Fashionistas are drawn to New York for obvious reasons. But if they’ve never trodden its hallowed streets before, they can find this ultra-intense, sprawling style capital a bit overwhelming. With this half-day itinerary they’ll quickly be oriented with some of the Big Apple’s key fashion districts.
Stop 1: Fuel up with an iced coffee at Café Grumpy in Chelsea, (West 20th Street, between 7th and 8th avenues) then head two blocks south to Barneys Co-Op (212-593-7800) on West 18th Street. This reliable favorite makes an excellent place to start your exploration of NYC’s fashion. But what Chelsea is really famous for is one-of-a-kind designer boutiques. We’re talking the spectacular Fisch For the Hip (153 West 18th Street, 212-633-9053), which is located just a block away, between 6th and 7th avenues.
Stop 2: It may not have the edge that it had two or three decades ago, but the West Village remains a barometer of cool. The fact that there are boutiques from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Cynthia Rowley, Ralph Lauren, and Intermix is proof alone. Take a 20-minute walk down 8th Avenue (or hop in a taxi) to Hudson and Bleecker streets. Swing by Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker Street, 212-462-2572) for a sugar boost – of all its sweet tooth treats, it’s got to be one of its legendary cupcakes.
Stop 3: Grab a quick cab – or take the A, C or E subway to Chambers Street – and dive headlong into the majesty that is Century 21 (22 Cortlandt Street, 212-227-9092). Located across from the World Trade Center site, you’ll find seemingly endless rows of stylish bargains. Be warned though, when this store’s busy, you’ll have call upon the odd use of a carefully administered elbow to tight squeezes. When your arms are full and your credit card’s begging for mercy, walk 10 minutes to legendary bistro Odeon (145 West Broadway, 212-233-0507) for a stiff drink and a quick bite.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Images: FashionbyHe, Fuzzy Images, TheCoolQuest)
