The conclusion of Fashion Week truly kicks off the fall retail season, and New York has an amazing crop of new stores and designers looking to outfit us in style! So, following, are the Faithful Shopper's Top 11 for Fall 2011 -- those stores I think offer something new, distinctive, or uniquely keyed to their markets.
Some already have arrived -- others are coming soon, so keep checking for grand openings. And then have a grand time shopping!
Already here:
Sephora MeatPacking - 21 Ninth Avenue
The culmination of the best of Sephora's 15 other shops in Manhattan, it features LED displays, touch-screen computers, and glossy black shelving. A super-modern interpretation with an eyelash bar and mobile checkout.
Ladurée - 864 Madison Avenue
Decadent macaroons, as well as cakes, pastries and all for the sweet tooth; I feel like I'm in Paris.
Carlos Campos - 75 Orchards Street
Cutting edge menswear made from extraordinary fabrics and knits are the hallmark of this Honduras-born designer.
Century 21 - 1972 Broadway
The official grand opening is next week, but this New York City legend has what we call "a soft opening" now through Saturday. So check out the great deals that you always find here!
Mulberry - 134 Spring Street
Not a newcomer to the city, but this newest store is an amazing flagship that showcases its full line of accessories, luggage, women's apparel and shoes.
Rugby Ralph Lauren - 380 Bleecker Street (women's) - 390 Bleecker Street (men's)
A perfect one-two punch in the Village, Rugby's younger, irreverent take on Lauren's classic style is a welcome addition to what is becoming one of the great fashion streets in the world.
Treasure & Bond -350 West Broadway
Do some good for others while doing well for yourself at Nordstrom's first full-price store in the city. Apparel brands available include Vince and James Perse, with home items from Lucia, among others. And profits go to different charities each quarter.
Coming Soon:
Marimekko - 200 Fifth Avenue
Clothing, textiles, and home items with a distinctive Scandinavian touch, courtesy of this Finnish retailer. The original prints and colors will keep you glowing all winter. Opening October 8.
Stone Fox Bride - 611 Broadway
Not every bride wants to look like a fairy-tale princess on her big day. Instead, she can come here for nontraditional gowns, rings, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, and accessories from designers including Daryl K, Anna Sheffield and Birkenstock. Opening in October.
Uniqlo - 666 Fifth Avenue
The countdown is on for literally the biggest deal in New York retail. Shoppers won't have to wait much longer for this distinctive casual wear from Japan, in a huge flagship. Full disclosure: I represented the landlord for one of their pop-up shops. Opening October 14.
Massimo Dutti - 689 Fifth Avenue
Zara's higher-end sibling is taking its former location for its first U.S. store -- offering apparel of exceptional quality, and custom-tailored pieces at very good prices. But really, go for the leather jackets and jeans.
Happy Shopping!