20 Best Shopping Destinations

You’ve got bonus money in your pocket, a ton of gifts still on the list and it’s holiday party season—what to wear? Have no fear! This is America, where shopping is almost a leisure time art form. Here are some of the best places in the country to indulge— both yourself and others—during this or any season of the year.

Buckhead
Btlanta

You’ll need a car (with a big trunk) to explore all that Buckhead has to offer. Just six miles north of downtown, it’s home to mega-size Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza malls. The Shops Around Lenox features denim hotspot Blue Genes and a few other boutiques. Buckhead also has some of the best antiques and art galleries in Atlanta. Miami Circle houses more than 80 shops and galleries, including Fay Gold Gallery, with one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the South, and The Gables Antiques, specializing in antique French furniture. Just south is the Bennett Street cluster of 50-plus antique and art stores. And the nearby five-building Galleries of Peachtree Hills offers high-end collectibles (check out contemporary art at TEW Galleries Inc. and antique European furnishings at Jacqueline Adams Antiques & Interiors). Also, keep an eye out as you go down Peachtree Street for boutiques inside strip malls; they’re better than you might think.

Newbury Street
Boston

Stroll, shop, eat… stroll, shop, eat… throw in a little people-watching and you have Newbury Street down to its essence. It’s eight blocks long, stretching from the Public Garden to Massachusetts Avenue, and full of historic brownstones. There are plenty of luxe boutiques, like Alan Bilzerian and Betsy Jenney, which carry the season’s must-haves from designers like Nicole Miller and Yansi Fugel. Is holiday shopping wearing you out? Stop in one of the day spas, for which Newbury Street is also known.

West Third Street
Los Angeles

Forget Rodeo Drive. The trendiest new ’hood for dining and shopping in LA is West Third Street, a thriving one-mile area bordered by Fairfax Avenue on the east and La Cienega Boulevard on the west. Added bonus: It’s walkable! The area’s hip boutiques are magnets for style setters and serious shoppers. Stop in Polkadots & Moonbeams for classy vintage clothing. You’ll find an interesting collection of international and up-and-coming domestic designs at Malgosia. Zipper is the place to shop for fun home accessories, and South Willard has stylish separates and luscious leather goods.

Mix: Modern Clothes
Houston

This sleek, gallery-style venue has quickly become the go-to place for cutting-edge couture. The light-filled, 4,500-square-foot store, located on Houston’s Gallery Row, has a stunning collection of creative women’s fashions and accessories. Fashionistas scour the racks for the latest designs by Balenciaga, Junya Watanabe, Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, D-Squared, Paul Smith, Miu Miu, Rochas, Jeremy Laing, John Galliano and more. These fine things don’t come cheap, but you may find a one-of-a-kind standout for that holiday party.

Downtown Disney
Orlando

Where else would you find Mickey Mouse-monogrammed silk undies and a 10-year-old audio-animatronic princess who will help you design your own magic wand? This entertainment and retail complex boasts 30 or so unique stores, including the largest Disney character store in the world. Baby boomers who refuse to grow up will enjoy Once Upon a Toy, and serious Disney collectors will find something they absolutely need at The Art of Disney or Disney’s Pin Traders. For signed movie posters and cool memorabilia, check out Starabilias. There’s also Sosa Family Cigars and Orlando Harley Davidson for the big boys on your list.

Antique and Design District
Memphis

Find an heirloom quality piece—and feel good about recycling—in this cluster of antique and design shops in the Copper Young district of Midtown Memphis. Browse Market Central, with 14,000 square feet of vintage wares from around the world, and Palladio International Antique Market, with more than 60 antique and decorative art shops under one roof. Also be sure to stop by Toad Hall Antiques to scope out its fine collection of English and French furniture and accessories.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Cenice, CA

If there’s one thing you won’t find here, it’s national retail stores. This bohemian beach street is the place to scope out new-on-the-scene local designers and artisans. The 1.25-mile-long street is chock-full of boutiques featuring clothing, furniture, art and jewelry. There’s also a collection of bistros and hipster hole-inthe-walls (a nod to Venice’s beach bum past). Don’t miss Ten Women Venice, where 22 local women display their creations, ranging from artwork and jewelry to hand-knit scarves. You won’t come across these finds anywhere else.

FASHION SHOPPING
TIPS

ON THE CAT WALK

Designer Nick Verreos, a fan favorite from the second season of “Project Runway,” offers fashion and shopping tips for this holiday season.

What new styles should shoppers look out for? “

Color is the new black. It’s all about color for the holiday season. Look for coats in reds, lavender and purple hues, and turquoises. Look at Donatella’s Fall ’07 Versace Collection for inspiration. Also, metallic is still big. Purchase a top or a skirt with some gold or sequins on it. Go for the light bling-bling; however, keep it simple and just let it be one item. Not head to toe, or you might go into Hello, Dolly! territory. Finally: Stay away from the dreaded Christmas sweater or patchwork vest. Grandma shouldn’t even be wearing these!”

What stylish accessories should people be giving this year?

“Necklaces with large old-school lock keys are big for the holidays, as well as charm bracelets. Leather gloves are always a nice accessory to give both women and men for the holidays. Look at vintage stores for great gifts in the accessory department. A classic purse can be a unique gift. It’s one of a kind, it’s very ‘in’ to wear a vintage-style clutch purse, and it’s a great conversation starter.”

Any ideas to offer for some fashionable DIY gifts?

“You can make a unique necklace at home by going to a thrift or vintage shop and buying a plain chain and adding a brooch to it. Vintage stores always have great brooches. Also you can go to a crystal/ beading shop and make one yourself. A wool or knit scarf in a solid color can also be a great gift that won’t destroy the receiver’s ensemble. In addition, I find it simple to make ties (for my dad) and scarves (for the women in my life). They take less than half a yard of fabric and very little time to sew. Of course, this last one requires that you know how to sew.”

“Project Runway Season 4” is on Bravo, Wednesdays at 10pm (9pm Central).

The Magnificent Mile
Chicago

You can take care of everyone on your list with an up-and-down stroll on this renowned shopping stretch along North Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street. The waterfront boulevard is lined with more than 460 retail outlets, 275 restaurants and 52 hotels. You’ll find the big-name department stores, but be sure to make time for many of the very fun boutique shops. Pick up an exotic truffle collection at Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a twinkling bauble at B Jeweled, an Italian cashmere sweater at Marlowe, and a Sniffany & Co. toy and Pawda bag (for the dog) at Tails in the City. If you really want to make an impression, order something shiny and new from Bentley Gold Coast car dealership.

Soho New York City

Established chains (Pottery Barn, Banana Republic, Steve Madden) and high-profile fashion designers (Prada, Coach, Marc Jacobs) have replaced some of the funky artist studios of SoHo, but walking the cobblestone streets of this trendy part of town is still one of the best shopping experiences you’ll have in the big city. The main shopping area runs from Broadway west to Sixth Avenue, and Houston Street south to Canal Street. Check out the heavy-hitting, big stores if you must, but don’t miss the designer boutiques, like Catherine Malandrino, Kirna Zabête, Barbara Bui and A.P.C. Agent Provocateur features sexy British lingerie, and you’ll find great vintage pieces—beaded clutch bags, well-preserved dresses and more—at Patina.

WORTH Avenue
West Palm Beach

The rich, the famous and the wanna-bes strut down this luxury passageway built during the Gilded Age.

The grand Old World setting, with ocean views, gardens, sculptures and tucked-away courtyards, is opulence and couture shopping at its best. There are more than 250 boutiques offering everything from designer clothing, shoes and jewelry to high-end paintings and antiques. Along with the biggies, like Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo, be sure to duck down the alleyways lined with small galleries and shops.

The Galleria
Houston

This one-stop shopping showcase, set under a soaring glass ceiling, has a dizzying array of retail stores.
Bring your stamina, along with your list of must-haves, and a wallet with paper or plastic.
They’re all here, from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Banana Republic and Urban Outfitters. It’s even home to Houston’s only Nordstrom. There are also two Westin hotels (no need to lug around loaded bags; the concierge will take your haul to the room) and an ice rink (a spin around the ice will clear the cobwebs, allowing you to decide if Mom really needs that Gucci pocketbook).

Jewelers’ Row
Philadelphia

Philly’s Jewelers’ Row, the oldest diamond district in the US (and the country’s second largest), is home to more than 100 independent stores offering 30% to 50% discounts off retail prices. It’ll take a bit of stamina and knowledge to strike a deal, but they can be found along Eighth Avenue between Chestnut and Walnut streets, and Sansom Street between Seventh and Eighth streets. Visit Safian & Rudolph for one-of-a-kind, custom mountings, and mega-size Steven Singer Jewelers has more bling than a Hollywood red carpet.

The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace
Las Vegas

Hey, big spender, you just raked it in at the craps table, so where do you go now? When newfound money is burning a hole in your pocket, head to the fantasyland Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. Even unlucky gamblers will enjoy a trip through the indoor faux ancient Roman marketplace, complete with fountains, reflecting pools, stone statues and a painted sky ceiling that turns over a 24-hour day. There’s some serious shopping, too (it’s one of the most successful shopping centers in the US), with more than 160 boutiques and stores, including high fashion brands like Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Burberry, Theory, Harry Winston, Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Fifth Avenue
New York City

Fifth Avenue is one of New York’s (if not the world’s) most upscale, glittery and pricey shopping venues, with one-after-the-other high-end stores, like Bergdorf Goodman, Bulgari and Cartier. Nab the latest team apparel at the NBA Store, duck into Saks Fifth Avenue to scout the holiday sales racks, and shop Henri Bendel for designer jeans. Bring your credit cards and your camera: Fifth Avenue also has some of the world’s greatest holiday displays.

Westfield Centre
San Francisco

Westfield San Francisco Centre is down-town’s new, big fancy space (403 stores), anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, with all the predictable mall specialty stores thrown in, too. But, for sheer time efficiency, you can’t beat it. Find something for everyone on your list; dine at the food emporium; take in a movie; then grab groceries at the upscale food market on your way out. What could be more stress-free?

Georgetown
Washington, DC

It may be historic and it’s certainly charming, but Georgetown’s favorite shopping district also oozes youthful energy. The compact three-block area, centering on the intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, swarms with college students and just-out-of-school professionals browsing both chain stores and boutiques. If you have a teenager on your list, make it a shopping date or pick up a gift certificate; you can’t go wrong.

Galleria
Dallas

It’s everything you’d expect a Dallas shopping mall to be: flashy, flamboyant and fashionable. It’s also huge, with a world-class collection of more than 200 stores. The showcase mall has a stunning, vaulted atrium with four levels of stores surrounding an indoor ice rink. Get your shopping fix at stores like Gucci, Juicy Couture and Thomas Pink, then rest and refuel at one of the more than 25 eateries.

South Beach
Miami

Forget the toy alligators and beach sand in a bottle; for gifts everyone will love, head to pedestrian-only, star-studded Lincoln Road. Funky boutiques and high-fashion stores line this always-crowded promenade. For one-of-a-kind finds, check out some of the homegrown talent at BASE or the chic fashions at BCBG Max Azria, Rosa Cha and Ete. Next, visit South Beach’s fashion district, on Collins and Washington avenues between Fifth and Ninth streets. Designer stores include Betsey Johnson, Barney’s CO-OP and Versace. Finally, for hip home furnishings and original art, you can’t beat the 18-block Miami Design District, chock-full of top-name interior design showrooms and art galleries.

Mall of America
Minneapolis

It’s still the nation’s largest mall, with more than 520 stores. If you can’t find it here, you’re in trouble. Of course, you can skip shopping all together (yeah, right) and take in the amusement park, the aquarium or one of the 350 events that are held here throughout the year.

Highland Park
Village dallas

It may be designated a National Historic Landmark and the nation’s first shopping center, but this elegant mall is all about up-to-date fashion design. The Spanish Mediterranean-style buildings surround a central fountain and house some of the most sought-after boutiques and shops in the world, including Chanel, Escada, Hermès and Luca Luca. The 10 acres of brick walkways and lush plants twinkle with lights during the holiday shopping season, making it an especially enchanting place to shop.

OFFICE PARTY

Verreos also offers fashion tips for those who need a fabulous outfit for this year’s holiday soiree.

For Men:
“A colored dress shirt (light pink or light blue) is a great substitute for a boring white one. Or look for one with stripes—Paul Smith makes fabulous ones for men that are perfect to go with dark jeans or flat-front dress slacks. I also think a tied-knot wool scarf is a very nice way to spice up a guy’s outfit. It shows that you have a bit of flair—and the ladies might think you are a wealthy European count!”

For Women:
“Switch your workday jacket and put on a blouse or top with a jeweled neckline, or one with metallic/gold accents on it. You can still wear the same skirt or pants from work. And, instead of your business-wear jacket, change into a fitted leather one. Fitted leather jackets are very chic for the holidays and add that bit of ‘extra’ to an otherwise boring outfit. Finally, a colorful shawl can be the perfect finishing accessory to your outfit; think of it as the cherry on top of your outfit sundae!”

GIFTS FOR HIM

FOR THE URBAN HIPSTER

unltd. by marc ecko phranz raged sneakers
$70
www.soholab.com

FOR THE AUDIOPHILE

bowers & Wilkens ipod zeppelin ipod speakers
$600
www.bowers-wilkins.com

FOR THE GOLFER

bushnell pinseeker 1500 tournament edition digital laser rangefinder
$400
www.bushnellgolf.com

FOR THE COFFEE CONNOISSEUR

illy francis francis x1 trio espresso machine
$1,000
www.illyusa.com

FOR THE SOPHISTICATED DRINKER

martell creation grand extra cognac
$300
www.martell.com

FOR THE STYLISH TRAVELER

jack georges croco collection triple gusset
flapover, $595
www.jackgeorges.com

FOR THE DO-ITYOURSELF MAN

porsche design p’7911 multihammer drill
$645
www.metabo.com

GIFTS FOR HER

FOR THE BUBBLY OENOPHILE

sterling silver mary’s garden champagne saver
$200-$450
www.mgarden.com

FOR THE GIRL ON THE GO

pioneer inno portable XM satellite radio with mp3
$350
www.pioneerelectronics.com

FOR THE NIGHT OWL

pine & eucalyptus candle and jasmine & mint cologne
$65 and $95
www.jomalone.com

FOR THE STYLISH WOMAN

coach leather and cashmere signature cuff glove
$138
www.coach.com

FOR THE SKI BUNNY

marker usa gamma attiva ski goggles with nxt lens, in matte orange
$40
www.markerusa.com

FOR THE BAG FANATIC

botkier bianca large satchel in olive
$695
www.botkier.com

FOR THE ECO LOVER

nugaard designs leaf earrings and cuff (a tree is planted for every purchase)
$145 and $110
www.nugaarddesigns.com

GIFTS FOR THE KIDS

FOR THE OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD BUILDER

lego mb-01 eagle command base
$90
www.lego.com

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER

wowwee robopanda with sonic sensors
$150
www.wowwee.com

FOR THE BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

sony cyber-shot dsc-w55/l digital camera
$200
www.sonystyle.com

FOR THE WORLD TRAVELER

Karito kids dolls: wan ling from china
$100
www.fao.com

FOR THE FUTURE SCULPTOR

I-Gami color harmonies and starter kits
$25 each
www.i-gami.com

FOR THE INDOOR PILOT

radio-controlled wowwee flytech dragonfly
$50
www.wowwee.com

FOR THE VIDEO GAMER

redesigned playstation portable
$170
www.sonystyle.com

FOR THE INDUSTRIOUS TOT

tonka real rugged dump truck
$10
www.tonka.com