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The Big Apple is one of the best shopping destinations in the world, rivaled perhaps only by London, Paris, and Tokyo. Its compact size, convenient subway system, and plentiful cabs (or Uber or Lyft rides) make it easy to navigate with plenty of bags in tow. But what it really comes down to is the staggering number and variety of stores. If you can't find it in New York, it probably doesn't exist.
If you like elegant flagships and money is no object, head to Midtown, where you'll find international megabrands like Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci, as well as famed department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys. Nearby Madison Avenue has couture from Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, and 5th Avenue is lined with famous jewelry stores such as Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. This is also the neighborhood to indulge in bespoke goods, such as handmade shoes from John Lobb. If you like designer pieces but can't afford them, don't despair—there are plenty of upscale consignment shops around the city where you can find last season's Chanel suit or a vintage YSL jacket.
The small, independent shops that once lined SoHo have largely been displaced by the likes of J.Crew and UNIQLO, but if you want to hit the chains, this is a great place to do it, because the neighborhood also provides high-quality people-watching and superb lunches. Poke around on the side streets and in nearby NoLIta for outposts of smaller local and foreign designers and, if you're craving some of old SoHo's artistic spirit, don't discount the street vendors' stalls, which sell handmade jewelry and simple cotton dresses.
The East Village and Lower East Side are hotbeds of creativity and quirky coolness, with little boutiques selling everything from retro furniture to industrial-inspired jewelry. They're tucked among bars and old tenement buildings. The Meatpacking District is another great shopping destination to find chic designer stores like Diane von Furstenberg and rag & bone along with independently owned boutiques. And if you jaunt over to Brooklyn, you'll discover that some of the city's hippest designers are hanging out at boutiques just across the East River.
The racks of this pint-size shop are hung with trendy pieces from cult-favorite women's wear designers like Samantha Pleet and Sessùn, as well as accessories from the likes of A Peace Treaty and Illesteva, all hand-picked by owner and designer Brookelynn Starnes.
The clothing at this couture consignment store harks back only one or two seasons, and in some cases, the items have never been worn. Browse the racks to spot gems from Lanvin, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen. There are three locations around the city; offerings cater to women and men.
Since 1994, this two-floor resale and consignment shop has been offering top labels such as Missoni, Etro, Prada, Chanel, Chloe, and Ferragamo at a third of their original price. These are high-fashion dresses, separates, jackets, and handbags from the last two seasons, gently worn by socialites, celebrities, and models for everything from fashion-magazine photo shoots to charity balls. A separate room displays shoes and boots, and there are seats for try-ons.
This small shop is a fixture in the neighborhood, showcasing impeccably curated racks of second-hand designer togs and accessories from the likes of Prada, Comme des Garçons, and more. The owners source their pieces from auctions and private dealers around the world.
Even fashion designers like Alexander Wang have been known to pop in to browse at this high-end consignment store. Racks are loaded with goodies from A-list designers such as Gucci, Stella McCartney, Diane von Furstenberg, and Phillip Lim, and the inventory changes all the time.
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