Don't Visit New York Without Stopping By These 6 Stores
As someone who quite literally shops online for a living—and loves it—it takes a lot to get me out of my e-comfort zone and into an actual store. After all, I pride myself on being able to track down pretty much any item on the internet within seconds and have a weekly excuse to peruse all my favorite sites’ new-arrivals sections—making me pretty familiar with all that’s out there.
However, once in a while it does happen, mostly thanks to a handful of boutiques that have managed to curate such a good selection, it’s worth the trip every time. So which are the stores one simply must visit when in New York? Just keep scrolling to read about all six and (because I couldn’t help myself) do a little online shopping along the way.
Kirna Zabête
Stationed in the heart of Soho, Kirna Zabête's NYC boutique is one of few places that stock the almost-untouchable Diors and Valentinos of the world alongside more contemporary labels such as Miaou and Nanushka. It’s also a destination for unassuming shoppers and seasoned editors alike to uncover new brands, as I’ve learned on my many weekend visits.
Shop pieces from Kirna Zabête:
Fivestory
Located in an impeccably designed townhouse on the Upper East Side, Fivestory is luxurious in every way. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not accessible, too. Of course, its fittingly carries Giambattista Valli, Rosie Assoulin, and more, but the boutique also boasts a roster of more affordable brands, including Le Specs, Cult Gaia, Staud, as well as its namesake collection—making it nearly impossible to leave without a shopping bag in hand.
Shop pieces from Fivestory:
Frankie Shop
While I’m regularly scanning its website for new arrivals during the workweek, I love popping into Frankie Shop in the Lower East Side on weekends because you truly never know what you’re going to come across. From cool new jewelry brands to the latest Ganni It item, it’s a trove of fashion finds and inspo—especially if you align with minimalist style.
Shop pieces from Frankie Shop:
Jeffrey
I first visited the Jeffrey boutique in Meatpacking when I was shopping for the (many) outfits I needed before my wedding, and it’s been a game changer ever since. Whether or not you even plan to buy anything, it’s amazing to pop in and see the unique pieces their buyers select from pretty much every top brand including Attico, Alaïa, Dries van Noten, Sies Marjan, and more.
Shop pieces from Jeffrey:
Forty Five Ten
On a long list of reasons to visit the shops at newly developed Hudson Yards in NYC is the arrival of Dallas-based boutique Forty Five Ten. One walk around the vibrant and fluid, multi-unit store which includes sections for emerging designers, shoes, and vintage will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to an art gallery—that just happens to sell all the coolest brands of the moment, too.
Shop pieces from Forty Five Ten:
Hirshleifers
While a visit to Hirshleifers requires a trek out to Long Island, if you truly love fashion, I can tell you that it’s 100% worth every dollar you spent on the Uber. Whether your style aligns with Kith and Off-White, you’d rather check out the Chanel- and Celine-type selections, or, like me, love it all, the retailer (which carries nearly 100 brands) combines the range of a department store with the curation you’d expect from a luxury boutique.
Shop pieces from Hirshleifers:
Up next? The surprising new It bag I couldn't even get my hands on.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.
-
This Beloved British Brand Just Arrived in NYC—12 Items I Tried On and Loved
It's even Kate Middleton–approved.
By Eliza Huber
-
From Bella Hadid to Vogue Staffers—These Are the 10 Insider-Approved Vintage Stores in NYC
No gatekeeping here.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Numbers Don't Lie: These Are the 6 Best-Selling Givenchy Bags of All Time
Receipts have been pulled.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
The Anti–It Bags Fashion People Are Just Really Into
They have major staying power.
By Kristen Nichols
-
I'm Making Some Designer Investments This Year—30 Items I'm Eyeing From MyTheresa
No gatekeeping here.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
NYC Editors Can't Stop Wearing 2024's It Brand—Here's What to Know
Cool-girl central.
By Raina Mendonça
-
Fashion Month Is My Super Bowl: 27 Show-Worthy Picks I'm Adding to the Wish List
Go sports!
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
19 Epic Under-$250 Finds I Just Added to My Mytheresa Cart
Little luxuries.
By Allyson Payer