and designer clothing. Walk along and score the latest looks at Lanvin, Tod’s, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Cartier, and Fred Leighton. Not to mention that all the world’s best department stores are in the area, including Bergdorf Goodman’s, Bloomingdale’s, and even Fivestory. Long a bastion of good taste, the Upper East is filled with old-world favorites and new wonders like Alexis Bittar and Milly.

Soho

Soho’s artsy past has evolved to include trendy new boutiques in place of the old shops. However, a few places hearken back to the neighborhood’s quirky heritage, like Pearl River, a Chinese home emporium, or The Evolution Store, filled with odd decorative touches like fossils.

These days, Soho is considered the best shopping area because of the diverse shopping options. There are trendy of the moment fashion names like Acne, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, Phillip Lim mixed with classic standbys like J.Crew and Levi’s alongside Burberry, Chanel, and Prada. And shopping isn’t limited to clothing. There are also plenty of places to pick up a new piece of furniture or the perfect piece for the mantel, including everything from Alessi, Muji, Taschen to CB2 and Room & Board.

Nolita

Next to Soho is Nolita, filled with lesser-known shops and one-of-a-kind labels and standards for the fashionable set like Opening Ceremony to Jil Sander and Derek Lam. Ladies’ boutiques include Poppy, Saja, Calypso, Vince, and Sigerson Morrison, while men’s stores include Odin and Gant and Lord Willy’s and White Chalk. There are also home décor shops and the McNally Jackson bookstore.

The West Village

The historic West Village has an eclectic mix of well-known brands and under-the-radar boutiques, making it the perfect spot to shop for gifts or those oddities that you didn’t even know you needed. For rugged but comfy menswear, there’s Freemans Sporting Club, and for trendy women, there’s Otte. Freshen up your home with a scented candle from Diptyque or Aedes de Venustas. Or freshen up your care routine from the hallowed halls of the C.O. Bigelow apothecary shop.

For a sweet bauble or; sparkling something, there’s Lucite, which also cares for Alexis Bittar, and there are some classic finds to be found at French import A.P.C. And if you’re looking for something ahead of the current fashion wave, there is Maison Martin Margiela.

And for significant brands and chains for staples like jeans and sweaters, you can find nationwide chains around the city, although there seems to be an abundance of them in the crowded Midtown area.