Where to go shopping in NYC

Shop brightly patterned plateware from Mogutable, slim cat-eye sunnies from Savage Anchor, limited-edition tees from Friend of a Friend Studio, minimalist jewelry pieces from Beeshaus & Raum NYC and much more at this large indoor bazaar that is a cross between Chelsea Market and Artists & Fleas. When the shopping fatigue sets in, visit the food hall for some restorative Cantonese rice rolls via Joe's, Napoli-style pizza from Enzo Bruni La Pizza Gourmet and lychee bubble tea from Lazy Sundaes. The space also hosts events, such as panels led by established authors.

You guys love Artists & Fleas (it’s one of the most searched-for stores on our website)—and it’s easy to see why: Every weekend, a rotating selection of 50-plus vendors, including local craftspeople, designers and artists, sets up shop in a Williamsburg warehouse. The browsable mix includes everything from original T-shirts and handmade jewelry to home-decor items and even pet accessories. There's also a location in Chelsea Market, which means you have double the opportunity to scoop up one-of-a-kind finds.

Sure, Brooklyn’s decor scene can be a bit of a cliché: Many shops are still strewn with Edison bulbs and mason jars filled with wildflowers. But this ’Burg furniture boutique—with its bold, self-proclaimed blend of "a little bit mid-century, a little bit rock-and-roll; a southern California meets Brooklyn mashup; equal parts left brain and right brain; and a mix of vintage and brand-spanking new"—feels like a breath of fresh air. Recent favorites are sweet Normann Copenhagen Bit Stools, salmon-pink Sicilian ceramic bowls and burnt-orange Nuevo sectional. 

No shop in New York understands the need to express yourself through a cold-weather protector than one of Manhattan's most vibrant vintage shops, Spark Pretty. After the success of the store's '90's Forever pop-up, owners Amanda Dolan and Meagan Colby put down permanent roots in the East Village in 2018. The aesthetic is a combination of “I Want My MTV” meets '80’s hair bands, crossed with the flash of '70’s glam-rock. We dig it. We're particularly loving the early-90s Barbie tees, the rainbow-bright ravewear and the crystal-encrusted, hand-painted Tony Alamo jean jackets. You'll also find other throwback apparel items including bellbottoms, studded skinny jeans, pins, patches and shoes.

Get your plastic ready because you’re about to overload your closet with casual-cool duds at this shop. But, don’t worry, this splurge will hardly make a dent in your bank account. Why? Because Primark—the trendy, dirt-cheap, UK fashion brand—is now all over New York, with five locations across Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. This massive Richmond County outlet (55,100-square-feet, with 41 fitting rooms) has all your wardrobe essentials, including apparel, shoes and accessories for both men and women. You can even nab home goods and beauty products, too. Best of all? You can leave with multiple bags filled-to-the-brim with new clothes without feeling any shopper’s remorse. (Seriously, you can get a pair of shoes for $12.) 

Okay, we’ll admit the prices at this London import aren’t exactly budget-friendly, but that doesn’t stop us from visiting this Murray Hill mecca of high fashion. Dover Street Market features seven small floors of cutting-edge wares by big-time designers and a few up-and-comers. Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons carefully culls the merch, from JW Anderson tank dresses to satin Prada crop tops and even a few (sort of) reasonably priced graphic tees for under $100. Shopping here is like visiting a contemporary gallery, and we don’t just mean the sleek clothing. 

The 10,000-square-foot, three-story New York flagship of the street-gear retailer got a revamp a few years back but it still feels like a brand-new store, with its glassed-in mannequins and a long entranceway boasting white plaster sneakers hanging from the ceiling. Inside, pick up not-so-basics like denim cargo pants, utility mini skirts, mesh midi dresses and cropped Varsity jackets. 

We were bummed to see local fave Pixie Market (trendy clothes! übercheap prices!) close up shop. But before we could settle into a deep depression, the owners graciously reemerged with Frankie. Think of it as the mature and ultra-chic version of Pixie Market. The shop caters to the career-minded woman with a "masculin-féminin, timeless and modern aesthetic," so instead of cocktail dresses or crop tops, you’ll find more sophisticated items from international indie labels.

The 10-floor department store is arguably the king of Fifth Avenue, and there’s no shortage of reasons why. A purveyor of everything from designer handbags to fine jewelry, beauty products to clothing for men and women, there's really nothing you can’t find at this historic high-end outlet.

This small but well-curated Astoria shop is full of bright, beautiful, conversation-starting pieces, like a yellow Hermès cotton lotus scarf, red snakeskin Chanel belts and a stars-and-stripes Ungaro Americana sweater. Feeling indecisive? Owner Ivona Bilicic (a former buyer at Screaming Mimis and lover of all things vintage and girly) will help you decide; frequent customers love her for her honesty and enthusiasm while helping you walk away with what looks best on you. We fell in love with their selection of neutral boots and handbags in a variety of shades (including electric purple).

If you struggle with the art of mixing trendy duds with basics, consider the contemporary styles found at this Upper East Side boutique, the key to unleashing your inner "mixologist." While the brand is considered a fast-fashion chain due to its affordable pricing, the shop carries the likes of Good American, Levi's, Commando and more, giving the store a leg up on its competitors H&M and Forever 21.

File this under “If it’s good enough for Jay Z…” Harlem Haberdashery was founded by the folks behind clothing label 5001 Flavors, which dressed the rapper for his “Empire State of Mind” video, not to mention has suiting up fellow A-listers like Lady Gaga, Lebron James and Mrs. Carter herself, Beyoncé. For those of us who aren’t shopping for locally made urban-meets-preppy clothes to wear in a music video, there are graphic T-shirts and custom-tailored suits. Fun fact: The boutique is housed in a brownstone where Malcolm X once lived.