Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh shares her insider recommendations for exploring New York City’s vibrant shopping scene beyond the tourist hotspots.
New York City has long been hailed as the retail capital of the United States. Its bustling streets are lined with luxury flagships, historic department stores, and trendy boutiques. However, many visitors only scratch the surface of the city’s shopping scene, sticking to the well-known chain stores on 5th Avenue. Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh believes that true shopping enthusiasts should venture beyond the obvious and discover the hidden gems that New York City has to offer. In this article, Walsh shares her expert guide to exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and finding unique fashion treasures.
Best for women’s fashion: SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway
Walsh’s first recommendation takes us to the cobblestoned streets of SoHo, specifically the stretch between West Broadway and Broadway. Known for its upscale boutiques, SoHo offers a wide range of options for women’s fashion. Walsh suggests checking out luxury brand stores like The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé. She also recommends exploring the area for indie boutiques, such as Kirna Zabête on Mercer Street, which features carefully curated selections from both established and emerging designers. Additionally, Walsh highlights the importance of experiencing the local restaurants and cafes that add to the overall charm of the neighborhood.
Best for men’s shopping: The Bowery
When it comes to shopping for men’s fashion, Walsh heads to the industrial Bowery neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. She describes this area as “woodsy” and “underrated.” Walsh recommends checking out John Derien, an upscale home decor store on 2nd Street, which she considers her go-to for solving Christmas shopping dilemmas. She also suggests visiting Dashwood Books on Bond Street, a favorite of her husband’s. The Bowery offers a collection of unique shops that create a cozy and wonderful shopping experience.
Best for traditional holiday shopping: Midtown
New York City during the winter holidays is a magical experience, and Walsh believes that everyone should embrace the festive atmosphere of Midtown. Despite the tourist crowds, she encourages visitors to explore iconic locations like 5th Avenue’s historic department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman and Saks, with their legendary holiday window displays. Walsh also recommends attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and taking in the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. These quintessential holiday experiences are worth braving the crowds.
Best for home interiors: Tribeca, the West Village
Walsh’s love for interiors is evident as she shares her favorite spots for home decor shopping. She suggests exploring Tribeca and the historic West Village for beautifully designed homewares and surprise gifts. Walsh believes that the spaces we allow into our lives impact how we feel, and she finds joy in layering textures and materials in New York City’s tiny spaces. She recommends visiting candle stores, shopping for fragrances, and giving unexpected gifts like robes. The West Village and Tribeca offer a treasure trove of options for those seeking unique and stylish home decor.
Best for kids: SoHo, between Thompson and West Broadway
When shopping for children, Walsh returns to SoHo but narrows her focus to a two-block stretch on SoHo’s westernmost edge. She highlights Bonpoint on West Broadway as the go-to store for children’s fashion. Walsh also recommends Makie on Thompson Street for beautiful kids’ clothes with a Japanese and Scandinavian influence. To top it off, a visit to Ladurée on West Broadway for their signature macarons is a delightful treat for both kids and adults.
Best for quiet luxury: the Upper East Side, around The Mark Hotel
For a taste of quiet luxury, Walsh suggests exploring the Upper East Side, particularly the area surrounding The Mark Hotel. She recommends starting with a facial at Georgia Louise Atelier on 71st Street before diving into the luxury shops on Madison Avenue. Sidney Garber, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne are among the boutiques Walsh recommends. She also suggests visiting the Gagosian art gallery and ending the day with a drink at The Mark.
Best for making a whole day of it: SoHo, between Lafayette and Crosby Streets
Walsh recommends another pocket of SoHo for a full day of exploration. This area, located between Lafayette and Crosby Streets, offers a concentration of interesting businesses and shops. Walsh suggests getting your nails done at Paintbox nail salon, shopping for handbags and jewelry at Prada and Dinosaur Designs, and exploring the smaller boutiques in the area. She also recommends visiting Santa Maria Novella, an Italian fragrance line, and the McNally Jackson indie bookshop on Lafayette Street. A refreshing Campari spritz at Sant Ambroeus bar is the perfect way to end the day.
Best new kid on the block: Dover Street Market (Flatiron/Madison Square Park)
While Walsh appreciates the classic downtown neighborhoods, she also keeps an eye on emerging shopping areas. One such area is the Flatiron district’s Dover Street Market. This neighborhood has experienced significant growth in recent years, offering a unique and diverse selection of shops. Walsh suggests exploring the area’s jewelry stores, international designer boutiques, and trendy coffee shops and restaurants. She encourages shoppers to take their time and enjoy the experience, rather than rushing through their shopping.
Conclusion:
Erin Walsh’s insider guide to shopping in New York City takes us beyond the well-known tourist spots, offering a glimpse into the city’s hidden fashion treasures. From the cobblestoned streets of SoHo to the quiet luxury of the Upper East Side, each neighborhood has its own unique charm and offerings. Walsh’s advice to “get lost” and explore the city’s diverse pockets allows shoppers to discover the true essence of New York City’s vibrant shopping scene. So, the next time you find yourself in the Big Apple, follow Walsh’s expert recommendations and embark on a shopping adventure that goes beyond the ordinary.
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