Top 5 Shopping Destinations In New York City

There is nothing more delightful for a fashionista than shopping in New York City. Millions of tourists visit New York every year just to shop. It’s no surprise as New York is home to some of the most fabulous shopping destinations in the world. Here are five of the best shopping destinations New York City has to offer.

Bergdorf Goodman’s legendary eight floors of designer heaven have made it one of the most recognizable department stores in New York City. In store designer boutiques from some of the world's most coveted designers are complete with fitting rooms over looking Central Park. When you want to take a break from power shopping make sure to check out the in-store restaurants and cafes, which are decorated to the nines. Don't leave without visiting John Barrett's salon on the ninth floor. Just a heads up, the customer service is horrible.

Bergdorf Goodman
754 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
(212) 753-7300‎
www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Bloomingdale's is synonymous with New York City. Known for their great customer service Bloomingdales offers a plethora of brands from mid-range to luxury. Bloomingdale's is also very "men friendly" and offers great in-store boutiques for men from popular noteworthy sportswear labels like Armani and John Varvatos along with great mens accessories collections from Michael Kors and Kenneth Cole.

Bloomingdale's
59th Street & Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022

(212) 705-2000
‎
www.bloomingdales.com

Henri Bendel is one of the most luxurious paces to shop for cosmetics. The first floor is a spacious showcase of the world's best cosmetic companies. From Chanel, Dior and YSL you will find the latest beauty buys from your favorite brands here. The second floor houses fabulous accessories from gorgeous handbags to bedazzled headbands. Make sure to visit the manicure station near the entrance for one of the best manicures you can get in New York.

Henri Bendel
712 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10019

(212) 247-1100‎
www.henribendel.com

Intermix boutiques are peppered all over New York but the most favored location is on Madison Avenue. Intermix has a great selection of youthful designer brands from luxury to contemporary. This boutique is mostly known for its outrageous handbag and shoe collections, which features some of the most desired labels from Givenchy to Chloe.

Intermix
1003 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10075

(212) 249-7858
www.intermixonline.com

Jeffrey is the shopping destination of choice for fashion lovers who crave luxury fashion. Located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, this mini department store has an impressive very high-end selection for discerning shopaholics who love a well-edited selection of designer fashions. It is much more youthful and cooler than other New York City department stores thanks to the in-house DJ and minimalistic interiors.

Jeffrey New York

449 West 14th St
New York, NY 10014

(212) 206-1272

www.jeffreynewyork.com

Prada Opens In Paris

Prada has announced the opening of a five-month temporary shop at Place Beauvau, in Paris, inspired by the French poet, Apollinaire.

The space was designed by Robert Baciocchi, and the spectacular facade is a reference to the image of Mirabeau bridge, the inspiration for one of Apollinaire's most famous poems.

The ground floor is asbtract in nature with a rather elaborate motif. The carpeting and sofas have all been done in lilac complemented by bronzed-metal glass displays.

The two-storey shop also flaunts the black and white chequered marble floor belonging to the Milanese history, which was seen in the original Prada store on 1913.

Swimwear gets Haute At The Orchid Boutique

Looking for designer swimwear, that's exclusive, classy and ultra sexy? Look no further, The Orchid Boutique is our latest boutique find for fabulous resortwear. Offering an array of up to the minute designer bathing suits for women of all shapes and sizes. Orchid Boutique offers a great selection of handbags and jewelry as well to complete your perfect beach look. They carry our favorite swimwear design house, OndadeMar Swimwear, which recently had their suit featured in The Sex and The City Movie as seen on Samantha. The Orchid Boutique has been the favorite shopping destination for jet-setting divas worldwide who want to find their perfect suit. It's now your turn to make it sizzle in you're new fabulous finds from The Orchid Boutique. Visit http://www.theorchidboutique.com/

The Biggest Fleur’t

Hello cheeky lady! Every girl needs to embrace her inner goddess. No wardrobe is complete without an arsenal filled with weapons of mass seduction. Lingerie is the ultimate confidence booster. Since we all don’t live it up in the Moulin Rouge, women occasionally need a break from the traditional sex kitten lingerie. Fleur’t lingerie is comfortable, cute, and classy. It’s not your conventional lingerie; rather it entertains the needs of the women who wear it. It’s perfect to lounge in, yet alluring enough to feel sexy in. The camisoles designed by Nancy Yoo are so versatile… you’ll live in them. The peek-a-boo lace is irresistible and the fabric is soft and inviting. Don’t forget to check out the matching boy shorts. They come in fun and fabulous colors that will satisfy any mood. Your significant other will adore the sheer, lacy thongs as much as you will. It’s time to trade in your hanky panky panties, and get your Fleur’t on . It’s more than a bare necessity.

-Therese Quiao

Interview with Pamela Peckerman, Founder of Bag Trends

We love to visit the site Bagtrends.com to get the latest scoop on what's haute in the handbag world. So we had to get the inside scoop on style from the fashionista who started it all, Pamela. With several internships at some of our favorite magazines like Instyle and a journalism degree from NYU, Pamela has an intelligent take on fashion. Here's what she had to say about her style.

HM: Describe your style in one word.
P: Elegant

HM: What is your best-kept fashion secret?
P: Pashminas. Love them for winter as a thick scarf. Love them for early spring and fall as a throw. I have them in a dozen colors and it’s just a great way to complete my preferred elegant/ladylike looks. Plus if a particular color is in style this is a nice way to inject it into my fashionable repertoire. My other little tidbit is BBC - bags, babbles and coats. That is where I invest my money because a fierce bag, ring or coat can last you a lifetime.

HM: Where is your favorite place to shop for handbags?
P: Of course I love Shop Bag Trends! But I also like Saks or if I know the designer really well I’ll go to them directly or to their showroom.

HM: Who is your style icon?
P: I love Grace Kelly, both Audrey and Kate Hepburn, and Lulu Guinness.
What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when it comes to handbags?
Multibagging. I can’t stand when I see a nice bag and then a paper bag from Victoria Secret or Bloomingdales. Find something that fits your life. Or if you let’s say carry a laptop occasionally, find a case that matched your regular bag so that there is some continuity.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in fashion?
P: Don’t be afraid to try something. There are many outfits I put together that I feel I would never have the courage or maybe even the vision to put together if I wasn’t constantly surrounded by amazing designers, stylist and fashionistas.

HM: What advice would you give to young fashion handbag designers trying to make their fame?
P: E-mail me because I’m usually good at getting back to designers especially if they are asking for advice. But, seriously, I would say it’s great to have unique ideas, but it’s equally as important to know the business of fashion. That means understand how to create your brand and your story (so you stand out) then us that to either get your own press or hire a pr firm. A great pr firm can make your brand. PR is expensive and there are a lot of options out there so do your homework and ask around for referrals or go on websites of designers you like and see who reps them.

HM: If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?
P: This is actually sort of a spin from a line a journalism professor once told me. She said “Never put out a story if you don’t have at least one to-die-for line in it.” Meaning that one line that just makes you smile and feel great that you wrote it. So, with a fashion twist, never step out the door if you don’t at least have one item on that makes you smile and feel amazing about being you. For me it’s usually a handbag (of course), but it could be your scarf, skirt, pin, even a hair cut.

Interview with Shahnaz Hughson of Bombay Gal Boutique

Indian Rugs, Ganesh Murals and Moroccan tiles gives this Historic Downtown Atlanta Shop an exotic, opulent feel. Boutique Owner Shahnaz Hughson opened Bombay Gal to sell pieces that embody everything a working woman, a mother and a wife would want to wear. New to her 30's, she noticed a void in the market for women transitioning from their 20's into their 30's.

Shahnaz has her own designed collection. The pieces are a celebration of color and texture culminating into a collection that is irresistible. Inspired by culture and color from all over the world, from casual wear to sophisticated evening wear. The pieces are made from semi precious stones and materials such as brass, enamel, wood and resin. These are handpicked, each material from destinations from all over the world to create these beautiful designs by hand.

Interview with Owner Shahnaz Hughson:

HM: What inspired you want to start a boutique?
My Love for fashion, and the idea of contributing to the world of Fashion.

HM: What do you look for in clothing companies when buying?
I look for pieces that woman can wear several ways. Having a few different looks makes me feel like my money is well spent.

HM: What are your best sellers?
Our Jewelry.

HM: Who is your typical customer?
A working woman, a mother, a wife etc….women that are not fearful of embracing new looks and styles.

HM: What sets your boutique apart from the others in your area?
My Boutique features items and styles from all over the world, brought back from my travels of exotic foreign lands. I have designers from Cuba, Brazil, India, Peru, Nepal etc. This is what sets us apart. Also, the fact that you can find the most unique pieces in an exotic setting for affordable prices.

HM: Georgia’s boutique culture is growing rapidly. What do you think is the cause of this new boom?
I feel that a lot of young, ambitious, confident people are moving to Georgia. I also feel that Georgia is kind of an untapped state. This is great because we feel like we can bring our ideas and our creations, and not feel overwhelmed with the competition. I feel that previously we were a very trendy state….where malls and shopping centers were the place to go. Now, with cute boutiques and specialty shops popping up, we are really mixing things up and adding to the flavor.

HM: Are there any distinct favorites among women in Atlanta and the surrounding areas such as a special style or accessory piece?
I think personally we are big on Accessories in general. Big bags, big bold jewelry the more the better is truly what we believe. Also Vintage is huge here.

HM: What’s new at Bombay Gal?
Right now the new jewelry collection. I just debuted it in the store last week for spring and summer…using great Antique Indian beads and enamel. The collection is very Bohemian, earthy, eclectic, as well as affordable.

HM: What is the main emotion the customer should feel when walking into Bombay Gal?
That they are in some Exotic, Foreign Country.

HM: What are your plans for the future?
The plans for the store are to have a few more stores maybe in Mexico, New York and Miami. And for the Jewelry collection I would like to wholesale my creations so you can get Bombay Gal designs in your state no matter where you are.

HM: If you could give advice to women who are thinking about starting a boutique what would it be?
Besides knowing your customer, I think it is very important to have a theme. Personally, I think this is what sets us apart from all the rest. Anyone can open a boutique and have clothes in it….make it a story. Make it an experience people will not forget. Whether it is through customer service or through the unique items in the store. Give it your best…..I guarantee it will be successful.

Bombay Gal Boutique
238 Auburn Ave
Atlanta, GA 30303

404-399-7224
info@bombay-gal.com

Interview with Bella Bella Boutique Owner, Aline Machado

Aline Machado: Owner, Bella Bella Boutique

Thirsting for super sexy lingerie and mood enhancing products? Discover what is new in the industry, coming from fabulous Florida! Here is our interview with e-tailer Aline Machado, owner of the beautiful Bella Bella Boutique.

HM: What inspired you want to start a boutique?
A: Having a very stylish mother, teaching me how to be a lady all my life, at age 9 I knew I wanted to own a fashion boutique. And being in the fashion industry for so many years my passion got bigger and bigger.

HM: What do you look for in clothing companies when buying?
A: We specialize in fine lingerie, specially from new designer with fresh approach and beautiful styles. We look for quality and good price.

HM: What are your best sellers?
A: Spoylt lingerie from London is a must-have in the designer level, Sensualle Thongs are always sold out due to their unique cuts and embellishments, Lola Luna are the most spectacular G-strings in the world, made in South of France with beautiful lace and Swarovski crystals, Booty Parlor is loved by many celebrities.

HM: Who is your typical customer?
A: Our clientele is between 18-50 years old, usually sophisticated, fashion-forward and stylish. We have many doctors and lawyers as well many college students clients. We also have high profile clients including celebrities.

HM: What sets your boutique apart from the others in your area?
A: We carry some exclusive brands from London, Australia, Colombia and Brazil. We have added brands that cater to women from all continents.

HM: Florida’s boutique culture is growing rapidly. What do you think is the cause of this new boom?
A: Population growth and people being more fashion focused and looking for something different or hard to find. I had a customer that was so happy to find Bella Bella for her Nougat London Bath products that she could only get at Harrods in London.

HM: Are there any distinct favorites among women in Aventura and the surrounding areas? A special style or accessory piece?
A: Brazilian cut panties and sexy thongs are adored by Miami women.

HM: What’s new at Bella Bella?
A: Soon we will have exclusive gift sets by Bella Bella with products to cater to the 5 senses all in one gorgeous luxurious boxed set.

HM: What are your plans for the future?
A: We will be starting our own brand of lingerie.

HM: If you could give advice to women who are thinking about starting a boutique what would it be?
A: Lots of research, great PR, knowing your niche customer, keeping your overhead low, the perfect location and lots of passion!

Bella Bella Boutique
3600 Mystic Pointe Dr. Suite 1114
Aventura, FL 33180
305-407-8759

Every one is a star in California Feat. Lisa Kline

Let's face it, we've all at a time in our lives wished we were a Californian girl. The perfect golden tan, blonde highlights and joie de vivre are standard in Cali as is a shopping spree at Lisa Kline. Lisa Klien offers delicious threads for every type of fashionista. From Glamour girls to surfer chicks Lisa Kline is a personal fave of trendsetting girls about town. As a special offer to HM readers, take 10% off purchases by entering the code "hautemimi" at checkout.

Spring Shopping with Zoya Boutique

Karl Lagerfeld once stated that some women will not wake unless they have something new and exciting to wear in the morning. I am one of those women and Zoya Boutique is the new fabulous addition to my list of favorite boutiques. With to-die-for dresses and sensual tops a shopping trip at Zoya Boutique will insure that you will look stunning and unique wherever you go. Founder Diana Makaj is a professional fashion stylist so you're bound to find pieces at Zoya Boutique that are up to the minute and also very fashion forward. Our favroties for Spring 08 from Zoya Boutique include this little lime number that is perfect for that garden party and also this khaki trench which will leave you loving April showers. Visit Zoya Boutique as soon as possible whether at the brick and mortar location in Westchester or the fantastic online boutique.

P.S. they have an amazing jewelry line named Lo'Key MaKaj that carries luxuriant and exotic pieces that will have you at hello. http://www.zoyaboutique.com/

Zoya Boutique

57 Mamaroneck Avenue

White Plains, New York 10605

914.390.9692

Boutique Review - Victoria's Red Carpet

Victoria Paton Pascual - Owner of Victoria's Red Carpet

(ATLANTA, GA) -Victoria’s Red Carpet’s philosophy is to bring unique shoes in very limited quantities to the fashion conscious women of Atlanta - normally not more than three pairs in the same model, and in many cases there is only one pair in stock (that means one pair, in one size, not one pair in each size). The shoes are truly unique and exclusive, crafted in renowned Spanish workmanship styles and materials, shapes, colors and designs different from the ordinary.

"Spain is a very fashion forward country, where people have an effortless sense of aesthetic and taste for fashion and allure in many different forms."
- Victoria Paton Pascual

Victoria's Red Carpet has been featured in magazines such as Atlanta Peach, The Atlantan, Jezabel, Four Seasons magazine, International Edition, and in Eat.Shop Guide of Atlanta.

We had a fabulous opportunity to get to interview and get to know Victoria, the stylish boutique owner of Victoria's Red Carpet, and her scoop on Spanish style.

Describe your style in one word.

Inspired

What is your best-kept fashion secret?
The collecting and mix-up of unusual and high quality pieces that will remain in your closet for ever.

What are the five fashion essentials every woman should have in her closet?
An always flattering bold vivid color dress, a great pair of funky stilettos, a small elegant clutch, a wrap-up white blouse -easy to accessorize-, chunky accessories to dramatically change the appearance of any outfit and make it edgy!

Who is your style icon?
I especially love Audrey Hepburn…but so many others also.

What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make?
Not knowing what works for you and your body shape…and being too conservative as well. To create a personal style you have to dare to try and be different.

What is your favorite outfit?
A dress of any type, from the beaded ones from the 60’s to very simple and minimalist shapes where the focus are the lines.

What is your favorite way to accessorize?
Of course shoes… and great bold accessories, with a weakness for the big outstanding pieces.

If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?
Be yourself and be happy with it, and then make the best of you with the fun and help of fashion.

Salon Kitty - London

Salon Kitty carries exquisite Australian designs by Wheels and Dollbaby (seen in OK! Magazine and You Magazine) and Peep Toe Shoes, as well as other fashionable fashion lines.

"I have always felt that all women, no matter their shape or size have the right to feel good about themselves. Fashion really does have the ability to make people feel positive about the way they look and this shows in how they then present themselves to others. All women have a special outfit that they feel comfortable in or confident in, whether it be a skimpy little top or a pair of sweat pants."

- Alicia, Founder of Salon Kitty

Muse - Houston, TX - Boutique Review

(HOUSTON, TX) - Muse is fast becoming Houston's go to store for women who crave exclusive high fashion shopping. With an impressive list of designer labels like Calypso, Adam + Eve and Swati Argade, any fashionista is bound to fall in love. Once inside the boutique you feel as if you have stepped into a world of glamour and decadence yet with the comfort of your ultra hip best friend's closet.

Muse Boutique
2411 West Alabama Street
Houston, Texas 77098
Phone: (713) 520-6873
Mon-Wed 10am-6pm,
Thu 10am-7pm,
Fri 10am-6pm,
Sat 11am-6pm

Every item in the store is chosen carefully to reflect current trends while still embracing he classics that every woman should own. Muse is a must while shopping in Houston and for those who cannot make it to the boutique, visit their website http://www.musehoustonshop.com/ and snag a Butter dress or two.

Chavo Killingsworth of Haute Mimi with Margaret Morris ,Co-Owner of Muse

"Muse had an wonderful environment. Very inviting and charming. Upon walking in the door I was greeted and also noticed a wonderful scent that filled the store from the candles that were burning. Yes, there was music playing. Nothing to over the top with the selection...very care free. The staff there were so friendly and very personable. Also, they had a store dog (Billy) who was so friendly and cute. Muse is definitely a boutique where there is range. From clothes to soap to jewelry...just a pleasant overall experience."

-Chavo Killingsworth, Assistant Editor

Fleur Boutique

Shopping at Fleur is like spending time in your chicest friend's well-stocked
closet: you're in for a super-girly treat (honest advice included) and all of
your very favorite designers are there. Is that a coincidence? Not a chance.
The girls behind Fleur, Eliza Stoecker and Christina Cerwin, have been
friends since grade school and knew exactly the kind of shopping
atmosphere and experience they wanted to create.
A sleek, modern design with pristine all-white decor and equally cool pink
accents provides the perfect backdrop to the colorful bounty from fashion's
most sought-after lines. Upon returning to North Carolina, the girls decided
it was time to realize their dream and open shop. The premier shop
opened its doors in Chapel Hill in 2003 offering Triangle shoppers interesting
and up-and-coming designers that were not available in the South. Their
concept of blending femininity with unique fashion was so embraced by their
clientele that the two opened a second location in Raleigh's Cameron Village
in 2005. Eliza's sister Louise Stowe joined them on this venture.
Though under the same name, the sister stores are unique in their
offerings, which gives shoppers two, always fabulous boutiques to regularly
peruse. Chapel Hill remains more contemporary and a touch more
conservative, while the Raleigh shop exhibits edgier, more independent
lines. Both are always right on with each season's offerings.
Consistently praised for their buying skills, the girls have displayed an
innate ability to spot each season's must-have looks that translate to the
store's locations and are readily scooped up by loyal customers.
Their secret? -They're avid fashionistas with a strong sense of style and
really know their customers well. For the girls at Fleur, this is a personal
business, which is why the store is known for its attentive and
knowledgeable customer service. That, coupled with an incredible
designer line-up has landed Fleur in the pages of several of today's
must-read glossies including Lucky, InStyle,and Harper's Bazaar, and made
the two boutiques a favorite shopping destination for fashionistas-in-the-
know.

fashion

Boudoir D'huitres: Elegant, Poised, and Smart

Introducing a fabulous fashion line that is so magnificently chic and super glam. Transform your silhouette into something unique. Create history.

This Fall/Holiday season, Boudoir D'huitres will debut its 11 piece luxury women's outerwear collection. The collection's theme, "Dinner in Future Victoria" mixes traditional, detailed Victorian corsetry with fashion forward simplistic silhouettes. Each garment is limited and expertly constructed, with inspirations from 19th century corsetry and lingerie.

Let's see what is on the menu, shall we?

Private label: eileen Signature Tees

When a woman wants a no maintenance, stress-free look that compliments any lifestyle, it only makes things that much easier to find a boutique that caters to all of this. eileen, a favorite for some of the most meticulous shoppers, has a new private label, consisting of some of the most fashionable tees and tanks. These tees are stylish, extremely comfortable, and hug your curves, seamlessly. When you wear them, you feel confident, in comparison to the bulgy and boxy run-of-the-mill t-shirts. The beautifully rich colors, such as tango red and mulberry, compliment many skin tones. After washing they bounce back to their original shape, perfectly. This truly is hassle-free shopping.

http://www.shopeileen.com/