SHOPPING GUIDE: UPPER EAST SIDE

Shopping in the city can be overwhelming, stressful and sometimes too much to bear. With a multitude of stores housed in the one city, it is almost impossible to know where to shop and how to navigate each neighborhood. I wanted to break down the barriers for the shopping New York novice and assist in better understanding the strengths of each neighborhood when it comes to shopping. Whether you are looking for high-designer duds, off-price goodies or vintage pieces, this guide will assist even the most experienced shopper. 

In this week's shopping edition, I wanted to start with the top of the top: the Upper East Side. Home to some of the world's wealthiest spenders, this is the real deal of shopping. I rounded up some of the top spots that I think are special and offer shopping experiences and assortments you may not find elsewhere. 

Upper East Side

Are you ready to drop big dough on only the best of the best and walk the streets of the UES for the ultimate in luxury? You name it, they have it and don't even think to look for a promotion or sale. Here "sale" is a dirty word reserved for only the downtown set. Check out these favorites for some fun shopping filled with aspirations and inspiration.

Overview:

Shoppers: Fancy Shmancy Ladies, Rich Kids of Instagram, Gucci Loafer wearing Dads

Price: Too many $$ to write out

HIGHLIGHTED STORES:

FIVESTORY: Shop this famed townhouse owned by famous New Yorker Claire Distenfeld for a luxurious setting, luxurious shopping and an experience few shoppers can even dream about. If it sounds familiar, it is because you have heard it from Leandra Medine of Manrepller and designer Rosie Assoulin, as they are the true girl gang of cool in New York. The well-curated assortment is perfect for the shopper looking for unique pieces from designers all over the world. 

MODA OPERANDI Townhouse: For the super refined, this townhouse is a one stop destination to discover high-end brands, high-end trends and high-end help. I shopped the Bridal assortment here and I was taken away by the beauty of the store. Plush, pink velvet couches, chandeliers, and hand-painted wallpaper surround the ready-to-wear and accessory goods.

BERGDORF GOODMAN: The mecca of department decadence, I love walking through the racks at this New York shopping staple. There is no other store where you immediately feel more New York than BG. It is almost like shopping at a wealthy Grandmother's apartment: surrounded by sparkly chandeliers, crown molding and her lovely, lady friends.

BARNEYS NEW YORK: No introduction needed here, and certainly Barneys has more locations than the New York city hub. However, being situated on Madison Ave as opposed to Fifth makes all the difference here. Fighting crowds in front of Saks takes away from the overall experience, so walking into Barneys feels like a little secret, and reprieve from the unknowing tourist. Sleek and sophisticated, this is shopping for the minimalist looking for edgy and contemporary finds.

INTERMIX UPPER EAST SIDE: I find this location the most luxurious and largest of all the Intermix NYC stores. Yes you can find Intermix throughout the city, but I love the size and assortment at this location. Intermix assortments are catered to each neighborhood, so you know you are in for the real-deal for all your UES shopping needs here 

J.CREW MADISON AVENUE: J.Crew may seem like an odd choice given there is a J.Crew in every mall in America, but I always find this one to be especially unique. Filled with the items you can't find in every store, this store has a certain quality that feels just as fancy as the stores on Madison Avenue. I love shopping the J.Crew Collection too and I feel just as fancy here as I would elsewhere on the Upper East Side. 

MICHAEL'S CONSIGNMENT: Otherwise known just as Michael's, this high-end consignment store is a well-known UES establishment. The store first opened in 1954 and has been the go-to for second hand consignment for all the ladies who lunch east of Broadway. Here you score all the goodies from the above stores in like-new condition. You can now shop through their online store, avoiding midtown traffic to make your way to 79th and Madison. 

Not sure what to wear to walk around these streets? Take a cue and try to stay relaxed-chic with an on-trend spin. I would certainly consider this one-shoulder, wide-leg, jeweled mule look perfect when window shopping turns into buying. I provided some similar and more affordable looks because hey, "fake it till you make it".