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