Summer is an easygoing season, days of traveling light and taking it slow. When fall comes ’round, though, it’s time for some serious shopping. Happily, these recent arrivals on the New York City retail scene can help refresh your fall and winter wardrobe.
Downtown
Even in ever-trendy TriBeCa, 180 The Store stands out. Maybe it’s the little garden of potted plants that greets you at the door or the row of shiny new bikes opposite them—all for sale, by the way. Behind them stretches a large, white, sunny room, with racks of Boho-chic clothing—menswear on the left, womenswear on the right, technically speaking though, the flowy shirts and cargo pants have a unisex vibe. Trestle tables filled with toiletries and eyeglasses occupy the middle. The clothing labels come from all over the world; Japan, Britain and good old NYC, small, ecologically minded companies you may not recognize but would like to get to know.
If you’re visiting New York City and looking for a premier shopping destination, look no further than Hudson Yards. This sprawling retail complex boasts over one million square feet of shopping space, with luxury brands and affordable options available for every budget. Every major fashion label can be found here, including Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Neiman Marcus. In addition to world-class shopping, the complex also offers unique dining experiences, with options ranging from casual grab-and-go to Michelin-starred restaurants. Visitors can take advantage of the indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxation, from the Public Square and Gardens to the Edge, the world’s highest outdoor observation deck. With a stunning waterfront location and breathtaking architecture, Hudson Yards is a shopping destination not to be missed.
Uptown
Upper Madison Avenue has long been a mainstay for luxe boutiques. Stubbs & Wootton is scarcely bigger than a shoebox, but it sports a hefty array of footwear for both men and women. The store celebrates the slip-on in all its infinite variety: slippers, sneakers, even an espadrille or two. The brand, which began in Palm Beach, Florida, gives the NYC locale a tropical feel, with lattice-patterned wallpaper and lots of white accents. Made in velvet, leather, linen and needlepoint, and adorned with whimsical designs, the handcrafted shoes come in an infinite variety of patterns and colors or you can design your own.
Several blocks down lies the fantasy land of Elie Saab, the designer who dresses the likes of Halle Berry and Meryl Streep for red-carpet affairs. So, if you’re a woman with a special occasion to shop for—or even if you don’t—this sizable boutique, all marbled and mirrored, its two floors connected by a spiral white stairway, is the place for a little star quality, whether your taste runs to chiffon gowns, sequined separates or short crepe frocks. And, of course, there are shoes, accessories and perfumes to go with.
Midtown
For decades, the East 40s have housed an array of men’s haberdashers, and now Bonobos, another online retailer-gone-brick-and-mortar, is the latest, a neutral-toned venue where you can actually see all the styles that make the website so popular, from slim-fit suits to button-downs in patterns ranging from no-nonsense—checks—to fun—pink sharks. You don’t walk out with any merchandise, though. A salesperson determines your best size and fit and then has it sent directly to you—perfect for a visitor with limited luggage space.
The Shops at Columbus Circle is a top-notch retail destination in New York City. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, this shopping center boasts upscale boutiques, luxury brands, and some of the best dining experiences in the city. With over 50 retailers spread throughout seven floors, shoppers can expect to find a wide range of trendy and high-end offerings, from fashion brands like J.Crew, Hugo Boss, and Lululemon to beauty and home decor such as Sephora, Williams Sonoma, and J.W. Pei. The shopping center also features a variety of entertainment options, including an in-house concert venue showcasing top talent in jazz and classical music. So whether you’re in the mood for a bit of retail therapy or simply a nice meal after a long day, the Shops at Columbus Circle are definitely a must-visit destination in the city that never sleeps.
