-
Upper East Side
Upper East Siders shop at this pricey French children's boutique for the beautiful designs and impeccable workmanship—think pony-hair baby booties, hand-embroidered jumpers, and cashmere onesies. The flagship has a loftlike design with whimsical touches, such as a large indoor tree and a cloud sculpture.
805 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
-
Upper East Side
Located inside an Upper East Side town house, this luxurious mini department store carries clothing, accessories, shoes, and home decor for men, women, and children in an elegant setting (think marble floors and lots of velvet and silk). It specializes in independent designers but also showcases creations from heavy hitters such as Proenza Schouler and Dior.
18 E. 69th St., New York, New York, 10065, USA
-
Upper East Side
Opened in 1983 by the late Nach Waxman, a member of the James Beard Foundation’s Hall of Fame, this is so much more than a cookbook shop, with its vast selection of books on food history and culture, operations and technical manuals, and a "terrific array of great food writing," too. With more than 12,000 books and magazines in stock, it's no wonder that culinary icons like Julia Child and three-star Michelin chefs have been among the charming shop's customers.
1435 Lexington Ave., New York, New York, 10128, USA
-
Upper East Side
Stop in at this artisanal chocolatier's small store and tea salon to purchase some treats and dive into a cup of thick, heavenly hot chocolate. The Paris-based outfit sells handmade truffles, chocolates, and pastries that could lull you into a chocolate stupor. There are additional outposts in Rockefeller Center and in the The Shops at Columbus Circle in the Deutsche Bank Center.
1018 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10075, USA
-
Upper East Side
Make a beeline for this store if you love French designers. Owner Ludivine Grégoire showcases of-the-moment Gallic (and a few Italian) designers like Vanessa Bruno, Jérôme Dreyfuss, and Carvin French.
1216 Lexington Ave., New York, New York, 10028, USA
-
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
-
Upper East Side
Prowl the shelves at this well-stocked museum shop for intriguing urban oddments and ornaments, like sculptural tableware, Alexander Girard dolls, housewares by Alessi, and Japanese notebooks by Postalco, along with an impressive selection of art and design books.
2 E. 91st St., New York, New York, 10128, USA
-
Upper East Side
Although Smythson still sells stationery fit for a queen—check out the royal warrant from England's HRH—it is also a place to scoop up on-trend handbags, iPad cases, and wallets. The hues range from sedate brown and black to eye-popping tangerine. The softbound leather diaries, old-fashioned agendas and address books, and travel accessories make ideal gifts, including for yourself.
667 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10065, USA
-
Upper East Side
Even if you don't speak French, this wonderfully hidden bilingual bookstore dedicated exclusively to books in French and English is a true gem, situated inside the 1906, Italian Renaissance–style mansion that's home to the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. Underneath a soothing, star-covered, zodiac-inspired ceiling, Francophile visitors can explore more than 14,000 classic and contemporary titles.
972 5th Ave., New York, New York, 10075, USA
-
Upper East Side
The New York flagship of this fashion icon is full of rich details, like intricately patterned floors, and tiny architectural nuances meant to draw the eye, such as feathers in the molding. Now under the helm of Sarah Burton, the design house sells both menswear and women's wear in styles that still lean towards edgy Gothic.
747 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10065, USA
-
Upper East Side
The luxury retailer's claim to fame is jewelry; its own eponymous diamond cut has A-shape facets, but the British brand caters to all tastes. Everything including leather goods such as wallets and handbags, fine china coffee and tea sets, rare books, polo equipment, and scarves is available. Service is impeccable.
853 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
-
Upper East Side
The signature look here is the British company's waxed-cotton and quilted jackets, available for men and women. The tweeds, moleskin pants, lamb's-wool sweaters, and tattersall shirts also invariably call up images of country rambles.
1047 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
-
Midtown East
The brand's first four letters are short for "bon chic, bon genre," which means stylish sportswear and embellished, embroidered evening dresses for women here. The collection ranges from leather pants to maxi dresses.
461 5th Ave., New York, New York, 10017, USA
-
Upper East Side
When it opened in 2000, this favorite of the high-society set (and A-list celebs) spearheaded the migration of luxury fashion boutiques north of 72nd Street. Herrera's designs are ladylike and elegant. Her suits, gowns, and cocktail dresses in luxurious fabrics make for timeless silhouettes, and the New York flagship also carries her bridal collection.
954 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
-
Upper East Side
Lipstick-red soles are the signature of Louboutin's delicately sexy couture slippers and stilettos, and his pointy-toe creations come trimmed with beads, buttons, or "tattoos." There's a similar design on stylish lipstick cases with colors such as Diva and Very Prive.
967 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
-
Midtown East
It's easy to feel like an Italian movie star amid these exuberant (in every sense) clothes. Corseted dresses are a favorite; the fabric could be sheer, furred, or leopard print. Men's suits are sharp and ahead of the trends. In addition to this location, there are also boutiques dedicated exclusively to the women's and children's collections farther up Madison Avenue around East 69th St.
717 5th Ave., New York, New York, 10022, USA
-
Upper East Side
If you're in the market for vintage diamonds, this is the place, whether your taste is for tiaras, art deco settings, or sparklers once worn by a Vanderbilt. Part of the company's own collection, the skinny, stackable diamond eternity bands are hugely popular.
773 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10065, USA
-
Upper East Side
The legendary French retailer is best known for its iconic handbags, the Kelly and the Birkin (named for Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin), as well as its silk scarves and neckties. True to its roots, Hermès still stocks saddles and other equestrian items in addition to a line of beautifully simple separates and jewelry for men and women, many with the recognizable logo. This store has five artisans from different métiers sharing a fifth-floor atelier for alterations and repairs. It also has special items designed exclusively for the new address, including a scarf, several Kelly bags, a Bolide bag, watches, and more. There are outposts in the Meatpacking District and Financial District but this palatial garden-topped flagship store, one of the brand's largest stores in the world, is the one to visit.
706 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10065, USA
-
Upper East Side
Beloved by prepsters everywhere, this brand is most famous for its Navajo sandal, worn by Jackie Onassis. You can still buy the Navajo at the Jack Rogers flagship store, as well as other footwear like loafers, boots, and wedges.
1198 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10128, USA
-
Upper East Side
In addition to cookbooks and books on Jewish history and culture, the well-stocked shop carries beautiful items for Jewish holidays, such as seder plates for Passover and Hanukkah menorahs, and jewelry and gift items. The shop is closed Tuesday and Wednesday as is the museum. It's also closed Saturday, though the museum is open.
1109 5th Ave., New York, New York, 10028, USA
-
Upper East Side
Pointy toes, low vamps, narrow heels, ankle-wrapping straps—these British-made shoes are sometimes more comfortable than they look. There's also a special bridal shoe collection, along with bags, backpacks and accessories, and a limited selection of sneakers and dress shoes for men.
699 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10065, USA
