I’ll say it first… Madison Avenue – once known for being the fanciest, oldest, and honestly stuffy designer strip – is the new Bleecker Street. Even DOEN officially opened their Madison Ave location.
All of my favorite downtown brands are opening uptown, and some newer ones are even launching their first stores here. It’s having a moment.
Vintage and Discovery
Michael’s Luxury Consignment
an institution. It’s been here forever and (thankfully) isn’t going anywhere. I found the most insane vintage Prada sneakers and Chloe sunglasses there, and the best part is there’s zero pretension.
Living With Ivy (Lexington Ave)
my go-to for clean beauty, snacks, and discovering non-toxic baby and home products. I always leave learning something new.
Curated Fashion
Elyse Walker (74th St)
the best Elyse Walker, and I’ve been to all of them.
The Edit
smaller, super curated, and they just know what’s cool.
Frank & Eileen
recently opened in the 60s and fully nails that Nancy Meyers aesthetic. The store itself is gorgeous.
Home + Fun Finds
Casa Salma
my favorite home goods store on Lex for unique Middle Eastern styled vintage pieces.
Jennifer Miller
Right next door, statement (faux) jewelry.
For kids (and gifts you’ll actually want to give)
Mary Arnolds Toys
truly the best toy store. I never go to a kid’s party without stopping here first. They have something for every age, and it’s all so thoughtfully curated.
The Museum Mile
First time / want the moment: The Metropolitan Museum of Art + Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
This is your main characters energy day. Start at the Met, don’t try to conquer it all, pick a wing, wander, pretend you’re in a movie. Then head to the Guggenheim for the iconic spiral moment. It’s quick, it’s stunning, and you’ll leave feeling very “I did New York right.”
Chic + aesthetic + not overwhelming: Neue Galerie New York +The Frick Collection
This is your quiet luxury museum day. Think intimate, curated, and just the right amount of culture. The Neue Galerie feels like a European escape and the Frick feels like you’re walking through someone’s impossibly chic townhouse. You’ll be in and out without exhaustion, which is the dream.
Creative / fashion brain: Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
For when you want to feel inspired. This one hits if you love interiors, fashion, branding, or anything design-forward. It’s interactive, visually interesting, and just makes your brain go I want to redo my entire life in the best way.
Underrated but cool: The Jewish Museum or Museum of the City of New York
These are vour cool girl knows spots. Less crowded, more thoughtful, and honestly where you go when you want culture without chaos. The Jewish Museum always has interesting exhibitions, and MCNY just makes you fall in love with New York all over again.
The Perfect IUES Day
If I had one perfect day uptown, this is exactlv how l’d do it:
Start with coffee at Sant Ambroes or a Butterfield hazelnut iced latte, then take a slow, no-rush stroll through Central Park, boat pond, reservoir, whatever feels right that day. Pop into a museum moment. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or the newly renovated The Frick Collection depending on your mood. Lunch at Via Quadronno or back to Sant Ambroeus if you’re feeling full ladies-who-lunch energv. Afternoon = Madison Avenue stroll. Pop into Ludavine, The Edit, and Violet Grey, with a quick Lex stop at Living With Ivy. Something sweet is non-negotiable. Birley Bakery or Aux Merveilleux de Fred. End the day with a martini at Bemelmans Bar and dinner at Chez Fifi or Cafe Commerce. There’s something about the Upper East Side right now. it feels classic. but new again. And I’m fullv leaning in..
