A fashion expert’s insider guide to shopping in New York City

Stylist to the stars Erin Walsh shares her top recommendations for exploring New York City’s shopping scene beyond the tourist hotspots.

New York City is renowned for its vibrant and diverse shopping scene, attracting fashion enthusiasts from around the world. While many visitors stick to the well-known shopping areas like 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center, stylist Erin Walsh encourages shoppers to venture further and discover the hidden gems of the city. With her insider knowledge and passion for New York City, Walsh shares her expert guide to exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and uncovering unique shopping experiences.

Best for women’s fashion: SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway

Erin Walsh’s top pick for women’s fashion is the cobblestoned streets of SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway.

Walsh’s love for SoHo stems from its artistic vibe and abundance of high-end boutiques. She recommends exploring the area’s luxury brand stores like The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé. Additionally, Walsh suggests seeking out indie boutiques such as Kirna Zabête for a curated selection of designs from both established and emerging designers. She also highlights the unique experience of visiting La Mercerie, a restaurant and showroom where everything is available for purchase.

Best for men’s shopping: The Bowery

Walsh recommends the Bowery neighborhood for a range of men’s shopping options.

For male clients and loved ones, Walsh heads to the industrial Bowery neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. She describes this area as “woodsy” and “underrated,” with a collection of shops near The Bowery Hotel. John Derian, an upscale home decor store, is Walsh’s go-to for finding unique and thoughtful gifts. She also mentions Dashwood Books, a favorite bookstore, and the surrounding shops that create a cozy and special shopping experience.

Best for traditional holiday shopping: Midtown

Despite the crowds, Walsh believes Midtown is a must-visit during the winter holidays for its iconic shopping experiences.

While locals may avoid the tourist-filled streets of Midtown during the holiday season, Walsh insists that it’s worth the visit. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the high-end shops at Rockefeller Center, and the famous holiday window displays along 5th Avenue are all part of the magical experience. Walsh emphasizes the joy of taking her children to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, even amidst the bustling crowds.

Best for home interiors: Tribeca, the West Village

Walsh’s passion for interiors leads her to Tribeca and the West Village for beautifully designed homewares and unique gifts.

As someone who studied theater, Walsh appreciates the impact of spaces on one’s energy and mood. She recommends exploring Tribeca and the historic West Village for their sophisticated selection of homewares. From rugs to candlesticks, these neighborhoods offer a range of gifts that make people feel seen and cherished. Walsh also suggests visiting candle stores and exploring fragrances as surprising and thoughtful gift options.

Best for kids: SoHo, between Thompson and West Broadway

Walsh returns to SoHo for children’s shopping, specifically focusing on a two-block stretch between Thompson and West Broadway.

When shopping for children, Walsh narrows her focus to a specific area within SoHo. She highlights Bonpoint on West Broadway as the go-to store for children’s fashion. She also recommends Makie on Thompson Street for beautifully designed kids’ clothes with a unique Japanese and Scandinavian influence. To end the shopping excursion on a sweet note, Walsh suggests visiting Ladurée for their signature macarons.

Best for quiet luxury: the Upper East Side, around The Mark Hotel

Walsh’s favorite shopping pocket in uptown Manhattan is the stretch of Madison Avenue surrounding The Mark Hotel.

For a luxurious shopping experience, Walsh recommends exploring the Upper East Side. She suggests starting with a facial at Georgia Louise Atelier on 71st Street before diving into the selection of luxury shops, including Sidney Garber jewelry, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne clothing boutique. Walsh also suggests visiting the Gagosian art gallery and unwinding with a drink at The Mark to complete the day.

Best for making a whole day of it: SoHo, between Lafayette and Crosby Streets

Walsh recommends a specific pocket of SoHo that offers a variety of experiences to fill an entire day.

For a full day of exploration, Walsh suggests a highly concentrated area within SoHo. She mentions furniture and jewelry shops on the corner of Crosby and Howard Streets, where visitors can also enjoy a nail salon and coffee at Saturdays NYC. Walsh recommends visiting Prada and Dinosaur Designs for handbags and jewelry before exploring smaller, up-and-coming boutiques. A visit to Santa Maria Novella and McNally Jackson bookstore on Lafayette Street completes the experience, followed by a refreshing Campari spritz at Sant Ambroeus bar.

Best new kid on the block: Dover Street Market (Flatiron/Madison Square Park)

Walsh keeps an eye on up-and-coming shopping areas, including the Flatiron district’s Dover Street Market.

While Walsh appreciates the classic downtown neighborhoods, she also recommends exploring emerging shopping areas like the Flatiron district’s Dover Street Market. This area has seen significant growth in recent years, offering a diverse selection of designers and a vibrant food scene. Walsh encourages shoppers to take their time and enjoy the experience, suggesting cocktail breaks at local establishments like Ace hotel.

Conclusion: Erin Walsh’s insider guide to shopping in New York City offers a fresh perspective on exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods. By venturing beyond the well-known shopping areas, visitors can discover unique boutiques, hidden gems, and vibrant local experiences. From luxury fashion to home interiors and children’s fashion, Walsh’s recommendations provide a comprehensive and exciting itinerary for any shopping enthusiast. So, next time you find yourself in the Big Apple, don’t be afraid to get lost and uncover the true heart of New York City’s shopping scene.


Posted

in

by

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *