TravelDock When entering one of the biggest shopping destinations in the world, it’s hard not to want to go there and splurge yourself of all the money in existence. Home to designer brands, mahoosive department stores and those beautiful, thrifty independents all on one island.
On my first visit, I wished I had someone with the expert map telling me what was worth the visit and where to avoid. So here is the first part my companion of super helpful stuff that I hope will enhance your NYC travels to the max.
1# Because it’s a blooming huge name: Bloomingdales
Surely it gets its name from its crowded main floor arcade centre which is just as bad as bustling through Times Square on a Saturday. If your endurance is up for it, brave through to the second floor to hit the big lables, well-priced, oh-so-american brands, and all the lingerie in the world. One for the hipster crowd.
1000 Third Ave, at 59th St.; 212-705-2000. 504 Broadway, nr. Spring St.; 212-729-5900; bloomingdales.com.
2# Who shouldn’t afford to look fabulous? – Barneys New York
Anyone who dresses to impress will tell you that Barneys always gets the final say in whats hot in the edgier designer fashion scene. Sophisticated lower floors, home those searching for the perfect, plush Prada suit. Head higher to the seek out the Alexander Wang dresses and the oh-so-adorable oversize Helmut Lang tees.
660 Madison Ave., nr. 61st St.; 212-826-8900; barneys.com.
3# Your idea Playdate – American Girl Place
43,000-square-feet worth of eighteen-inch, period dress historical dolls, a café, a bookstore, and even a photo studio where the character of your favourite dolls are magically brought to life. Need I say more?
609 Fifth Ave., nr. 49th St.; 877-247-5223; americangirl.com.
4# Find the Downtown Crowd-Pleaser in you – Soho
Once a mecca for artists far and wide has since spawned into the cities most glamorous outdoor mall. Cobblestone streets, vintage loftspaces make this neighborhood the sassiest shopping you’ll ever do. This onetime artists’ mecca has since morphed into the city’s poshest outdoor mall. W. Houston St. to Canal St.; Broadway to Sixth Ave.
5# Break for a Fresh-Food Lunch at The Greenmarket at Union Square
Where farmers arrive all the way from Vermont just to tote the freshest produce and the most beautiful selection of flowers! Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The always necessary Plan B: Chelsea Market makes the perfect alternative if you get caught in the rain, stop for pastries, produce and an equally thrilling wholesale flower market. Union Square Greenmarket, 17th St., at Broadway; 212-788-7476; cenyc.org. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., nr. 15th St.; 212-243-6005; chelseamarket.com.
