What I’m Shopping in NYC Right Now
PC: Florré
Every year, New York City experiences one or two blistering heat waves. Wednesday, July 15th, happened to fall on one of those waves, and on that same day, I decided to head into the Lower East Side to do some shopping. The blasting AC welcomed me at each store, providing momentary relief from the pavement that was cooking my feet through the thin rubber sole of my shoes.
I’m not one to complain about the heat, though. I’d much rather dress in short shorts and breezy tops than layer five cardigans in the winter. If you ask me, summer has more to offer in the fashion department, so with a glistening forehead, I marched through the intense humidity in search of cute clothes.
I always like to shop with an agenda. The night before my shopping adventure, I wrote down a few wishlist items and stores I intended to hit up. I was going to start my hunt on the Lower East Side and visit Kallmeyer, Sandy Liang, Peche, etc., then make my way over to SoHo to pop into Banana Republic and Cos. But like any good heat wave, the shopping trip was cut short when a tremendous thunderstorm rolled in and cooled down the streets with an oh-so-sweet rain shower.
My wishlist items:
A white long-sleeved T-shirt
T-strap sandals (specifically the Banana Republic ones from this story)
This folded straw clutch from Cos
Sneakers from Miista
My favorite part about shopping, though, is finding unique gems you didn’t know you needed until you found them. Silhouettes that look like they were made just for you, or dresses that you have no occasion for. You better buy them then and there, because these are the pieces that will haunt you if you pass them up. I would consider my shopping trip somewhat successful, given that I found plenty of pieces to fall in love with. So without further ado, here is everything I’m shopping in New York City at the moment.
Tops For Heatwaves
The most difficult part of the day was getting dressed for it. I realized I lacked cute tops that could beat the summer heat and still look elevated. I ended up wearing a black sleeveless scarf top, which, while cute, definitely wasn’t suited for 97-degree temps. I stopped by Pêche, a Korean-owned boutique fashion brand that’s quickly becoming one of my favorite places to find unique pieces at affordable prices. I tried on this top, which has drawstrings around the armholes and looks extremely cute with capri pants.
I then popped into Sora NYC on Orchard Street and tried on this vintage lace cami. It was in great condition, and I honestly should have just purchased and walked out in it—it’s the only kind of top that’s acceptable to wear in a NYC heat wave.
Breezy Bottoms
I recently bought a pair of Bermuda shorts and learned that this borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette might just be my favorite style of shorts, ever. I’m therefore on the hunt for more knee-grazing shorts that suit my tall frame. I picked up these cotton poplin shorts from Sandy Liang and fell in love. The quality, to start, was incredible—not flimsy or see-through in the slightest. It felt expertly tailored and worth every penny. On the right, you’ll see a pair of butter yellow lace-trimmed shorts from Pêche as well, which, in intense heat and humidity, would be a saving grace.
Dreamy Dresses With Nowhere to Go
Sandy Liang Pilot Pinafore Dress and Grove Top
If I’m being honest, the kind of cutesy styles you find at Sandy Liang aren’t typically the styles I gravitate towards. But I have to give them credit for making incredibly high-quality clothing. Both this blouse and dress impressed me, from the fabric to the stitching to the fit. I honestly loved how these looked on me, and if I were the type of girl who wore this kinda of aesthetic regularly, I would have immediately invested in them.
If I had to pick just one brand to shop from for the rest of my life (and budget wasn’t a thing), then I would pick Kallmeyer. I tried on a few pieces from the luxury brand, and this cowl-neck dress stood out as a clear winner. I’m 5’8’’, and it’s not too easy to find a maxi dress that’s long enough for me to wear with heels, but this knit dress elegantly graced the floor. Pictures don’t to this dress justice, and it’s even on sale now!
Showstopping Shoes
I’ve been eyeing these sneakers from Miista for a while now and learned only recently that they have a brick-and-mortar location on Orchard Street. I always find it helpful to try things on IRL before purchasing, because you never know how something is actually going to fit or look. I learned that Miista shoes run a little big, so my usual size 39 didn’t fit me. I went with the 38 that fit like a glove.
I also spotted incredible vintage pink cow print heels at Sora NYC. I can’t find them online, but I’m positive they’re still in the store if you want to go pick them up!
In the end, I didn’t find any of the items I originally set out to buy, but it’s okay! If I leave my shopping experience feeling inspired, then it’s a success.
