44 Best Places to Shop in Upper East Side, New York City

Upper East Siders shop at this pricey French children's boutique for the beautiful designs and impeccable workmanship—think leather baby booties, hand-embroidered jumpers, and cashmere onesies. The NYC flagship has a loftlike design with whimsical touches, such as a large indoor tree and a cloud sculpture.

Opened in 1983 by the late Nach Waxman, a member of the James Beard Foundation’s Hall of Fame, this is so much more than a cookbook shop, with its vast selection of books on food history and culture, beverages, operations and technical manuals, out-of-print finds, and a "terrific array of great food writing," too. With more than 12,000 books and magazines in stock, it's no wonder that culinary icons like Julia Child, James Beard, and three-star Michelin chefs have been among the charming shop's customers.

Stop in at this artisanal chocolatier's small store and tea salon to purchase some treats and dive into a cup of thick, heavenly hot chocolate. The Paris-based outfit sells handmade truffles, chocolates, and pastries that could lull you into a chocolate stupor. There are additional outposts in Rockefeller Center, Pennsylvania Station, and in The Shops at Columbus Circle in the Deutsche Bank Center.

If you loved Barney's, then make a beeline for this high-end women's clothing store founded by French native, Ludivine Greogoire. Originally focusing solely on French designers, this boutique's inventory now carries many of today's fashion trendsters. Think Brandon Maxwell, Gabriela Hearst, R13, Emilia Wickstead, and The Elder Statesman, among others.

Prowl the shelves at this well-stocked museum shop for intriguing urban oddments and ornaments, like sculptural tableware, housewares by Alessi and Stelton, Braun watches, and art supplies by Karst, along with an impressive selection of art and design books and children's toys.

Although Smythson still sells stationery fit for a queen—check out the royal warrant from England's HRH—it is also a place to scoop up on-trend handbags, iPad cases, and wallets. The hues range from sedate brown and black to eye-popping tangerine. The softbound leather diaries, old-fashioned agendas and address books, and travel accessories make ideal gifts, including for yourself.

Even if you don't speak French, this wonderfully hidden bilingual bookstore dedicated exclusively to books in French and English is a true gem, situated inside the 1906, Italian Renaissance–style mansion that's home to the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. Underneath a soothing, star-covered, zodiac-inspired ceiling, Francophile visitors can explore more than 14,000 classic and contemporary titles from 30 French-speaking countries.

The New York flagship of this fashion icon is full of rich details, like intricately patterned floors, and tiny architectural nuances meant to draw the eye, such as feathers in the molding. Now under the helm of Sarah Burton, the design house sells both menswear and women's wear in styles that still lean towards edgy Gothic.

The luxury retailer's claim to fame is jewelry; its own eponymous diamond cut has A-shape facets, but the British brand caters to all tastes. Everything including leather goods such as wallets and handbags, fine china coffee and tea sets, rare books, game sets, table and barware, and scarves is available. Service is impeccable.

The signature look here is the British company's waxed-cotton and quilted jackets, available for men, women, and children. The tweeds, moleskin pants, lamb's-wool sweaters, and tattersall shirts also invariably call up images of country rambles.

The brand's first four letters are short for "bon chic, bon genre," which means stylish sportswear and embellished, embroidered evening dresses for women here. The collection ranges from leather pants to maxi dresses.

When it opened in 2000, this favorite of the high-society set (and A-list celebs) spearheaded the migration of luxury fashion boutiques north of 72nd Street. Herrera's designs are ladylike and elegant. At this New York flagship, her suits, gowns, and cocktail dresses in luxurious fabrics make for timeless silhouettes.

Lipstick-red soles are the signature of Louboutin's delicately sexy couture slippers and stilettos, and his pointy-toe creations come trimmed with beads, buttons, spikes or patent leather. There's a similar design on stylish lipstick cases with colors such as Diva and Very Prive.

A literary fixture in Carnegie Hill since 1978, the staff at this charming book nook is very thorough in selecting current nonfiction and fiction titles among such categories as art, poetry, biographies, cookbooks, and mysteries. Influenced by many families residing in this UES neighborhood, the bookstore puts an emphasis on children's books, even having an area within their store for young readers. The employees are quite knowledgeable, and author readings, lectures, and signings happen here frequently.

It's easy to feel like an Italian movie star amid these exuberant (in every sense) clothes. Corseted dresses are a favorite; the fabric could be sheer, furred, or leopard print. Men's suits are sharp and ahead of the trends. In addition to this location, there are also boutiques dedicated exclusively to the women's and children's collections farther up Madison Avenue around East 69th St.

If you're in the market for vintage diamonds, this is the place, whether your taste is for tiaras, Art Deco settings, or sparklers once worn by a Vanderbilt. Part of the company's own collection, the stackable diamond eternity bands are hugely popular.

The legendary French retailer is best known for its iconic handbags, the Kelly and the Birkin (named for Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin), as well as its silk scarves and neckties. True to its roots, Hermès still stocks saddles and other equestrian items in addition to a line of beautifully simple separates and jewelry for men and women, many with the recognizable logo. This store has a fifth-floor atelier for alterations and repairs. There are outposts in the Meatpacking District and Financial District but this palatial garden-topped flagship store, one of the brand's largest stores in the world, is the one to visit.

Beloved by prepsters everywhere, this brand is most famous for its Navajo sandal, worn by Jackie Onassis. You can still buy the Navajo at the Jack Rogers flagship store, as well as other footwear like loafers, boots, and wedges.

In addition to cookbooks and books on Jewish history and culture, the well-stocked shop carries beautiful items for Jewish holidays, such as seder plates for Passover, Hanukkah menorahs, and groggers for Purim, and jewelry, home decor, and gift and children's items. The shop is closed Tuesday and Wednesday as is the museum. It's also closed Saturday, though the museum is open.

Pointy toes, low vamps, narrow heels, ankle-wrapping straps—these British-made shoes are sometimes more comfortable than they look. There's also a special bridal shoe collection, along with bags, backpacks and accessories, and a limited selection of sneakers and dress shoes for men.

If you truly want to be well-heeled, pick up a pair of these luxury shoes, whose prices start at around $1,200. Founded in England and owned by Hermès since 1976, John Lobb offers classic styles for men, such as oxfords, loafers, boots, and slippers. Bespoke shoes are also an option.

The Kate Spade flagship is in a pretty uptown town house, so it feels like shopping in a well-appointed home—albeit one with oversize chandeliers and glamorous custom rugs. The nearly 8,000-square-foot space contains every Kate Spade product, from clothing to shoes and beauty.

Since 1994, this two-floor resale and consignment shop has been offering top labels such as Missoni, Etro, Prada, Chanel, Chloe, and Ferragamo, a 50% to 90% discount range of their original price. These are high-fashion vintage and modern dresses, separates, jackets, and handbags, with some previously owned by socialites, celebrities, and models for everything from fashion-magazine photo shoots to charity balls. A separate room displays shoes and boots, and there are seats for try-ons.

This French label has been around since 1889 and is the oldest French fashion house still in existence. Lanvin's signature look is understatedly elegant; think tailored dresses, wide-leg pants, and ruffled blouses. This U.S. flagship store also offers handbags and wallets with the signature Lanvin logo, earrings, and some footwear.

Curvy gals celebrate their figures at this offshoot of Milanese fashion house Max Mara (which has a store next door at 813 Madison Avenue). You'll find form-flattering knit dresses, wool trousers, and coats that are tasteful and luxurious.

Think subtle colors and classics in plush fabrics—pencil skirts in heathered wool, tuxedo-style evening jackets, and wool and cashmere overcoats. The suits are exquisitely tailored.

Highlights of the museum's sprawling shop are a phenomenal book selection, as well as posters, stationery, tote bags, umbrellas, and decorative pillows covered in prints of famous artworks on display. Reproductions of statuettes and other objets d'art fill the gleaming cases. Apparel is far more than t-shirts, with stylish scarves and wraps patterned with art designs and motifs. Don't miss the jewelry selection, with its Medieval-, Byzantine- and Egyptian-inspired baubles. Everything is impeccably crafted and more than just an NYC souvenir.

The clothes here at this studio have a dreamy, ethereal quality that is decidedly feminine. Silk gowns are fluid and soft, while blazers and coats are more tailored. The wedding dresses are popular with brides who want a dreamy but understated look.

Satisfy your curiosity about New York City's past, present, or future with the terrific selection of books, cards, toys, and photography posters. Some of the eclectic items for sale are salt and pepper shakers and holiday ornaments in the form of famous skyscrapers, jewelry and cufflinks made of old subway tokens, and T-shirts and socks emblazoned with the NYC subway map.