Shopping in NYC? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Shopping in NYC?

Roberta

Veteran

Hello Fab Nation, I am going to NYC for a few days next week, and am looking for shopping recs. My regular stops of Desigual and Lord and Taylor have closed (sniff). We're seing lots of theater and art, but there will still be times when we can't stuff any more culture in our heads.

Note that I am a size 12/14 and don't want to spend more than $150 on any one thing. Ha, I know that will be a problem in Manhattan! Maybe I should just go to Mood and look at fabric. Also, I live near Chicago so generally have access to the big brands. Although I will definitely go to COS.

It doesn't have to be clothing, and I'm not looking for anything in particular, just hoping you all know of boutiques here and there. My best shopping experiences have always been wandering into a little shop and finding a fabulous cashmere wrap half-off or a fantastic jacket that I wear into the ground.

Thank you in advance!

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

cat2

Veteran

In addition to Mood, there are good trim and buttons stores….

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I always enjoy walking around Soho — there’s a mix of designer shops, independent boutiques, big chains like Zara, H&M and Uniqlo, etc. There’s a TheRealReal shop there too (also one on the upper east side amongst the designer shops up there too), for some upscale secondhand. It’s fun to window shop in the designer shops even if they are too pricey.

Bloomingdale’s and Macys are a good substitute for L&T while you’re there. There’s also a new Nordstrom up near Central Park.

I love to go walking or running in Central Park in the morning before breakfast — a great way to start the day! The High Line is fun to walk too.

I know they are starting to set up for the holiday market at Bryant Park, but I’m not sure if they’ll be open yet. If so, I’ve found some fun and affordable accessories and gifts there. ETA: I just checked and they are open as of October 28!

Runcarla

Veteran

No shopping tips, but please do share a report of what (the fashion) you see in stores and on the street! And, have a great time!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Have a great time!
Is Desigual closed across the US?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Really Manhattan has turned into a giant outdoor shopping mall and Soho particularly so I second Janet's suggestion. There is also some great upscale consignment apart from the RealReal too.

Roberta

Veteran

I'm very tempted by the RealReal! It seems there is the possibility of buyer's remorse there, though, hee hee. And I can visit Splendid, which doesn't have a store near me.

The Bryant Park fair is perfect, thanks! Close to our hotel and I can visit the library at the same time. Like the Marines, you are a librarian for life.

Desigual closed all of its NYC stores - there were at least three when I was there in 2019. They are much more niche than Mango or Zara, and I guess they couldn't hang on in that expensive real estate during the pandemic. There are still a couple in the states, and a few in Canada. So if I get to Montreal next year (I hope to), that will be a bonus.

Thanks!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, another shopping thing I love in NYC is the museum stores. Great for unique gifts and fun browsing!

kkards

Veteran

Maybe you have these stores in Chicago so not places you need/want to seek out, but i like to hit Uniqlo, Muji (i have a thing for paper goods/office supplies and they also have interesting things, as well as home goods and fashion), and for local thrift shopping Housing Works.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Janet said!

Go to the new Nordies too. Have a wonderful time

Anonymous

I always love a trip to Zabar’s at 80th and Broadway. They have cool housewares upstairs, and lots of fab food downstairs. It’s foodie paradise, and I always come away with bagfuls of delightful things (I wish I had some of their chocolate babka right now….)

Roberta

Veteran

Well, now I need to extend my stay!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

If you’re willing to try resale, this place is good
https://www.designerrevival.com/

Also I’ve heard good things about Housing Works

Kyle

Veteran

Uniqlo may be a good option for well-priced basics. I just picked up two very nice quality tee shirts in Honolulu.

madeline

Veteran

If you want to explore the hipster havens of Greenpoint and Williamsburg,
Here’s a list:

https://secretnyc.co/best-thrift-shops-nyc/

Style Fan

Veteran

Have a wonderful time! I haven't shopped in NYC in years, so I don't have any advice.