Stylist Erin Walsh shares her top recommendations for exploring New York City’s vibrant shopping scene beyond the tourist hotspots.
New York City is renowned for its iconic shopping scene, with a rich history of luxury flagships, department stores, and independent boutiques. However, many visitors only scratch the surface, sticking to the well-known areas of 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center. Stylist to the stars, Erin Walsh, believes that the true gems of New York City’s shopping scene can be found by venturing off the beaten path. In this article, Walsh shares her insider recommendations for exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and discovering unique shopping experiences.
Best for Women’s Fashion: SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway
Erin Walsh’s favorite pocket for women’s fashion in the trendy SoHo neighborhood.
Walsh’s approach to shopping in New York City is all about getting lost and exploring. She recommends heading to the historic blocks of SoHo, specifically the area between West Broadway and Broadway. SoHo is known for its upscale boutiques, and Walsh suggests checking out The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé for luxury fashion. She also enjoys uncovering hidden gems like Kirna Zabête, an indie boutique on Mercer Street. Walsh emphasizes the importance of not just shopping but also exploring the surrounding restaurants and making the experience more fun.
Best for Men’s Shopping: The Bowery
Discover the underrated Bowery neighborhood for unique men’s fashion finds.
When it comes to shopping for men, Walsh recommends heading to the Bowery neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. She describes it as “woodsy” and “underrated.” Walsh’s favorite shops in the area include John Derien, an upscale home decor store, and Dashwood Books, a bookstore loved by her husband. The Bowery offers a collection of small shops that create a cozy and wonderful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for men’s shopping.
Best for Traditional Holiday Shopping: Midtown
Experience the magic of holiday shopping in Midtown Manhattan.
New York City during the winter holidays is a spectacle like no other. While locals tend to avoid the tourist-packed Midtown area, Walsh believes it’s worth visiting for the special holiday atmosphere. She recommends exploring the iconic 5th Avenue department stores, such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks, known for their legendary holiday window displays. Walsh also suggests enjoying the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and taking in the festive atmosphere at Rockefeller Center. Despite the crowds, the experience is truly special and shouldn’t be missed.
Best for Home Interiors: Tribeca, the West Village
Find beautifully designed homewares and surprise gifts in Tribeca and the West Village.
Walsh’s passion for interiors is as strong as her love for fashion. She enjoys layering textures and materials in New York City’s tiny spaces and believes that the spaces we allow into our lives impact how we feel. For home interior shopping, Walsh recommends exploring Tribeca and the historic West Village. These neighborhoods offer a range of beautifully designed homewares and unique gift options. From rugs to furniture pieces, trays, and books, Walsh suggests considering a robe as a thoughtful and luxurious gift. She also recommends visiting candle stores and exploring fragrances as surprising and risk-taking gifts.
Best for Kids: SoHo, between Thompson and West Broadway
Discover charming children’s boutiques in the artsy SoHo neighborhood.
When it comes to shopping for children, Walsh returns to SoHo but narrows her focus to a two-block stretch on the western edge. Bonpoint on West Broadway is her go-to for children’s designer clothing, and she also recommends Makie on Thompson Street for beautiful kids’ clothes with a Japanese and Scandinavian influence. To top off the shopping experience, Walsh suggests stopping by Ladurée for their signature macarons in a beautiful box.
Best for Quiet Luxury: The Upper East Side, around The Mark Hotel
Explore the luxurious shopping options around The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side.
For a taste of quiet luxury, Walsh recommends heading to the Upper East Side, specifically the area surrounding The Mark Hotel. Before diving into the boutiques, she suggests visiting Georgia Louise Atelier for a facial and a beauty haul. The stretch of Madison Avenue offers a selection of luxury shops, including Sidney Garber jewelry, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne clothing boutique. Walsh believes that a sweater from La Ligne makes a perfect gift. To complete the experience, she suggests visiting the Gagosian art gallery and winding down with a drink at The Mark.
Best for Making a Whole Day of It: SoHo, between Lafayette and Crosby Streets
Spend a day exploring the vibrant shops and experiences in this SoHo pocket.
Walsh recommends another pocket of SoHo that offers a variety of businesses and experiences to fill an entire day. From furniture and jewelry shops to nail salons and coffee shops, this area has it all. Walsh suggests visiting Prada and Dinosaur Designs for handbags and jewelry, exploring smaller boutique shops, and stopping by Santa Maria Novella for luxurious fragrances. She also recommends browsing the selection at McNally Jackson indie bookshop and treating oneself to a refreshing Campari spritz at Sant Ambroeus bar.
Best New Kid on the Block: Dover Street Market (Flatiron/Madison Square Park)
Keep an eye on the up-and-coming Flatiron district’s Dover Street Market.
While Walsh loves shopping in the classic downtown neighborhoods, she also keeps an eye on emerging areas like the Flatiron district. She notes that the Flatiron District has seen significant growth in recent years, with a diverse selection of shops and trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Walsh recommends exploring Dover Street Market for unique international designers and enjoying the foodie scene in the area. She emphasizes the importance of taking the time to enjoy the experience and not rushing through the shopping process.
Conclusion: New York City offers a wealth of shopping experiences beyond the well-known tourist hotspots. Stylist Erin Walsh’s insider guide provides a glimpse into the hidden gems and unique pockets of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. From women’s fashion in SoHo to men’s shopping in the Bowery, traditional holiday shopping in Midtown, and quiet luxury on the Upper East Side, there is something for every shopper’s taste. Whether exploring home interiors in Tribeca and the West Village, finding charming children’s boutiques in SoHo, or discovering new shopping areas like the Flatiron district, New York City offers endless opportunities for a memorable shopping experience. So, next time you find yourself in the city, take a cue from Erin Walsh and get lost in the vibrant streets of New York City’s shopping scene.
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