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You may be wondering how you can possibly shoe-horn a shopping excursion into your time at BlogHer when there is so much to see. New York City is, of course, a shopping paradise. But it can be overwhelming – there are so many neighborhoods and it can be crazy crowded. Let's not even discuss the heat. I’m here to help with a short list of stores you might want to visit with the hope that you can distill your shopping experience without knocking yourself out.
Consider heading toward one walkable neighborhood and checking out some very unique spots with minimal effort. My picks are budget-friendly, chic, and completely unique to the city -- you can visit Prada or Crate And Barrel in any number of places but, in New York, you can see things you've never seen before.
While Uptown (BlogHer is being held in Midtown) can be swanky and posh, and Downtown can be funky and eclectic, my vote for a one-of-a-kind neighborhood shopping trip goes to Soho. So hop on the E train (just a block from the hotel) and take it downtown to Spring Street where, I can promise, you will visit shops won't soon forget.
Pearl River Mart – 477 Broadway (note: not WEST Broadway), between Grand Street and Broome. With an unbelievably rich inventory of all things Asian, Pearl River will astound you with everything from kitchenware to “beauty aids.” It's a feast for the eyes and very easy on the wallet so you are sure to find something to bring the kids or anyone else on your list.
If Pearl River is The Orient, Kiosk is the Rest Of The World. Located at 95 Spring Street, on the second floor, is an ever changing collection of simple yet fantastic goods from places like Iceland and Mexico. Colored pipe cleaners are $6.00 and trumpet kazoos are $18.00. It’s like a tiny museum of beautiful mundane objects guaranteed to make you wax poetic.
Uniqlo is what I call the Old Navy of Japan. A dizzy-making store at 562 Broadway, Uniqlo is Japanese casual wear at inexpensive prices. Best bets here? Tee shirts and the uber-metro Jill Sander line of office-wear are great bargains. Uniqlo is also the go-to for super-skinny skinny jeans.
I am aware that there are Anthropologies in many states but the one in Soho is especially large and is known for the work of its terrific display team. Located at 375 WEST Broadway, you can ooh and aah over the goods in the front of the store but make sure to search the Sale room in the back.
Interested in something sharp and edgy? Is your idea of the perfect tee shirt black and deconstructed? You must visit AllSaints. While not exactly budget friendly (though not exhorbitant either) AllSaints is a feast for steampunked eyes. The Soho store features over 400 antique Singer sewing machines and is the epitome of urban chic. It's not to be missed. Go to 512 Broadway.
There are two Tibetan stores I know in Soho: Vajra Pema at 146 Sullivan Street and Vision Of Tibet at 167 Thompson Street. Pick up a set of prayer flags to take home or some incense or bracelets -- both stores are manned by friendly, knowledgable staff and are delightful to visit.
Even if you don't knit or sew or craft I think you'll find Purl Soho one of the loveliest places in town. After a day of bustling city shopping Purl's soothing colors and atmosphere will bring you back down to earth. And if you do knit or sew or craft you will be overjoyed with their selection and service. 459 Broome Street is the center of the sewing world.
Have some lunch! Le Pain Quotidien is at 100 Grand Street between Greene and Mercer and although it is a worldwide chain it is inviting and comfortable and delicious...and, surprise! you can shop a little there too!
Be sure to visit Muji at 455 Broadway. Soothing and spare, the merchandise at Muji will make you want to streamline everything in your home not to mention your wardrobe.
Finally, make sure you stop and look at the things the vendors sell along Prince Street and Spring Street and Broadway. With flea market pricing, these artisans sell intriguing jewelry and bags and sometimes hats and scarves
