SHOPPING GUIDE:CHELSEA

Another week with another shopping guide featuring the wonderful streets of Chelsea, Manhattan. There are so many stores in the Chelsea area, it is actually one of my favorite places to shop. Chelsea is west of Broadway, neighboring the swanky, more commercial Flatiron district. Flatiron houses some great shops, but Chelsea offers a more eclectic group of stores. High-end consignment stores (my favorite!), cool furniture shops and one, very large, modern-art like Barney's take up the Chelsea space in the downtown area.

Fortunately, the eclectic group of neighbors featuring techie types, young fashion mavens, college-grads and recently well-off thirty-something folk move to this once up-and-coming area. Back in the day, Chelsea was viewed as a late night, nightclub going spot for the young fun types. Now, Chelsea includes architecturally appealing skyscrapers, quaint townhouses and recently renovated high-rise apartment buildings. Separate from the meatpacking district- this Chelsea overview doesn't include the Meatpacking district, as that shopping spot is a post in itself.

Overview:

Shoppers: Unassuming well-to-do types of all ages, late thirty-something to early forty-something couples searching for first home interior design buys and recent college grads working at start-ups

Price: $$-$$$$

Highlighted Stores:

BARNEY'S NEW YORK: Starting with the main attraction, this recently opened go-to hotspot is more of a satellite store compared to its uptown headquarters. This locations caters to the newly appointed wealthy types looking to drop major dough on a Balmain blazer, Saint Laurent sneakers or a Maison Margiela tee-shirt.

NEW YORK VINTAGE: Famed vintage spot, this store was frequently mentioned on once popular Rachel Zoe's reality show. The selection of high-end goodies is endless and a hot-spot for celebrity stylists looking for a one-of-kind piece for their actress clients. Don't shy away from the doorbell, as the front door stays locked during their open hours. I welcome you to at least take a step inside and ogle over their beaded gowns, silky slips and stunning jewelry display.

CHELSEA ANTIQUES & SHOWACASE: The mecca for antique goers, you could justify it truly is a mall of sorts offering a range of categories within the antique world. Whether you are shopping for furniture, jewelry, clothing or really anything else- this is the one-stop-shop for you. This bi-level shop is a dream for any antiquing lover.

CROSSROADS:A consignment store rarely spoken about in the city, this popular shop pops up everywhere in California. It offers a higher exchange cash-out policy as opposed to its neighboring Buffalo Exchange, but because of that, I find a lot of editors and stylists dole out their once worn goodies to this store. A Chanel bag, Gucci shoes or lacey Zimmermann dress is displayed behind the desk and rightfully so. They offer a range of items in designer mix and price. This is only for the strong-willed shopper, as you really need to dig through the racks to find something exciting and worth buying.

ARTISTS & FLEAS: I know I mentioned I wouldn't include Meatpacking shops, but considering this store is literally inside Chelsea Market, I figured it was best to list it here. Offering a wide range of hand-made, vintage and some not so hand-made items, you are guaranteed to find something to your liking. Products run the gamut from furniture, clothing, concert posters and knick-knacks. The prices are somewhat affordable and it caters to both the tourists and the New York locals.

Not sure what to wear for such a hip and cool area in the city? This awesome Fame and Partners wrap top is perfect for summer strolls around FarWeChe (Far West Chelsea). Paired with white denim and a basket tote, you are ready to hit the stores and shop till you drop.