For ‘Gossip Girl’ wannabes
Where better to tap into your inner Blair Waldorf than the land of private school — the Upper East Side. From boutiques to department stores, the neighborhood is a breeding ground of inspiration for those who go to Spence and Dalton, or just want to look like they do.
Shopping assignments:
*Edit/Little Edit (1368 Lexington Ave.; 212-876-1368) — Edit is the must-hit spot for private-school preppies. It became an even bigger hit since in-store spinoff Little Edit opened a few months ago, stocking sizes 0 to 7. “We have Baby Dior, and moms are going nuts over Petite Maloles shoes,” says Edit buyer Justin Warner. Teens are going gaga over blazers by Veronica Beard ($990).
*Lester’s (1534 Second Ave.; 212-734-9292) — “It’s been crazy since last weekend, when the kids got off the bus from camp,” says merchandise manager Connie Ungaro. Rock candy-embellished T-shirts and faux-fur vests from Vintage Havana (vests are $65) are all the rage with girls. Boys are craving hoodies from Volcom and Monster, and lacrosse gear from Flow Society.
*Infinity (1116 Madison Ave.; 212-734-0077) — Stocking sizes 6 to 16 and juniors, Infinity is a funky boutique with everything a girl wants this season. Neon crop tops from Malibu Sugar are selling out, as are J Brand jeans (which start at $90). Faux-fur vests and tight bandage skirts are still hot for fall.
*Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Ave.; 212-705-2000) — For Real Housewife Ramona Singer and daughter Avery, 16, Bloomingdale’s works better than ever now that her daughter doesn’t wear a uniform to class. “She doesn’t love a [particular] designer, so we can look at everything here,” Singer says of her daughter, who loves tops from house brand Aqua. Young World on the seventh floor is packed with Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Pearls & Popcorn, a chic French brand exclusively sold at Bloomingdale’s.
Recess:
If the troops are getting restless, hit Bloomingdale’s fro-yo mecca 40 Carrots.
For barginistas
Shop Chelsea on the cheap at big-box stores such as Burlington Coat Factory and Modell’s, which call this stretch of Sixth Avenue home.
Shopping assignments:
*T.J. Maxx (620 Sixth Ave.; 212-229-0875) — The massive emporium, which also houses Bed Bath & Beyond and Marshall’s, is home to this mecca for discount designer duds. On a recent visit, we found rhinestone-studded skinny jeans by 7 For All Mankind, stitched with white flowers ($20). They pair well with white wellies stamped with I Love NY logos ($20), ideal for stomping through slushy New York City puddles. The store has plenty of boys’ items, sometimes in limited sizes, such as Levi’s skinny cords ($17) and Paper, Denim & Cloth straight-leg jeans ($14).
*Old Navy (610 Sixth Ave.; 212-645-0663) — The bargain chic retailer has long been popular with back-to-school shoppers, but denim styles are selling particularly well this year, especially girls’ flare jeans ($14 to $17) and boys’ super-skinny styles ($22). Complete the look by scooping up pink rib-knit graphic hoodies ($15) for girls and plaid shirts ($8 to $20) for boys.
*The Container Store (629 Sixth Ave.; 212-366-4200) — College-bound neat freaks will covet the chain’s selection of gingham storage bins, available in cheery yellows, pinks and greens ($13), and floral storage boxes adorned with leaves or daisies ($13). Not a neatnik? Head over at 4 p.m. today or tomorrow for a free back-to-school organization seminar.
Recess:
Bite into a dense, doughy pretzel croissant ($3.75) around the corner at City Bakery (3 W. 18th St.; 212-366-1414). It’s perfect for carbo-loading after a long day of bargain hunting. Counterbalance the savory sensations with a thick iced hot chocolate ($4.50). It’ll be a struggle to keep kids — and yourself — from slurping down the sweet stuff.
For boutiquers in Brooklyn
This short stroll along Park Slope’s Seventh Avenue, between First and Union streets, has a smattering of stores selling items ranging from kooky carry-alls to frilly frocks. Parents can get their shopping done without walking more than a quarter of a mile.
Shopping assignments:
*Lolli Shop (169 Seventh Ave; 718-788-2002) — The store specializes in chic kids’ clothing from pre-K through age 12. “Our moms say, ‘I wish I could get this for me!’” laughs co-owner Meghan Andrade, who opened the shop with childhood friend Jacquie Kelleher in 2005. Play dresses, such as a plum-colored ruffle-front frock by Stella Industries ($60), transition well to after-school activities. Meanwhile, boys will want to pair Morgan & Milo vests ($66), available in blue or yellow, with Appaman carpenter cords ($38).
*Area Kids (99 Seventh Ave.; 718-636-6144) — This mini-chain is best known for selling funky backpacks — kids will go crazy for dinosaur-style MadPax ($46), which came in last week. Even adults enjoy Sugar Booger lunchboxes — manager Patricia Mulia carries the $16.50 totes. “It fits all the food I need for the day,” she says. Tiny backpack styles (such as the monkey, above, $20) came in early last week.
Recess:
Moms will love refueling at Sweet Melissa Patisserie (175 Seventh Ave.; 718-788-2700), where they can indulge in a pre-fixe lunch ($17), including an iced tea or lemonade, soup, salad, main item (try the popular Tuscan panini or quiche Lorraine) and a dessert such as the caramel apple pie. For $5, kids can chow down on grilled cheese, which takes a sophisticated spin on a baguette, and comes with a cookie, a Capri Sun or water.
For mall rats
The Mall of America might be in Minnesota, but Times Square has everything a chain-store lover could want. A trip down the Crossroads of the World will take care of any style syllabus, with a few stops for moms along the way.
Shopping assignments:
*American Eagle (1555 Broadway; 212-205-7260) — Antsy kids will delight in this flagship store, which recently opened a floor devoted to the 77kids brand. The bottom level boasts photo booths where kids can digitally try on clothes, or make music videos while their moms shop for skinny jeans and faux-leather vests. “The most popular feature has to be our 77rockstar video, which plays in-store on a giant screen and outside on the billboard,” says Betsy Schumacher, the brand’s vice president.
*Forever 21 (1540 Broadway; 212-302-0594) — Teens can stock up on lightweight T-shirts and cheap but chic jewelry. The shop also sells boys’ denim starting at a thrifty $20.
*Foot Locker (1530 Broadway; 212-869-4983) — Of great importance to all kids— and parents — is the sneaker purchase. At Foot Locker, colorful Reebok Zigs are hugely popular (and start at $57). Classic Nikes are some of the hottest styles. And for the soccer/skater dude, old-school Classic Sambas from Adidas are back in a big way (and start at $42 for little kids).
*Gap Kids (1466 Broadway; 212-323-4500) — Classic and casual kids will flip for the chain’s Brick Lane Collection, which fuses ’70s Brit rock star with chic Parisian. Nautical striped sweaters ($29.95) and mini band jackets ($36.95) are wildly popular with little girls. Boys will be picking up the cargo, which the Gap has done in every color from khaki to camouflage.
Recess:
Kids may behave if they know Shake Shack (691 Eighth Ave.; 646-435-0135) is their last scheduled stop. Little ones will love slurping up dense “concretes” — frozen custards blended with toppings ($4.50, plus 75 cents per topping). Parents can chow down on the chain’s famous burgers ($4.50 for a single, $7 for a double).