Stylist to the stars, Erin Walsh, offers her expert recommendations for exploring New York City’s vibrant shopping scene.
New York City is renowned worldwide for its iconic shopping scene. From luxury flagships to historic department stores and trendy indie boutiques, the city offers a diverse range of options for every shopper. However, many visitors only scratch the surface by sticking to the well-known areas like 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center. In this article, stylist to the stars Erin Walsh shares her insider tips on how to truly experience the heart of New York City’s shopping scene. With her passion for both fashion and the city itself, Walsh offers a unique perspective on exploring hidden gems and creating unforgettable shopping experiences.
Best for women’s fashion: SoHo between West Broadway and Broadway
In the cobblestoned streets of SoHo, Walsh carves out her own micro-nabes, focusing on specific blocks that offer a plethora of options for women’s fashion. She recommends exploring the area between West Broadway and Broadway, which is home to luxury brand stores like The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé. Additionally, Walsh suggests venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden indie boutiques like Kirna Zabête on Mercer Street. To make the experience even more memorable, she recommends stopping by unique places like La Mercerie, a restaurant and showroom where everything is for sale.
Best for men’s shopping: The Bowery
When it comes to shopping for men, Walsh heads to the industrial Bowery neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. This underrated area offers a range of shops, including John Derien for upscale home decor and Dashwood Books for book lovers. Walsh describes this pocket of the Bowery as “cosy and wonderful,” thanks to its collection of small, curated stores. She also mentions the presence of the Goop shop, adding to the neighborhood’s charm.
Best for traditional holiday shopping: Midtown
New York City during the winter holidays is a magical experience, and Walsh believes that even locals should embrace the festive atmosphere of Midtown. Despite the crowds, she recommends visiting iconic spots like Macy’s, Rockefeller Center, and the holiday window displays of historic department stores on 5th Avenue. Walsh’s favorite part is taking her children to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, even if it means navigating through the bustling crowds.
Best for home interiors: Tribeca, the West Village
As passionate about interiors as she is about fashion, Walsh enjoys exploring Tribeca and the historic West Village for beautifully designed homewares. She believes that the spaces we surround ourselves with impact our well-being, and therefore encourages shopping for items that create a sense of comfort and beauty. From rugs and furniture pieces to trays and books, Walsh finds joy in selecting surprise gifts that make people feel seen and cherished. She also suggests visiting candle stores and exploring fragrances as unique and thoughtful presents.
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 recommends Bonpoint on West Broadway as the go-to store for children’s fashion. Additionally, she suggests visiting Makie on Thompson Street for beautiful Japanese-inspired kids’ clothes. To end the shopping spree on a sweet note, Walsh recommends stopping by Ladurée café on West Broadway for their signature macarons.
Best for quiet luxury: the Upper East Side, around The Mark Hotel
For a luxurious shopping experience, Walsh suggests exploring the Upper East Side, particularly the area surrounding The Mark Hotel. Before diving into the boutiques, she recommends visiting Georgia Louise Atelier for a facial and beauty haul. The stretch of Madison Avenue offers a variety of upscale shops, including Sidney Garber for jewelry, Ralph Lauren for clothing, and La Ligne for sweaters. This shopping experience is complemented by a visit to the Gagosian art gallery and a relaxing drink at The Mark.
Best for making a whole day of it: SoHo, between Lafayette and Crosby Streets
For a full day of exploration, Walsh recommends a specific pocket of SoHo. This area offers a range of experiences, from shopping for furniture and jewelry to getting a manicure at Paintbox nail salon and enjoying a coffee at Saturdays NYC. Walsh suggests visiting Prada and Dinosaur Designs, as well as exploring smaller boutiques before heading to Lafayette Street for a visit to Santa Maria Novella and McNally Jackson indie bookshop. The day ends with a refreshing Campari spritz at Sant Ambroeus bar.
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 out for up-and-coming areas like the Flatiron district. She highlights Dover Street Market as a must-visit destination, noting its unique and diverse selection of designers. The area is also home to a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the shopping experience.
Conclusion:
Erin Walsh’s insider guide to shopping in New York City offers a fresh perspective on exploring the city’s vibrant retail scene. By venturing beyond the well-known shopping areas, visitors can discover hidden gems and create memorable experiences. Whether it’s exploring the cobblestoned streets of SoHo, embracing the festive atmosphere of Midtown during the holidays, or indulging in luxury shopping on the Upper East Side, Walsh’s recommendations provide a comprehensive and exciting guide for both tourists and locals alike. So, the next time you find yourself in New York City, take a cue from Erin Walsh and get lost in the city’s diverse and captivating shopping scene.
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