Focus on Fashion: Shopping in NYC
Brit fashion blogger and stylist Sara Delaney is making life simple for shopaholics everywhere. She's wholeheartedly devoted herself to sussing out the best and worst of what's on offer in each of New York City's nuanced neighbourhoods. In other words, she's gone and done the legwork so you can hit the aisles harder than ever.
It doesn’t often rain in New York City, but when the grey clouds roll in they tend to open and unleash, so here’s a quick puddle hopping guide to prepare you for shopping in the West Village should you be caught in an unseasonal downpour; or should you find yourself with some uncharacteristic extra time and money!
It’s always good to strategy to start your shopping attack of a neighborhood with a full stomach and game plan. Tartine on W11th & 4th Street is the pick of the crop – open early enough to fortify you with brunch and cozy enough to make you feel like you’re not an intruder in this hip neighborhood.
Remember stores around here open at 11am or 12pm rather than the more prompt midtown shops.
Before heading up Bleecker Street, take a side step to Laura Lobdell’s unique teeny tiny store (183 W10th & 7th Ave) – no bigger than a hallway, it’s jam packed full of delicious finds in sterling silver and boho silk.
Spin on your heels at W 10th and start pacing to Bleecker Street, which has a flurry of cute boutiques that fall between 7th & 8th Avenues.
Intermix is always a winner when looking for Designer duds; at 365 Bleecker Street expect to find Chloe, Day Birger et Mikkelsen, this season’s J Brand Houlihans and more.
Take a peek at Steve Madden (355 Bleecker St) for affordable and funky shoes, and don’t miss Jeweler Alexis Bittar right next door for show stopping designs that will have you marking up your Christmas list with gusto.
Heading towards 8th Avenue you can trot past house names like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, or instead, give Cynthia Rowley a gander for that downtown chick look. Finally, if you’re feeling flush ogle at the cashmere in Brunello Cucinelli.
Across the way Jack Spade (Mr. Kate Spade) has a little outpost full of men’s bags, accessories and curiosities – perfect for dodging the showers – but, mind you, the retro bikes are for show and not to hasten you on your journey.
If you’ re feeling a little sugar low at this point – with impeccable timing you come across the Magnolia Bakery – yes that oft visited spot on Sex and the City, actually does exist and churns out scrumptious cup cakes that can deliver a sugar rush better than any candy store. Although sadly lacking in seating, it does have a canopy or two to hide under should the showers be persistent.
Then it’s straight on to Marc Jacobs heaven. Mr. Jacobs seems to have cornered the market at W11th and Bleecker – no literally, he has a store on almost every corner; from Marc Jacobs to Little Marc Jacobs to a funky bookstore.
If you have the stamina once you’ve hit this jackpot continue on to James Perse for lovely West Coast inspired separates and don’t miss Mulberry for a hit of Brit.
Once you’ve managed all that take a time out at Mary’s Fish Camp on 64 Charles St & West 4th for a well deserved cocktail and a sumptuous Lobster Roll.
►Focus on Fashion: The best and worst of shopping in NYC neighbourhoods
►Lifestyle and Shopping in NYC
Walking in the West Village
It doesn’t often rain in New York City, but when the grey clouds roll in they tend to open and unleash, so here’s a quick puddle hopping guide to prepare you for shopping in the West Village should you be caught in an unseasonal downpour; or should you find yourself with some uncharacteristic extra time and money!
It’s always good to strategy to start your shopping attack of a neighborhood with a full stomach and game plan. Tartine on W11th & 4th Street is the pick of the crop – open early enough to fortify you with brunch and cozy enough to make you feel like you’re not an intruder in this hip neighborhood.
Remember stores around here open at 11am or 12pm rather than the more prompt midtown shops.
Before heading up Bleecker Street, take a side step to Laura Lobdell’s unique teeny tiny store (183 W10th & 7th Ave) – no bigger than a hallway, it’s jam packed full of delicious finds in sterling silver and boho silk.
Spin on your heels at W 10th and start pacing to Bleecker Street, which has a flurry of cute boutiques that fall between 7th & 8th Avenues.
Intermix is always a winner when looking for Designer duds; at 365 Bleecker Street expect to find Chloe, Day Birger et Mikkelsen, this season’s J Brand Houlihans and more.
Take a peek at Steve Madden (355 Bleecker St) for affordable and funky shoes, and don’t miss Jeweler Alexis Bittar right next door for show stopping designs that will have you marking up your Christmas list with gusto.
Heading towards 8th Avenue you can trot past house names like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, or instead, give Cynthia Rowley a gander for that downtown chick look. Finally, if you’re feeling flush ogle at the cashmere in Brunello Cucinelli.
Across the way Jack Spade (Mr. Kate Spade) has a little outpost full of men’s bags, accessories and curiosities – perfect for dodging the showers – but, mind you, the retro bikes are for show and not to hasten you on your journey.
If you’ re feeling a little sugar low at this point – with impeccable timing you come across the Magnolia Bakery – yes that oft visited spot on Sex and the City, actually does exist and churns out scrumptious cup cakes that can deliver a sugar rush better than any candy store. Although sadly lacking in seating, it does have a canopy or two to hide under should the showers be persistent.Then it’s straight on to Marc Jacobs heaven. Mr. Jacobs seems to have cornered the market at W11th and Bleecker – no literally, he has a store on almost every corner; from Marc Jacobs to Little Marc Jacobs to a funky bookstore.
If you have the stamina once you’ve hit this jackpot continue on to James Perse for lovely West Coast inspired separates and don’t miss Mulberry for a hit of Brit.
Once you’ve managed all that take a time out at Mary’s Fish Camp on 64 Charles St & West 4th for a well deserved cocktail and a sumptuous Lobster Roll.
Further reading:
►Focus on Fashion: The best and worst of shopping in NYC neighbourhoods
►Lifestyle and Shopping in NYC
