Ramblings of a New York shopping wannabe

Jet lagged, so please do excuse me.  Actually I say I'm jet lagged, I've come to the realisation I am simply permanently knackered.  I don't know whether it's down to old age, kids, a snoring husband or wine but I am always tired. 

Which isn't remotely what this blog is about - let's not dwell on that (she says having a glas of wine....), it's about US shopping v European shopping.  We do not appreciate how lucky we are here in the UK.  Or maybe I should start again by saying, I hadn't realised how lucky we are here.  

Our High Street is amazing.  So amazing that they've pretty much replicated it down 5th Avenue and all around SoHo.  Granted, is it a while since I've been to the US but honestly, I was shocked at how the European brands seem to dominate their streets.  Topshop, Zara, H&M, Massimo Dutti, Cos, & Other Stories, French Connection, Ted Baker, Ben Sherman, Reiss, Aldo, Dune, Mango, All Saints and Clarks - yes, even Clarks..... There are a fair few that haven't travelled across the pond, for sure, (and I'm sure I've missed some out).  On a separate note, I can't help but think that Whistles would go down a storm. 

All of these brands are a LOT more expensive in the US, especially with the dollar being so strong and the exchange rate having nose dived in the wrong direction for us.  As similarly, their brands are more expensive for us to buy over here. 

But the main difference being is that, in my humble opinion, their brands aren't that great. 

There, I've said it.  Now don't get me wrong, there are some brands which I do truly love - I'm only going to mention it briefly, but Stuart Weitzman for example (even though it's much cheaper for us to buy it at Russell & Bromley - I still have to say I love his shoes) and DVF.  Again cheaper in the US, but by the time you've added on state tax and taken into consideration the currently woeful exchange rate, there really aren't the bargains I seem to recall. 

The way I explained it to The Husband (as you can imagine, this was a very one sided conversation..), was that were to you to take away all the US Brands from the UK market, I would happily still shop there.  I'm not sure I'd miss any of them. 

Yet, if you were to take away the European brands from the US market - hell, what's left? 

Preppy upmarket style from the likes of Ralph Lauren, JCrew, Club Monaco, Banana Republic and Gap, even Madewell which people raved about struck me as being a rather average (and much more expensive) Massimo Dutti (admittedly it was a cursory glance as The Husband had his "we will exterminate" face on) or the teenage hell holes (I am an old fart, this much I will give you) of Abercrombie, Hollister, Eagle American how's your father (which is a bit like the Indigo selection in M&S - we've just had one open at Bluewater.  Thanks) and Victoria's Secrets (about which I have nothing good to say, as one who buys her pants at Primark) 

I will give you Marc by Marc Jacobs bags.  And Rebecca Minkoff bags.  Not forgetting Tory Burch.  All of which are much better to buy over there, if you are in the market for a bag.  

And then again I say that, but one trip to Bicester and you can pick up an MJ or a TB bag for cheaper than in the US.  Most people rave about their jeans.  Personally my favourites are from Topshop, Zara and By Malene Birger.

Which is why I came back with nada. 

This is of course all to be taken with a huge huge pinch of salt.  Am I bitter that I missed out on two days of extensive shopping with one of my oldest friends?  Perhaps slightly more than I thought.  Clearly have a very European way of dressing (not that I've ever thought of it like that) whilst a lot of Americans prefer a different sort of look. (again I'm making this up as I go along)

Although it does strike me that at the moment, perhaps sticking my neck out here, European fashion is where it's at.  It's Alexa Chung who Adriano Goldschmied jeans have chosen to partner with on their latest collaboration.  And this is THE main stand in Saks Fifth Avenue denim department - Alexa Chung for AG jeans (of which squat took my interest by the way.  The jeans were all pedal pusher length on me) 

And I had gone with an open mind, I really really had.  I had worked out and pontificated to everyone that you could go to New York, buy truckloads of JCrew and with the saving from buying it in the US as opposed to on Regent Street, it would pay for your air fare.  I lived in the US but admittedly it was 16 years ago and I was a lot younger and back then, JCrew wasn't exactly inspirational.  All a bit too Hobbs & Jaeger when I wanted to buy everything from Topshop and thought only old ladies shopped at the aforementioned "women's shops".

But I was all over it like a fat kid on a Mars Bar when the lovely Jenna came wafting over here in recent years, tempting us with her enviable style and the promise all of things elegant yet with a twist. (at a hugely inflated price....) 

Well, I have to say, back in the US, it's still all a bit Hobbs.  Yes they have the same stuff as we do here as I've checked on the website and I am MORE than prepared to eat my hat on this but I think their collection this season has gone backwards.  Now I don't mind Hobbs anymore and I positively love Jaeger but they're not my go to places on a regular basis although I do like the odd thing. 

And I fear that JCrew has gone back into that hole. 

Nevertheless this didn't stop me having a darn good try at shopping (and by the way - we have a much much bigger selection of denim on Regent St than they did in any of the large New York stores.  Pah) 

I saw two things which I thought I could give a good home to. 

Starting with the famed Tippi Jumpers which I hadn't been a fan of before as they are a snug fit on me, being the oversized tallie that I am.  However, with my upcoming love of all things wide legged in the trouser department rearing it's gorgeous head, I need something more fitted on the top that isn't a tee and isn't a shirt or sweatshirt and these would fit the bill perfectly. 

I tried on the grey one in a Medium and hey presto, perfect.  Although I didn't particularly want grey and I had a sneaky memory of them being in the sale back here.  None in the jumble of a sales corner in any of the JCrew I went into and they were $79 plus change over there.  So the same price as they are in the UK in £s - £79.50.  


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So yes, they are cheaper, but I haven't added on tax.  Given the pants exchange rate, whichever way you skin it - at £40 in the UK in the sale, they're better to buy here. 

I know I've featured these two before but you couldn't get more perfect colours for Spring even if you were to buy at full price.  This is actually pictured below with a new season skirt.

Merino Wool Tippi sweater in ivory were £79.50 now £40




In heather sandstone, also in the sale for £40





So the grey jumper was a no and the only thing I thought about purchasing was this Breton tee.  New in stock, a lovely fit and to be honest, a great thick cotton compared to so many around which are pathetically limp.  But not too thick that it's on the verge of being a sweatshirt. 

But did I love love love it?  I checked online and it's the same price in £ as it is in $ so, yes it would work out cheaper but the problem with something being not expensive anyway, is that you are saving literally only a couple of ££.  And I hadn't done nearly enough research to justify buying it.

It looks ok but it certainly was no wow Breton.

Midweight Stripe tee £45 from JCrew 




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Randomly I had thought that the arms were an odd length and just assumed it was because I have orangutang appendages but it appears either they're supposed to be like this or so does the model have simian tendencies too?



Ironically one of the other tops I saw that I loved whilst in SoHo was a) also a stripe and b) of course it was from a European country. 

This is far more what I had in mind.  A stiffer fabric which, to be honest, will probably be not what most people are looking for but I love it. 

Striped Cotton top from & Other Stories £29 (this was $50 pre tax so more expensive)



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It has led me to think that definitely you can never have too many stripe tops.  And they don't necessarily have to be navy.  In fact I did sneakily buy a children's yellow and ivory top from Zara Kids before I went (it is enormous, honestly) and I still love my black and off white cashmere jumper dress thingy from Joseph which I've had for six years now.  Ditto my wine and cream top from Massimo Dutti (which they usually do every year bar this one - sod's law).  

But going to the top of my Hush wishlist is this striped jumper.  Ideal for now over a shirt or tee and simply perfect as a throw on for those Spring months. 




And today whilst I was mooching in M&S - I spied this.  Stunning and amazing quality for a ludicrous price, compared to what I was seeing in New York.


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Finishing with classic navy and this would be perfect on so many levels.  Firstly I love a slub cotton - it's like a well behaved linen and secondly, the curved hem I find the most flattering finish on a tee.  I think it means that you can wear it untucked without it looking messy - it just seems be more streamline than a straight hem.  One of the reasons I have always loved the Zara linen tees (even though they are the worst quality ever which decreases on an annual basis by all accounts).  I would have much higher expectations for a Jigsaw top (especially at this price) 




Inspiration therefore in spades from my trip, but actual shopping was a great big fat splatty nothing.  With regards to US stores though, the one exception to the rule which I wholeheartedly embrace and welcome with open arms is the unique Anthropologie.  An altar at which I could worship on a daily basis and from where I could fulfil my entire wardrobe.  A mecca of all things gorgeous (although I'm not entirely sure they're all US brands but I'm prepared to believe they are.  Actually I know they're not as I was lusting over some earrings and they're by the brand Made which I'm sure was set up originally in the UK) 

Proving I practise what I preach - here is a sneaky purchase made just before I went - an absolute bargain 100% cotton knit turtle neck jumper from TK Maxx.  A brand called Arabella and Addison which they always have oodles of in there and I haven't seen it anywhere else, so my money's on it being one of those brands manufactured exclusively for the store. (actually have just googled and yes, it's one of their own brands.  Which I think is so so so off and against what they advertise however it is the best knitted striped jumper I've seen in ages so for £24.99, I'll live with it) 

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Striped jumper - TKMaxx
Real Straight jeans - Gap
Camel wool coat - Zara
Camel wrist warmers - Topshop
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe
Navy Newbury boots - Rag & Bone

I feel I should make an apology for my ranty ramblings.  I know I know, I fear the wrath of all Americans and I'm SORRY.  Your espresso martinis and oysters wipe the floor with ours.  You have also adopted the coupe as opposed to a flute for champagne and prosecco and for that I will come back again and again as it tastes so much better (it's the small things that are important)  And mostly you are just all so lovely.  It's impossible to have a bad time in New York when you are surrounded by the most wonderfully kind, funny and open people.  I will be back.  I will be back hopefully very shortly.  xxxx

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26 comentarios:

  1. As a Brit living in NY it is funny to me that the European/International brands have taken over, I was very excited that & Other Stories opened and typically buy most of my clothes at Mango or Uniqlo these days. US brands seem to have gone up in price and down in quality (I am talking about you JCrew). The one brand I do love that you don't have is Aritzia which is Canadian, great coats and knitwear. Sorry you had no luck shopping but it sounds like you still had a fun trip! To be fair you also came at the worst time for shopping, so cold outside and stores full of spring stuff. For some reason the early spring stuff is also always really boring, the same preppy pieces year after year, I am shopping for a holiday in a couple of weeks and haven't been able to find anything interesting that I don't have several versions of already

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    1. AHA Now I did see an Aritzia but it looked dark a la Hollister (covered in scaffolding didn't help), it was absolutely rammed and The Husband looked horrified so we swerved it. One for next time!

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  2. You are right that the European brands rule the high street in NY, and also that at the higher price levels the sales tax and current exchange rate mean the savings on US brands is not as good as it used to be.... but there is no longer sales tax on clothing under $110, so when the sales are on and more items drop below that level, it is bargains galore! It's then that NY shopping really comes into its own!

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    1. ooooh I didn't know that about there being no tax on clothes under $110.. but then to be fair, there wasn't much I saw that was below that anyway!! It was the tail end of the sales here and alas, like the end of the sales all over the world, they are full of just tat!

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  3. So! You got that of your chest! I like a good rant and I had a good laugh, thank you for that. Personally I find it boring to find the same brands everywere. I was in London last summer and I didn't buy anything then. Why bother when I have the exact same shops here in Rotterdam and there are no bargains to be had? We used to have a TKmaxx here but it shut 10 years ago which is a shame, it was the only place I had a browse when I was in the UK funny enough.

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    1. TK Maxx is very very hit and miss. & now that they've bought out their own brands - frankly I think that is totally and utterly misleading and leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. As much as I love the jumper, and I would have bought it anyway, I don't like being made to feel a mug.

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    2. Know what you mean! Had a browse, that was all, nothing that took my fancy.
      The only thing I ended up buying in London was a cushion cover from the London Transport Museum. (in the fabric the tube seats are upholstered with) Haha!

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  4. Lol @ orangutang appendages!! What a total shame! I had a 5 day shoppathon in NY back in 97 & loved it but to be fair it was mainly denim (Levis) & trainers that were bagged! I loved all the vintage shops in Greenwich Village too! I'm so glad for your honesty as I'd feel like I was missing out otherwise! x

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    1. You did miss out on the espresso martinis and the amazing hotels and the general vibe but shopping - nah - nothing that you can't get from the comfort of your own home on your laptop!

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  5. I have been going to America every year for about the last 25... I hardly ever buy anything nor does my daughter, my husband and sons on the other hand stock up on Polo Ralph Lauren stuff, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland etc. I think you just cannot beat London fashion and our choice ( unless you are "horsey" in a Ralph Lauren way and want to live in loose shorts, polo shirts and trainers). You have to really do your research before you go - know what you want - know the prices etc and then spend yonks trawling around the stores, who really wants do that on holiday?? Sight see, eat drink and enjoy yourself. Like you say, unless you are spending thousands any savings are negligible. Xx

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    1. and it's definitely worth it for the vibe full stop!

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  6. No wrath here, I get it. When I lived in London a few years ago, the US$ was weak against the GBP and I bought only 2 pairs of LK Bennett shoes (long before it was carried in the US). During a 3 year stay in the UK. Chanel in Paris is another story for another day. But, I saved my shopping for trips back home in the US. One thing that's cool is the VAT refund, which I took full advantage of for the big-ticket items.

    Not sure if it would have ended up cheaper, but I should have suggested Schott (the original moto jacket purveyor and other leather goods) and Rag & Bone (the best jackets, blazers, boots and jeans) for your shopping itinerary. Did you check out Steven Alan while in NYC?

    We're planning an Italy trip this year and I hope the Euro continues to be weak so I can buy all the things while I'm there.

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    1. I'm not sure you're able to get the VAT refund from the US into the UK which is a total pita as I am always stuck behind someone in Selfridges, filling in their forms!

      I'm currently trying to work out how to buy from the Sandro French site as opposed to the Sandro UK site as it's 25% cheaper! Definitely planning a Paris trip later in teh year.

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  7. You are spot on Kat - having lived in the USA for 10 of the past 16 years, their fashion scene is so backwards looking compared to the European market. You only have to look at the difference between newscasters on TV compared with the BBC to see the very conservative style that they have had forever. Even my lovely mum (who turns 70 this year) was always appaled by how 'untrendy' American clothing is in general - banana republic, etc. when she came across to visit. What remains a bargain is stuff like Kate Spade and Tory Burch at outlets, or branded stuff like Ugg Boots. Other than that, I confess that I do alot of shopping when I visit the UK.

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    1. And all of those we can get at Bicester in the UK! Or we have brands here that I actually prefer.!

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  8. American here who lived in London for eight years and now live back in the US -- Kat, I completely agree with you. I used to love coming back to the US to shop, but that was way back when the pound/dollar exchange rate was 2 to 1. I come back to London a few times a year for work, and my American friends who are still in London are surprised at how much I shop there. I miss all the European high street shops and cannot get myself to shop at the same stores here because I know it's cheaper in London (I never thought anything would be cheaper in London!). The US brands are just so boring -- they are only better at putting out decent quality but not trendy work clothes. I do still find that it is cheaper to buy clothes made of good materials (wool, silk, cotton etc) here but they are not particularly fashionable. I still read Grazia UK on my ipad and just lust after all the cool stuff you have there!

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    1. It's just a different sort of fashion isn't it - much safer!

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  9. Yep, I found NYC a pants shopping destination too. Was very happy to know I have much more choice in London!
    Florence however.... book a Villa in Tuscany (anywhere- it's hard to find a place which isn't beautiful) but within an hours drive of Florence. You'll need a hire car anyway, so you may as well drive to the outlet place (Google) and also in the same area is a Dolce and Gabanna factory store, and a Prada store....
    Amazing shopping. I've twice bought Gucci canvas bags for less than €200, something that you can't do in the one in Bicester. But there are bargains galore.
    I especially love driving into the Prada factory shop, passing the factory workers waiting at the bus stop, with their Prada bags! Wish I was going this summer now...

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  10. As an American living in London for a looong time, but who makes yearly trips back to the US, I completely agree with you. US shopping is pretty boring (except for jewellery! I challenge you go to to Fragments in Soho and not find 5 things that you'd want to run out with). Also, the US doesn't have the High Street price point. They have high end and they have low end, but not as much in the middle as we have in Europe. I am very very happy limiting my shopping to London and Paris. I don't love Anthropologie like you do (there's one on the King's Road in London), but I can't do that Boho thing very well (and I lived next door to the store many years ago in NY, so maybe it's burnout). Intermix, Jeffrey, and Calypso are the only stores I really like in NY (other than stratospherically priced Bergdorf's).

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    1. You've hit the nail on the head - they don't do decent affordable fashion. It's crap at the low end and it's just too expensive at the top end. They simply don't have a High Street like we do! Ah now I love the boho vibe of Anthro, absolutely adore it.

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  11. Another Brit living part time in USA here, and I agree. I am forever mystified by how much Americans are prepared to spend on complete junk (poor quality, utterly devoid of style/interest, out of date, just plain boring). This applies to food as well as clothes BTW. I so miss the gourmet supermarket food of Britain (no cook-chill meals here in USA, and the frozen ones are reminiscent of the worst boil-in-the-bag rubbish we used to get way back in the 1970s in Britain!), and I buy all my clothes in Britain. American clothes (I mean clothes sold in America) are almost without exception dire. When I first moved to USA I thought I was living in a backward sort of untrendy place, but since then I've spent a lot of time in NYC and many major cities that one would think would have a good selection of stuff, but no. So disappointed and so not what I had expected. I am beginning to think that the American market is more heavily regulated than the British one. There is so much more variety in every type of product in Britain compared to USA. It is very surprising. I can only think of one thing that is better here in USA: the avocados. And if you think cocktails are better here in the USA you haven't been to enough cocktail bars in London, that's all I can say! It is incredibly difficult to get a cocktail here that isn't full of fake "mixer". Very few places seem to understand the idea that a cocktail can legitimately be a very small volume drink not swamped in "mixer". But I digress. Yes, if you want fashion, shop in London or just about anywhere in Britain, not USA.

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    1. Lol about the cocktails - I will admit I am not a massive cocktail fan - in fact the only ones I truly love are Espresso Martinis and Appletinis - both of which I have drunk copious copious amounts of and can tell a good one from a bad one in the wink of an eye! I will also say that The Husband and friends who are whiskey drinkers were hugely impressed with the vast selection they had in our two hotels (they were amazing amazing bars and definitely not somewhere you'd get a generic mixer anyway!)

      I am more of a drinks purist and like it kept simple - just do stuff with the grape please.

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  12. I lived in NYC for 7 months last year and god, I missed Whistles. I do love shopping in NY though, it takes a while to find the groove. The jeans are cheaper and better in my opinion. All my jeans are from NY. And I loved James Pearse and Cole Haan. I always had fun mooching around Bloomingdales too. There are some lovely boutiques in Soho that have one-off pieces. If I had to shop in either NY or London though, London wins hands down. We have the best High St shops in the world.

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    1. London is the best by far - although to be totally honest with you, I think you can just do most of it online these days! I couldn't get to grips with Bloomingdales - reminded me of House of Fraser which I loathe with a passion!

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  13. I've just discovered Arabella and Addison at TK Maxx...and just prior to reading your post I found out that it's a TK Maxx brand. It doesn't bother me - if I like something I don't care where it's from. I'm definitely with you on the British high street being the best in the world. The only exception would be buying from Zara in Spain where it's much cheaper, but given that we have such choice at relatively low prices I can live with that!

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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