by Rory of www.wearaboutsblog.com
After shopping in New York City for years, and especially in Soho, I’ve narrowed down a shopping guide to the 5 places where I think you’ll be most successful and get the most bang for your buck if you have a style similar to mine (and basically any other college aged girl).
1. Brandy Melville
Brandy Melville has recently gotten über popular–and for a good reason! They have awesome styles at great prices. Brandy is your classic New York City college girl look–a mix of city, boho, girly, and rocker!
negatives:
-Often long lines (and therefore long waits) to buy your clothes.
-Their clothing is one size fits all–not ideal if petite or plus-sized. (on the plus side, if you’re regular-sized, you can just skip the dressing room since you know it’ll fit!)
See their website here
2. Free People
I don’t know about you, but I usually have to do all my Free People shopping at department stores or online, since there is no boutique close to me! In NYC, you don’t have that problem. Every time I’m in the city I’ll stop by Free People to check out the sale rack (which is often packed with deals!). They are a bit on the expensive side on my teenage budget, but when there are sales they aren’t! And nothing is cuter than some Free People tunics, dresses, and jeans, ja feel?
negatives:
-too expensive without sales
See their website here
3. Topshop
Another store I usually only visit online–and for good reason–I don’t live in the UK! Thankfully, this UK-based brand has expanded westward. Styles more European (and cool, in my opinion) than H&M with slightly higher (but worth it) prices make Topshop a definite on my top 5 list.
See their website here
4. David Z
This store may not look like the cool, hip designs you’re craving from the outside–but just step inside and you’ll be trying on shoes in no time. David Z’s carries all the best brands and at great prices. I got my treasured Doc Martens here last winter on extreme discount. Don’t bother popping in Steve Madden or Aldo down the street–David Z’s has got you covered, guaranteed. Plus, you won’t find David Z anywhere else–they are solely New York City, so don’t miss out!
negatives:
-appearance: it doesn’t look like a place you’d like from the outside, does it?
see their website here
5. Forever 21-Times Square
So, I lied. I didn’t give you the 5 best stores in Soho—but I couldn’t help myself. The one store I always visit when I’m in the city is Forever 21 Times Square (and for good reason!). First of all, I have never not bought anything when going here. It’s a bazillion stories high and takes hours to comb through the whole store–they literally have SO much to look through! It’s so worth it though, since there’s always something for everyone. That’s the advantage of such a big store! My Forever 21 back home is incomparable. They often even have more merchandise in store than online! You may say I’m your stereotypical teenager for suggesting the mega-Forever 21. And my mom would agree with you! But trust me when I say you won’t be bummed you paid this store a (possibly 4 hour) visit. It’s worth it!
negatives:
-it can literally take hours to look through the entire store–could be seen as a positive or negative though, yea? 🙂
see their website here
So when you go shopping, make sure to hit up these Soho (and Times Square) stores! You’ll get great deals and go home with lots of new clothes you’re sure to be happy about.
See more at my personal style blog, www.wearaboutsblog.com