6 Upper East Side Shops | Shop New York

The Upper East Side represents classic New York City beyond the labels of “hip” and “trendy.” Flanked by the East River, this beautiful neighborhood is home to an idyllic combination of boutiques, restaurants, and gorgeous residential buildings. Of course, Fifth Avenue and Madison attract millions of NYC shoppers every year, but the UES offers much more for shopaholics to explore than its two famous avenues. Take in the vibe of the area with a visit to these six stylish Upper East Side shops.

Housing Works Thrift Shops, 202 E 77th St
The best thrift shops in the city are those that support an important cause. Housing Works, with its multiple locations around NYC, is dedicated to ending New York’s dual crises of AIDS and homelessness – causes you can easily support by donating and shopping second-hand goods. Housing Works also makes sure to accept high-quality donations, including furniture, artwork, and home décor, so you never know what chic find you’ll come across.

Pesca Boutique, 244 E 60th St
Looking for some last-minute beachwear for your summer getaway? Head down to the cusp of where the Upper East meets Midtown East, and pop into Pesca Boutique. Browse swimsuits and beachwear from popular swim designers like Melissa Odabash and Beach Bunny, as well as contemporary labels such as Badgley Mischka and Just Cavalli. Whether you’re summering abroad or tanning in Central Park, you’re guaranteed to look super stylish.

LUSH, 206A E 86th St
You’ll know when you’re close to LUSH, because you’ll be able to smell its handmade bath and body products a block away. This UK-based company took the world by storm with its original bath bombs, creating a fizzy bathtub filled with essential oils and fun colors. Try the Tisty Tosty heart-shaped bath bomb for the ultimate night of pampering with rose and jasmine aromas. LUSH also creates its own line of facial products, hair care must-haves, perfume and makeup.

Alexandre de Paris, 1025 Lexington Ave
For upscale, handmade hair accessories, Alexandre de Paris on the UES stocks headbands, clips, combs and brushes you won’t find anywhere else. Bring out your inner diva with a natural boar bristle brush featuring a gold handle, or a gorgeously handcrafted barrette from Italy.

Venture, 1189 Lexington Ave
You won’t come across the typical, touristy, all-in-one gift and souvenir shops on the Upper East Side. What you will find, however, is Venture – an eclectic store that has evolved from a quaint newspaper and tobacco shop since 1972. Today, Upper East Side shoppers can browse a wide variety of goodies like gourmet chocolates, office supplies, fine stationery, and even luggage.

Creel and Gow, 131 E 70th St
Located on the ground floor of Hayward House – the former townhouse of architect Grosvenor Atterbury – Creel and Gow is worth visiting for its façade alone. Inside, you’ll find one of the poshest collections of decorative goods from around the world. It’s perhaps the most stylish shop on the Upper East Side to find gifts for the more “discerning” people in your life with a flair for everything rare, unique and exquisite.