The weather outside is horrible, but holiday shopping is fun. Before you hit the stores, browse Alexa’s curated guide to the season’s 17 best bargains, fashion pills and store openings in New York. Crafty sweaters, collectible bags, slinky party dresses – and Gigi Hadid – await!
Looking for cool SoCal luxury clothing? Aviator Nation turns to New York pop-up, opening Dec. 18. The ’70s-inspired brand, started by Paige Mycoskie in her Venice Beach garage and worn by Selena Gomez and Ben Affleck, offers everything from animal-print sweatshirts and unisex knit hoodies to five-lined glossy puffer. With soft, vintage-feel fabrics and a relaxed fit, these are dresses to live in.
Secure your supermodel-approved cashmere at Guest in Residence’s Feel Shop. Founder and creative director Gigi Hadid has opened a Soho pop-up featuring luxury menswear and womenswear, including her colorful new Ski Lodge capsule. He also collaborated with Popupflorist on the green shop. An on-site florist will create unusual, seasonal bouquets as well as fresh and preserved flowers, both to grab and go and to order. From your trendy style to your doormat, Gigi’s got you covered.
Nordstrom’s Center Stage is pure retail theater. The flagship’s rotating pop-up store is dedicated this month to festive gifts from global makers and craft labels. Explore feel-good and wellness favorites, adorable toys and games, adorable pet clothing, fuzzy slippers, specialty kits and more, from brands like Kitsch, Subu and Natalie Joy. If you’re in the market for catchy indie fare, start here.
Bally58 Gansevoort St.
Switzerland’s 1956 Winter Olympic team sported Bally’s comfortable off-piste curling boots at the Cortina d’Ampezzo games in Italy, and the small country has medaled six times in skiing and bobsleigh. Sixty-six years later, that rugged rubber-wheeled design inspired an après-ski ready-to-wear and accessory capsule, including a collaboration with the St. Moritz. Artistic director Rhuigi Villaseñor combines Swiss alpine culture with detailed Western codes and varsity codes in a collection as unique as a wrap. Broom not included.
The countdown to the New Year will be just as good for Retrofête’s beautiful clothes. The New York-based contemporary brand founded by Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin has become a celebrity for party dresses on the red carpet – just ask Paris Hilton, Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez. Now the label has opened a pop-up shop in Soho until Dec. 31 for all your night out needs.
Former Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey and Peruvian Connection have put together a wonderful craft. The drop features everything from stunning shearling coats and striped dresses to signature alpaca colorwork sweaters, ponchos, vests and hats. In fact, most of the collection is made up of small groups and label partners who have been based in Peru for many decades. Now that’s high (Andean) chic.
Macy’s151 W. 34th St.
Find gold in the world’s largest store. Macy’s has created a glittery, glittery, limited-edition collection of clothing and accessories from labels like Michael Kors, Juicy Couture and Guess. The “Gilty Drop” for Macy’s features everything from a Levi’s faux leather car jacket and Yves Saint Laurent “Libre” eau de parfum to Brookstone’s Gold Series wireless headphones, all the most precious of metals. .
Kara168 Ludlow St.
Completely unique and incredibly affordable accessories and wearables founded by Sarah Law has opened its first pop-up store on the Lower East Side. Open until Dec. 11, the boutique carries hero pieces like the Exploded Knot Armpit bag, made of puffy purple satin tied with Chinese knots, and the crystal mesh sling bag. And discover Kara styled by Andrea Grossi: the Italian designer’s head-turning capsule of bags and wearable accessories made from dead clothes.
They called them Timbchoos. Here’s how it happened: Timberland met Jimmy Choo and together they hit Harlem’s Fashion Row, which then connected them to New York designer Chanel Campbell. She worked with Choo Creative director Sandra Choi on an electronic discussion of seven men’s and women’s styles celebrating New York swag. The pièce de resistance is a limited-edition heeled version of the Timbs 6-inch boot adorned with Swarovski crystals, available at Jimmy Choo stores.
As famous as the boutiques and celebrity sightings at its Jean Bar location, the legendary West Hollywood boutique is popping up in Soho. The NYC location, which opens during the holiday season, will feature two collections: Neighbors and Found. The former is designer Alfredo Settimio’s private label unisex outerwear collection – think ultrasoft hoodies, sweats and hip-print tees – while the latter is a selection of men’s and women’s upcycled classics, shoes and accessories. Protect your equity.
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center and taking selfies on the beautiful 80-foot-tall Christmas tree is a holiday tradition. While you’re taking in the winter wonderland, you’re greeted by a Coach x Rock Center pop-up overlooking the rink. Shop for gifted leather toys, backpacks and small leather goods and use the free gift wrapping service. If you visit Friday through Sunday, enjoy free treats from Chip City Cookies, Dough Donuts or Magnolia Bakery in the hospitality cart.
What would Sir Elton John put on his best list? Thanks to Saks, we know she can pick out Gucci galore, the iconic Versace, oversized sunglasses, glittery handbags, glittery sneakers and so much more. The store has teamed up with the artist for a partnership that includes his curated gift selection, a $1 million donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Rocket Fund and holiday window displays (through Jan. 3). Don’t miss the famous light show on the store’s facade, which this year is accompanied by an unforgettable singer’s song.
Fendi90 Prince St.
“It’s not a bag!” Carrie Bradshaw introduced the villain known as “Sex and the City.” “A baguette!” Whatever you call it, Carrie still hits the back-to-back hit on “SATC”, “And Again.” This season, the Italian house is celebrating 25 years of its collectible design with a Soho boutique opening on Dec. 23. Archive points Reorganization, small and small versions, jewelry and small accessories, and Baguette theme ready to be prepared. -clothes, accessories and even a high-top sneaker. Time to wear Baguette from head to toe.
Enter the various Ugg pop-ups in Williamsburg through the tunnel, then head back to the cooler. A special sound and lighting installation brings to life the shearling-style venue, which opens on Jan. 17. Guests can draw or write on an interactive wall or smell a custom scent with Olfactory NYC. And of course they can stock up on cozy sheepskin boots, including Bella Hadid’s favorite Classic Mini Platforms.
With designer names ranging from Alexander McQueen to Zimmermann and in-house stylists, Elysewalker is a one-stop shop for high-end clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Scarsdale, NY native Elyse Walker founded her eponymous chain in California — where she has seven stores and many celebrity clients — and is expanding to New York this month with a Tribeca store at 39 N. Moore St., following in the spring next to the big flag at 926 Madison Ave. Add those addresses to your fashion GPS.
Ayesha Curry has just the recipe for holiday gift giving. In honor of Bloomingdale’s 150 years, the chef and TV personality selected more than 150 items for the Carousel pop-up inside the 59th Street flagship. Her picks include a new book, “Bloomingdale’s 150,” celebrating the legendary store, must-haves from brands like Furbish and Dear Annabelle, as well as dozens of items from her Sweet July brand and goodies from her favorite black labels. Come in.
Choose the best home accessories at L’Objet’s new Upper East Side store. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts, hostess gifts or something nice for yourself, the cedar-lined boutique with suede has you covered. Choose from founder and creative director Elad Yifrach’s unique accessories, apothecary, home fragrances and tableware, as well as custom pieces by Brooklyn-based designer Sourabh Gupta and Portuguese potter Bela Silva. Your find will be beautifully boxed and beribboned.
Kenneth Cole’s temporary is a purposeful pop-up. Every quarter, the company will launch a new assortment, with a percentage of sales donated to charity. For starters, the store at 57 Bond St. we will have 13 men’s fall looks, shoes and Voicewear (the name of the messaging company) with proceeds going to The Mental Health Coalition. Shoppers are treated to juices from Pressed and free shopping delivery to five locations via Uber. As one shirt says: “Wherever there is a land there is a way.”