Shopping near the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Upper East Side actually has something cooler than a Botox membership: The Herbal Care. Opened in January 2024 as the Upper East Side’s first legal dispensary, The Herbal Care instantly upgraded the neighborhood’s offerings from “wine bar or blowout?” to something with a little more edge. This isn’t your average transactional cannabis stop. It’s a curated experience with rotating product drops, weekly deals and just enough insider cool to make you feel like you discovered something—without the gatekeeping. Bonus: they won’t judge you for asking what “solventless” means. Inside, you’ll find a sleek shop that doubles as an art gallery, because buying pre-rolls under bad lighting is over. They’ve hosted events with NYC legends like Havoc of Mobb Deep and Tony Yayo of G-Unit, so don’t be surprised if your weed run includes a live DJ set. The staff knows what they’re talking about, and they’re not trying to upsell you on a $90 eighth you’ll regret later. Whether you’re there for flower, edibles or just need to vibe out before a dinner you didn’t want to go to, they’ve got you covered. More than a dispensary, The Herbal Care has planted itself firmly in the culture—hosting art shows, performances and generally giving the UES a reason to loosen its collar a bit. It’s approachable, it’s elevated and yes, it smells amazing inside. In a city full of overpriced options and underwhelming vibes, The Herbal Care is local and legit. You don’t need a password or a plug—just a plan to...

Ranking among the city’s top tourist attractions, Bloomie’s is stocked with everything from bags to beauty products, homewares to designer duds. The cosmetics hall, complete with an outpost of globe-spanning apothecary Space NK and a Bumble and bumble dry-styling bar, recently got a glam makeover. The compact Soho outpost concentrates on young fashion and cosmetics.  

This UES family-owned shop has been in the haute couture–recycling business since 1954 and is the place to go if you want to score Dior, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana dresses for 70 to 90 percent off retail price. While you shouldn’t schlep your bags of less-than-luxe stuff here expecting a trade (they only buy first-tier designer labels that are less than two years old and in great condition), come here if you want to treat yourself to something luxurious without breaking the bank.

For the past 40-odd years, father-and-son team Lal and Harry Bhambi have been making sure every single hand-sewn garment under their banner is made precisely to look attractive. When you pick up garbs from them, you have the advantage of their veteran touch.

This Paris-based gourmet chocolate shop has multiple locations in New York.

Credit cards feel right at home at this luxury Upper East Side boutique catering to avid shoppers. Gowns seen on runways worldwide are for sale along with more casual daytime dresses for the ladies-who-lunch crowd.

For nearly half a century, Fred Kooby has been running this prim-and-proper stationery boutique, and though he’s watched as paper companies shrink their lines and e-cards replace formal invitations, his own business has grown from a single storefront to the better chunk of the block. Attribute this to his loyal clientele, who appreciate proper etiquette and classic taste—tenets that are best represented by the wall of Crane & Co. place cards (ten for $9–$100), and selection of Caspari greeting cards ($3–$9) and Charing Cross leather-bound calendars ($32–$49). Kooby’s daughter, Vanessa, oversees the custom-design department, whose shelves are jammed with sample books from lines as mid-range as William Arthur and as elaborate as C’est Papier. Aside from paper products, the store also stocks Kolo photo albums ($17–$50), Tizo picture frames ($17–$150) and fine writing instruments ($39–$495) from Waterman, Parker and Cross.

If you struggle with the art of mixing trendy duds with basics, consider the contemporary styles found at this Upper East Side boutique, the key to unleashing your inner mixologist. This is the first Manhattan outpost, which opened last week, for the Long Island retailer, and you have every reason to be excited. While the brand is considered a fast-fashion chain due to its affordable pricing, the shop carries bohemian designer labels, including BB Dakota, Unif and For Love & Lemons, giving the store a leg up on its competitors H&M and Forever 21. Shop for Free Spirit layered necklaces ($35), Whitney Eve Windsor crop tops ($52) and Free People Lennon heels ($178)—you’ll want to add these to your wardrobe, stat.

After becoming frustrated by seeing everyone around her wearing the same garb, New York native Claire Distenfeld left her job as a gallery director to start her own luxury store, where she makes sure you’ll find only one-of-a-kind pieces. She achieves this by stocking just two of each item, and carries exclusive women’s clothing from avant-garde Russian designer Vika Gazinkaya ($1,795–$3,200) and French brand Risto ($395–$595). The third-floor space is meant to be a pop-up preview of the full-blown men’s and women’s boutique that Distenfeld plans to open on the second floor of the townhouse in March. Until then, you’ll find elegant threads from designer Carin Rodjeber, such as hand-beaded shirtdresses ($420) and suede pants with matching blouses ($195 each). Splurge on Cushnie et Ochs wool felt cropped jackets ($1,790) or Chrissie Morris black suede booties ($1,285) with stingray-leather details. Guys can discover dapper pieces such as Bespoken single-button blazers ($995) and a Hype Means Nothing Notorious B.I.G. T-shirts ($95). Nab great gifts, including Seletti white mugs ($38) with colorful handles and Gaia & Gino evil-eye vases ($55). For cold days, check out Fivestory’s house cashmere line featuring cozy men’s and women’s sweaters ($495–$550), scarves ($100–$500) and throw blankets ($1,100).  

A life-sized zebra welcomes shoppers at Alexis Bittar’s boutique, a veritable safari of the designer’s most colorful accessories. Best known for his Lucite jewelry (small square bangles, drop pendants, block rings), Bittar has also expanded his collection to include precious metals. Choose from silver, gold or rose-gold pieces, adorned with semiprecious stones and Swarovski crystals.