Where Fashion Editors Really Go Shopping During New York Fashion Week

You'll undoubtedly recognise Louise Roe's beaming smile and impeccable fashion sense from the many times she's graced your screens as a TV host and red carpet reporter. Like a true "slash" generational, Britain-born, L.A.-based Louise started her fashion adventures as the news editor for Vogue.com and has since then written for countless high-profile publications. As well as penning her book on personal style (Front Roe), she also tends to her popular eponymous website, where she shares fashion, lifestyle, wedding and beauty advice galore. She'll be back every month on Who What Wear UK to offer you some very important style guidance.
New York Fashion Week kicks off the global fashion weeks, which feels fitting—there's always a buzz in the air on the streets of NYC that gives you the sense that change is coming and your next adventure could be just around the corner. It's just the kind of place that you'd look to first to see where the next phase of fashion is headed. Flocks of glamorous editors, bloggers and paparazzi clamour about outside of shows, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a chic café or restaurant that isn't packed full of fashionable attendees. I've been going to NYFW for 10 years now (!), and learning to navigate the madness over the years has been half the fun. Read on for some of the best-kept secrets the city has to offer during fashion week.
THE BEST INDIE BOUTIQUE:
If you’re looking for a trendy, upscale boutique, look no further than the Creatures of Comfort store tucked away in NoLIta. With retro vibes, this gorgeous shop carries well-known designers such as Rachel Comey and Common Projects as well as its own eponymous cool-kid label.205 Mulberry St, New York, NY, 10012
THE TOP VINTAGE STORE:
What Goes Around Comes Around, aka my secret spot for getting your hands on vintage Chanel handbags that are no longer in production. 351 West Broadway (between Broome and Grand St)
New York, NY 10013
Related: Ditching These 5 Items Will Make My 2018 Wardrobe a Happier Place
THE PLACE TO GO FOR SHOES:
Located on the Upper East Side, which seems only fitting if you ask me, Fivestory has a gorgeous collection of renowned designers that without a doubt won’t let you leave empty-handed.18 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021
THE ULTIMATE DEPARTMENT STORE:
Let’s be honest—Bergdorf's takes the cake when it comes to New York department stores. Given that its only location is in NYC, not visiting Bergdorf’s would be a crime against fashion. The top floor also has a great place for afternoon tea set against breathtaking views of Central Park.754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
THE BEAUTY PITSTOP:
The Mask Bar in the West Village—it’s a whole store devoted to Korean face masks. Need I say more?36 Howard St, New York, NY 10013
THE IT-GIRL DESTINATION:
The Apartment in SoHo, an exclusive appointment-only boutique set up in a beautiful, New York It girl–like loft. There's no better way to build your wardrobe than with the help of a stylist!76 Greene Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10012
Related: L.A. and London Style Are Poles Apart, But All Cool Girls Will Wear These Trends
THE ADDICTIVE ACCESSORIES HUB:
If you’re an accessory fiend like me, then you’ve found a haven in Edon Manor. This absolutely glamorous store offers a uniquely curated assortment of handbags, small leather goods and shoes (as if we didn’t have enough already)!391 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
THE MUST-VISIT CHAIN STORE:
Club Monaco—the store on Fifth Avenue right by Madison Square Park. Not only does it have a chic little cafe, bookstore and flower shop inside, it has an open bar (shh, don't tell too many people!) in the men's section downstairs, complete with low lighting and blue velvet sofas. Speaking of which, I always stock up on the men's XS T-shirts, I love them. I literally had to haul my husband, Mackenzie, out of there last fashion week! 160 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Who is your style icon?
Ali McGraw
Who are your 3 favorite people to follow on Instagram?
@crazycatladyldn when I feel homesick; @margoandme because she's inspiring and a good friend; @giorgiatordini for her effortless style.
What is the fashion essential you can’t live without?
Right now… thigh high boots!
What would be your desert island album?
Anything from Diana Krall.
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