Shopping in New York

[BringBiscuits]

Visiting NY next month. What would you be looking out for style wise if you were me?

I am not keen on clothes shopping in NY. I find the department stores a bit dated and pricey but I LOVE visiting Sephora and spending a happy hour or two browsing and testing all the cosmetics.

Thanks that’s interesting. I thought I’d be coming back with bags of new stuff but maybe not.

My DD had had her 1st baby when we went, and to be honest I was actually horrified at the array of baby clothes.

We did like Century 21 and found some bargain shoes, but unless you want branded US jeans and trainers, I wouldn't hold out too much hope.

I was beyond disappointed.

I'm sure it's great if you're on a designer budget but I was very disappointed with their high street. (The last time I went was 6 or 7 years ago so I guess it may have changed.)
However if you buy second hand, their consignment shops are fab as are a lot of the charity shops - serious labels at bargainous prices.
It's probably better to look them up online as I'm sure they come and go but my favourite, if it's still around, was Tokyo 7 in or around the East Village. I think there are a number in Brooklyn too.

Some of the American brands - like some if the jeans brands - are a bit cheaper, but i don’t think anything is a huge bargain.

I always stick up at Old Navy (the cheaper little sister of Gap) as I like their jeans and workout gear. Express is another good one for work stuff. I inevitably buy far too many pairs of shoes at DSW.

Was in New York in January - the exchange rate is dire and, as PP have said, the choice not great. We had all booked an extra bag on the return and didnt use it :(
Norstrum rack (outlety) was Ok, bought some Urban decay and some good headphones for the gym. Neither high on the list. Macy's looked like Debenhams on a bad day but I tried on some NYD jeans which were great but very pricey.
The museums were sensational though, especially the Brooklyn Art Gallery.

I got some jeans in Macy’s which were good in comparison to UK prices as they had some kind of 30% sale on, also underwear but aside from that nothing really - unless you have a bigger budget than I did. I’d spend your time doing things you can only do in NYC.

Bath and body works

It is a lot of the same stuff as in the UK and as a PP mentions then unless the exchange rate changes dramatically before you go it’s also unlikely to be any cheaper. Definitely yes to sephora for beauty, they have some great exclusive stuff, but your best luxury bargains are probably to be found duty free at the airport in the U.K.

Sales tax may not be included in the price tag, just check that first!

I would agree that the exchange rate has killed the shopping benefits largely. I think makeup and skincare are a better bet.

Agree with PP about there not being much clothes wise - I also went to Sephora and stocked up on a lot of makeup and skincare. If I was going there now, I'd be looking for Re/done jeans and maybe Gap.

I prefer their home shops such as Bed Bath and Beyond, crate and barrel and Pottery Barn. Clothes shopping is yawn, cosmetics hall at Bloomingdales is great. It’s more interesting to shop down in Greenwich on a Sunday than uptown with stops for brunch and cocktails.

I second the suggestion to browse second hand shops, and to shop for cosmetics.

20 years ago NYC was great for shopping. Amazing exchange rate. Cheap prices. Different brands you couldn't get in London like Banana Republic, A&F. Now e.g Greenwich Village is packed to the rafters with global brands: Karen Miller, Jigsaw, TopShop, H&M etc at seriously inflated prices over the UK and of course all the US brands are in your local high street anyway.

Nordstrom is mainly designer. Macy's has horrible stuff. Seek out interesting little boutiques in Brooklyn instead but expect to pay London prices.

US branded Cosmetics usually a good buy. Tiffany a bit cheaper if you are in the market for that.

If you like LuluLemon then US is significantly cheaper than UK as they seem to double the price when it lands here. That's about it.

Go down to Soho for lots of lovely individual and interesting shops. I also love the Chelsea Market and Meatpacking District to find interesting things.

I also like Bloomingdales for department store shopping but it’s the same stuff you can buy in the UK.

I posted earlier about not being overly impressed with NY for clothes shopping but it’s good to know about Lululemin. I will definitely check that out next time I’m there.

Idk if you are in the market for technology OP but if you are it can be much cheaper buying Apple products there than it is here.

If you want bargains, go to Woodbury Common. www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodbury-common

You can get a shuttle from Manhattan. www.mttwoodbury.com I haven’t done it but a good friend of mine picks up loads of lovely things there for a great price. I’m definitely planning to go next time I’m in New York

What sort of thing are you after? Old Navy is brilliant for casuals or kids wear. I love Bloomingdales and Saks and Bergdorf Goodman but honestly there’s probably not much there you couldn’t get in Selfridges these days. It’s such a shame because in times gone by the exchange rate meant it was literally half price! If you are looking for smart workwear look for Theory in the department stores. I love it.

I have been to Woodbury Common and completely forgot about it! I think we all visited the Levi shop, I do love Old Navy as well but not been there for years now.

You can visit the Woodbury Common Outlet Mall if you have a spare day: it's an hours coach trip out of NYC - worth it if you like designery stuff eg Polo, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger etc etc

www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodbury-common

I booked the bus via Expedia but do check where it goes from.

TulipsTulipsTulips and SassitudeandSparkle - WC is great, def worth the trip. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

Brooklyn Flea for vintage clothing and for home I love Jonathan Adler in Greenwich Village.