Have you ever stayed so long in one place and loved the shopping scene there that you think nowhere else could compare? That’s how I’ve always felt about living in Singapore.
We’ve got shopping for a whole range of things at a whole range of prices. If you want indie brands that are a little higher end, you go to Haji Lane. If you want department stores, we’ve got them downtown. If you don’t want to squeeze with the crowds on weekends, there are always online stores for shops like Sephora and Watsons. Even our more successful blogshops have managed to open up brick-and-mortar stores here and there. And everything is so within reach, since we’re such a tiny city.
But then you travel for two weeks to New York and then you realise that actually, New York has so much more. Here are the best places to shop at in New York City, all of them being shops I went to and loved.
1. Century 21
If you’re looking for designer clothes, bags, shoes and accessories for men and women, this is the place to go. Everything is priced less than the regular retail prices, and you will save a bit when shopping here. There are a few outlets in New York City, and they’re pretty easy to find. You’ll get brands like Coach, DKNY, Proenza Schouler, Calvin Klein, DVF, Marni, Free People, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Rebecca Minkoff and more. If you’re a size 0, it will be difficult to get something in your size, so you’ll have better luck with shoes, bags and accessories. Most of the sizes I saw were around 4-10.
Lincoln Square: 1972 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Downtown: 22 Cortlandt Street, New York, NY 10007
2. Tiffany & Co Flagship on 5th Avenue
Everybody knows Tiffany & Co but visiting their flagship store on 5th is another thing. This store first opened on October 21, 1940 and is still standing and operating today. It’s also the same one where Holly visited in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Talk about old time glamour.
5th Avenue: Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, New York, NY 10022
3. Lindt’s Chocolate Shop on 5th Avenue
One of my recommended chocolate stores along 5th as well. We dropped by here to get some souvenirs (the flavoured chocolate balls wrapped in metallic colours are gorgeous) and friends back home finished what we got them within a day. It can be a bit confusing as to which counters to pay at but the store isn’t that huge, so you’ll figure it out easily.
Midtown East: 665 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022
4. Ricky’s
This is one of the best places for discount beauty items, and is a treasure trove of anything related to hair. Dyes, shampoos, conditioners, combs and so on. Some brands you’ll find here are Ardell, Japonesque, NYX, Palladio, Manic Panic and Frederic Fekkai. I bought tons of stuff at Ricky’s and you can check out my haul in this blog post and video.
All over NYC: Google Map here
5. Birchbox SoHo
One of my favourite shops of all is Birchbox SoHo. It’s the only Birchbox store in New York City, and definitely a must-visit for a beauty lover like you. The high ceilings and bright lights make you feel happy once you enter it, and they’ve got men’s and women’s beauty products. Lots of indie brands can be found here, as well as some of the usual luxury ones like Bobbi Brown and Stila. I bought my current Jouer Cosmetics Lip Crème Lipsticks here, after testing it out for an entire day, and will strongly recommend this store.
SoHo: 433 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012
6. Macy’s Herald Square
The largest flagship Macy’s store is the one at Herald Square. It’s seriously huge – walk along the main road just outside it and you’ll find it spans an entire block between 6th and 7th.
Herald Square: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
7. & Other Stories
Not far from Birchbox is a branch of this store called & Other Stories. It’s the sister brand of H&M and the style is pretty similar. I would have bought a thing or two, if they only had them in size 0. The smallest size is 2, which may fit you if you’re a large 0 or don’t mind something that’s loose-fitting. Definitely worth a visit in my books!
SoHo: 575 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Midtown: 505 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
8. Club Monaco Flagship on 5th Avenue
What a wonderful experience! Suppose, like me, you’re a book lover, coffee addict, flower admirer and fashion slave. This place has all of it rolled into one chic, trendy, relaxing outlet and this is where you’ll feel right at home.
The entrance along 5th Avenue is where you’ll find a Toby’s Estate slow bar (not roastery). Exiting the coffee bar at its other end will bring you to a small area of flower arrangement services from indie vendor, Polux Fleuriste. Walking a little further in, you’ll find a section taken out of Strandbooks, the most famous bookstore in the whole of New York City, where there are books (for sale, of course) from genres like cooking and fashion. And then, going past that will take you into the heart of Club Monaco itself.
If you enter via the other entrance, you’ll be walking in the reverse order as above. Check out photos of the place on Frsh Grnd here.
Definitely, definitely visit this place when you’re in New York!
5th Avenue: 160 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Have you travelled to New York and discovered a great shopping find? Do let us know and share it in the comments below.
Skip-a-dee-doo-dah,
Roxanne