Just in time for the holiday season, renowned celebrity stylist Erin Walsh shares her curated insights into navigating the diverse and dynamic shopping landscape of New York City.

New York City's reputation as a global shopping mecca is undisputed. Since the late 1800s, it has stood as the nation's retail capital, boasting luxury flagship stores, historic department shops, and avant-garde independent boutiques.

However, many visitors stick to familiar chains along 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Herald Square, missing out on the city's hidden retail treasures.

“If that’s all you see, you’re missing out on the true gems,” says Erin Walsh, a long-time New Yorker and stylist to stars like Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez. A devoted New York enthusiast, Walsh emphasizes the city’s influence on her identity and spirit. “Living there, it becomes part of who you are—your heart beats with the city’s rhythm,” she shares.

Walsh's philosophy for exploring New York’s shopping scene is simple yet transformative: “Get lost.” By wandering the city’s unique neighborhoods, one can stumble upon unexpected inspiration. For Walsh, this means crafting hyper-focused shopping excursions in vibrant pockets of the city, complete with nearby restaurants and cozy spots that add depth to the experience.

Here’s Walsh’s expert guide to “getting lost” in New York City’s shopping world.

<h3>Best for Women’s Fashion: SoHo (West Broadway to Broadway)</h3>

Walsh identifies a cobblestoned stretch between West Broadway and Broadway in SoHo as her go-to area for women’s fashion. Renowned for its chic boutiques, SoHo offers countless options, from luxury brand stores like The Webster, Kate Spade, and Chloé to hidden indie shops.

She highlights Kirna Zabête on Mercer Street for its carefully curated selection of pieces by iconic and emerging designers. When in this area, Walsh suggests visiting multi-purpose spaces like La Mercerie, which combines a restaurant, showroom, and shop. “Everything in the restaurant is for sale—even the flowers,” she explains. Ending the day with a stop at Balthazar adds a touch of charm to the experience.

<h3>Best for Men’s Shopping: The Bowery</h3>

For men’s fashion, Walsh heads to The Bowery, an industrial neighborhood in downtown Manhattan that she affectionately describes as “woodsy” and underrated. Near The Bowery Hotel, Walsh recommends upscale stores like John Derien, perfect for solving holiday gifting dilemmas, and Dashwood Books, her husband’s favorite bookstore. This area is a hub of small, thoughtfully curated shops, including Goop's concept store.

<h3>Best for Traditional Holiday Shopping: Midtown</h3>

Midtown’s shopping district is synonymous with the magic of the holiday season. From the Macy’s Special Day Parade to the iconic holiday tree at Rockefeller Center, the neighborhood exudes festive charm. The historic department stores along 5th Avenue, such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks, are famous for their elaborate holiday window displays.

While locals often avoid the bustling holiday crowds, Walsh embraces the season’s energy. “You have to experience it—the tree, the lights, the people,” she says, even enjoying the packed Rockefeller Center with her children.

<h3>Best for Home Interiors: Tribeca and the West Village</h3>

Walsh’s passion for design extends to interiors, and she frequents Tribeca and the West Village for beautifully crafted homeware. From mirrors to candles, she finds joy in selecting thoughtful gifts that make recipients feel seen and appreciated. “Even a robe can be a beautiful present,” she adds, emphasizing how personal and unique home gifts can be.

She’s also fond of candle and fragrance shops, which she considers surprising yet meaningful gifts. Although often dismissed, Walsh believes these risky yet thoughtful gestures are the most memorable.

<h3>Best for Kids: SoHo (Thompson to West Broadway)</h3>

When shopping for children, Walsh narrows her focus to a small stretch in western SoHo. Bonpoint on West Broadway is her favorite for children’s designer clothes. She also praises Makie on Thompson Street, describing its kids’ clothing as “beautifully designed, with a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics.” To end the shopping trip, she recommends visiting Ladurée for macarons, a treat sure to delight both kids and adults.

<h3>Best for Quiet Luxury: The Upper East Side (around The Mark Hotel)</h3>

Walsh’s preferred uptown shopping destination is Madison Avenue near The Mark Hotel. Before diving into boutique shopping, she suggests a stop at Georgia Louise Atelier for a rejuvenating facial and premium beauty products.

Afterward, she recommends exploring luxury shops like Sidney Garber, Ralph Lauren, and La Ligne. She particularly loves gifting sweaters from La Ligne, which she believes universally delight recipients. Rounding off the Upper East Side experience with a visit to the Gagosian gallery and a drink at The Mark completes the indulgent day.

<h3>Best for All-Day Excursions: SoHo (Lafayette to Crosby Streets)</h3>

For a full day of shopping, Walsh highlights another concentrated pocket of SoHo. Along Crosby and Howard Streets, she recommends browsing furniture and jewelry stores before stopping for coffee or gifts at Saturdays NYC.

She enjoys exploring Prada and Dinosaur Designs for accessories before heading east to Lafayette Street for Santa Maria Novella’s luxury fragrances and McNally Jackson’s indie books. To end the day, she savors a Campari spritz at Sant Ambroeus, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere.

<h3>Best New Shopping Spot: Dover Street Market (Flatiron/Madison Square Park)</h3>

While Walsh cherishes Manhattan’s classic shopping districts, she’s excited about newer areas like the Flatiron District, home to Dover Street Market. With its unique blend of international designers and diverse offerings, the area has become a burgeoning shopping hub.

Beyond shopping, the neighborhood boasts foodie destinations like Eataly and Cecconi’s, as well as several hotels ideal for relaxing during a busy day. “Take your time,” Walsh advises. “Rushing leads to bad gift choices.”

With her curated guide, Walsh invites shoppers to embrace the unexpected and discover the hidden treasures of New York City’s iconic retail scene.