if you’re visiting New York City any time soon, here are a few stores you DO NOT want to miss…

SoHo is a must-see for it’s energizing vibe and FASHION. From Madewell (J.Crew’s sister company), TOPSHOP (the only US retail store for the British fashion-force), lululemon (go Canada!), UNIQLO and m0851 (more Northern exposure South of the border) – you can lose yourself for hours… I did.

Madewell: Madewell is a more edgy version of it’s tried, tested and true parent company J.Crew. It’s more edgy, think West Coast and SoHo style compared to Upper East Side timeless classics of mama-Crew – or creative visions from Alexa Chung versus Jenna Lyons. Most pieces are a bit more affordable, although it varies. Madewell stores used to only be in NYC, but they’re quickly spreading across the country. And with J.Crew slated to enter Canada this year, who knows?

TOPSHOP: If you don’t know TOPSHOP, you NEED to. Currently in over 20 counties, it offers Kate Moss designer collaborations and British-European fresh styles you can’t help but love. As a bonus, the SoHo store has a free Personal Shopper Service. I had the pleasure of trying this service with Personal Shopper Brittany Barnato and was thoroughly impressed with her great sense of style, and ability to streamline the shopping process. She even shipped my items back to LA for me – saving sales tax and overweight baggage fees. I highly recommend trying this complementary service. With four floors and a ton of great stuff, efficiency is key. Thank you Brittany!

lululemon: Canada’s West Coast Vancouver pride is sweeping the US as stores pop up all over (and globally!). I’ve loyally worn and loved ‘lulu’ since it’s debut in 2000. Their ‘luon’ snugging fabric flatters like no other. As impressive as their stylish active and leisurewear, is their company culture, community outreach and overall brand values. I’m a big fan and promoter of their free yoga classes where they have local instructors rotate in each week. A great way to try a new practice.

UNIQLO: “a new-style Japanese firm making good casual clothes available for all to wear” – the slogan says it all. And you can’t beat the $everyday price point! I was in search of a vest a friend bought there, but ended up with  K-Way workout jackets, a fleece, and white hooded sweatshirt with faux fur collar. I’m hoping to see many US stores soon follow this New York global flagship.

m0851: Formerly known as “Rugby North America” this Montreal-based global retailer prides itself on high quality leather pieces and clothing that aren’t branded. I first discovered it back in high school (more than a decade ago, ahem…) and it’s been one of my top five consistent retail indulgences ever since. I even found it once in a boutique in Sydney while traveling in Australia.

Of course New York City’s shopping extends beyond SoHo – next stop is midtown for the J.Crew store at Rockefeller Plaza (further North I also enjoy the Columbus Circle store). There are too many J.Crew’s in the city to list, but special mentions should be made as you continue uptown to their specialty boutiques: No. 1035 is the exclusive Madison Avenue women’s shop dedicated to the Collection label (limited edition, seasonally updated items), plus one-of-a-kind products and vintage pieces; a Crewcuts store was recently opened on Madison Avenue, and back South in SoHo a dedicated jewelry and accessories shop was added to the Prince Street store. J.Crew’s first-ever Bridal Boutique opened last spring at 769 Madison Avenue. And not to be outdone by the girlls, two men’s-only stores are now in downtown Manhattan—The Liquor Store and The Men’s Shop. For a retailer that opened it’s first store in 1989 (after six years of successful catalog sales) in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport – it’s no surprise they are proudly representing all over the city.

So the next time you’re in New York City… make me proud. shop well. and shop smart!!