Hey sweetie,
I am going to be in ny for a wedding in June. I will not have much time, so I wanted to get your top five must shop stops. Outlets etc.
Thanks a million,

I receive requests on a daily basis, but this has got to be one of my most favorite.  Where to shop in NY.  New York means so much to me.  It is the place where I came into my fashion “being.”  The place where I learned the “secret” to fashion and the place where I was allowed to be my self and know that it was “o.k”.  NY is my second home, and shopping at home is always delightful.

First stop: Bergdorf Goodman

754 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 753-7300

Most people think that Bergdorf is too “high end” of a place for them to shop.  Don’t let the ambiance or the doorman throw you. Get on the escalators, wonder up to the 3rd and 5th floors and hit the sale racks.  They mark down things with the quickness and you can find a special find at an unbelievable price. (Also, take a break from shopping and have the Waldorf Salad at the Cafe on 5.) Check out the reviews for yourself.

Image courtesy of anselda.com

Next stop: Ina

21 Prince St. Between Mott and Elizabeth

212.334.9048

This is one of my FAVORITE consignment shops and not just because some major Sex in the City clothing has been resold here.  When you walk into the store, it feels like REAL consignment shopping.  Not a store where everything is thrown together, because, “Well, we’re selling used clothes, for Christ’s sake.”  It is a consignment boutique where the merchandise is displayed in a way that makes you drool over every single thing in there whether you need it or not.  My kind of shopping.  “Hey, you need multiple options so that you can edit, and as long as I am buying investment pieces that I can keep for years, at a discounted price? Why not?” Shop. Here. Now!

Stop three: Big Drop, NYC

425 West Broadway
212 966 4299

Love, Love, LOVE!  This place!  I love that they present the trends in a NY sort of way.  When you go to their site, they have  styled the looks, which gives my clients a great visual reference when purchasing.  But, the clothes are easy on the budget and allow you to hop on any trend without breaking the bank.  Plus, the quality of the clothes works well back to all of the high end clothes in a wardrobe.  Hi-low shopping for sure!

Opening Ceremony

34 Howard Street
212 219 2688

The first time I stepped foot into this boutique was many years back when Proenza Schouler, (my tie dye obsession in another post) debuted their collection for Target in this store.  (I know I have the pic somewhere!  I will find and post.)  But, this store is not for the faint at heart.  It is great for picking up that “something- special- that- you- won’t- be- able- to- wear to -work, but- absolutely- NEED -to- make- your- outfit- interesting, kind of thing, but not for er’day clothes.  Find that piece that makes you move out of your clothing shell, here!

Uniqlo

546 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 USA
Telephone 917 237-8811

When I was last at fashion week,  I think it was February of 2009, I passed by this store on my way to a show.  I peeped my head in, just to see why it was soooo freaking crowded and I fell in LOVE.  Rows and rows of basics, with a great item popped here and there.  I had to rush to the next show and so my time was cut short, but, vowed to return, and have been trying to shop on line every since. (Hint, hint Uniqlo people!)

image courtesy of retail refugees.

Kirna Zabete

96 Greene Street
New York, NY 10012

Tel: 212.941.9656

Yes, I love quality clothes, what can I say?  I am cheap and I expect my skirt to last for more than a season.  5 years is the minimum time a piece MUST be able to hang out in my closet, any less than that and I am MAD.  Enter designer clothes.  I LOVE them and learned to love them, when? Of course, when I lived, worked, studied and played in NY.  Life lessons come in all shapes and sizes.  Kirna Zabete has a lot of lessons that you can learn from and they are on. sale. now! Go!  You will LOVE this quirky, but amazing store.  I do and so do my Lanvin, on sale, will have for years, boots.  Thank you KZ.

Last Stop: Woodbury Commons

498 Red Apple Court
Central Valley, NY 10917
(845) 928-4000

I have such fond memories of this place.  Driving across the Tappan Zee bridge for a day of shopping bliss.  This is the BEST outlet on the planet. Why?  Because they have a Chanel store.  Enough said.

image courtesy of hey jude!