Although students and New Yorkers in general tend to flock to the bustling retail districts of the East Side and SoHo, the Upper West Side is home to a wide range of shopping options. From vintage to contemporary to national chains, the oft-overlooked Upper West Side is a microcosm of New York City shopping in a location far more convenient for Columbia students.
Starting with a New York signature, the Barneys CO-OP on Broadway between 75th and 76th streets offers the upscale department store’s collection of younger and trendier designers. Though the price tags are still nothing to scoff at, the of-the-moment pieces here might still fall within the realm of possibility for a special splurge. The women’s section has such newly-established favorites as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Vena Cava, and Alexander Wang, as well as an accessories section packed with Marc by Marc Jacobs bags and house brand shoes. Menswear hosts hipster-approved Steven Alan, Opening Ceremony, and Rag & Bone. Both genders can find on-trend designer jeans at the large denim bar.
Of similar appeal are the Upper West Side locations of Mint, on Columbus Avenue between 81st and 82nd streets, and Theory, on Columbus between 70th and 71st streets. Both feel more like boutiques than single-designer spaces. At Mint, walls painted the titular hue are home to racks of cocktail dresses and girly casual wear. Theory’s sleek, put-together-chic wares include well-cut trousers, tops, and blazers nice enough to wear to work but stylish enough to wear on the weekends.
Only Hearts on Columbus between 78th and 79th streets has been a native retail resident of the Upper West Side since the 70s. Famous for its house lingerie line, it also stocks popular labels like Cosabella and Vera Wang. Most popular is its signature “inner outerwear”—underwear or lingerie that can double as part of an actual outfit.
Tired of contemporary? Allan & Suzi on Amsterdam at 80th Street has offered consignment wares for over 20 years. Racks brim with everything from vintage tees to couture. The clothing ranges from retro to flamboyant, but with patience there are real finds, from vintage Chanel to very gently used Zac Posen.
Other good deals can be found at Loehmann’s on Broadway at 73rd Street, which is usually stocked with discounted Free People dresses and Vince sweaters.
Even more off the beaten track is West at 72nd Street near Columbus. Its walls might be covered with black and white photos of classic New York celebrities, but its streetwear and, more predominantly, its footwear, come in a sea of bright colors. Its enormous selection of limited edition and specialty shoes includes neon-colored Nikes, Pumas, and PRO-Keds sure to please any sneaker aficionado. The shop also sells ski jackets, trucker hats, and downtown-cool logo T-shirts.
These highlights are not exhaustive, but they emphasize the substantial options of a much more convenient shopping neighborhood. Why go crosstown or downtown when so much is only a train stop, or even a short walk, away?
COMMENTS
Comments will be moderated in accordance with our comment policy