OUR BEST SHOPPING GUIDE: 208 Great Stores in the County
Such a tough assignment: to scout out the best boutiques, shops and stores in the county. So we asked all the fashionistas, style mavens and shopaholics we know to recommend their favorite stores—then shopped ‘til we dropped to bring you this shopping guide. So, what did we find? Classy eyeglasses, kitschy couture, vintage vases, $9,000 bikes—and way too many scented candles and Three Dots tees. So get ready (clear the calendar), get set (change outta the Jimmy Choos), and charge (pack the plastic): It’s time to hit the stores!
By Laurie Yarnell with Marisa LaScala and research by Cathy Sontag Nish and Kimberly Papa
Women’s Clothing
Boutiques, Chains
& Other Stores
Accent on You
575 Main Street, Armonk
914-273-3194
Fashion mavens favor this boutique for upper-end (just below couture) fashions for everything from casual to black-tie. Expect lots of designer clothes from Europe and California, and names like Blumarine, Strenesse and D&G. Bonus: free alterations.
Beginnings Bleus
111 Bedford Road, Armonk
914-765-0077
Beginnings Boutique
1088 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale
914-472-4722
Shopaholics rave about Beginnings Bleus for the latest comfort-wear, sweats, tees and velour jogging suits from Juicy Couture and lots of denim jeans, tops and jackets. The Scarsdale shop has casual lines but tends to be dressier—more Theory suits, Jenne Maag, Rebecca Taylor and lots of Barneys Coop-type (i.e., trendier) labels while the Armonk one also carries clothing for kids.
Chico’s
39 South Moger Avenue,
Mt. Kisco
914-244-8982
The Westchester
125 Westchester Avenue,
White Plains
914-328-2628
For women seeking a more casual look, Chico carries its own line of Capri and crop pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, tees, tanks and tops and lots of accessories including bags, belts, sunglasses, shoes, necklaces and jewelry. Check out the Travelers line, designed for easy packing and wearing—no wrinkling.
Designer One
1924 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont
914-834-5080
Owner Eric Newland selects contemporary clothing for his boutique. “I look to find smaller vendors that basically have new edge to them.” Hot this spring? Newland predicts very bright colors, short skirts and shape-conscious designs from such labels as Cambio, Jeannie Maag, Burning Torch, RozaNichols and Three Dots.
En Vogue
1144 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale
914-472-8470
True to its name, this lovely women’s boutique offers chic casual and eveningwear fashions from European designers including Max Mara, Sunny Choi, Sienna, Bianca, Betty Barclay and Tuzzi. Says owner Rita Schneider, “We have a large alteration department so everything will fit you perfectly.”
Great Stuff
27 Spencer Place, Scarsdale
914-723-0504
1 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua
914-238-0057
54 Purchase Street, Rye
914-967-1377
321 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
203-861-6872
142 Main Street, Westport, CT
203-226-1271
Clothes-horses find the latest fashions, including designer clothes owners Lori and Joseph Friedman scout in the boutiques of Paris and Milan and on the West Coast. The exclusive Westchester source for Searle outer and sportswear, it also has an impressive selection of Three Dots tees.
Indigo NY
546 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson
914-478-1888
20 King Street, Chappaqua
914-238-6262
“I buy for the lifestyle of my customers,” declares owner Carole Weart. Look for casual contemporary clothing, accessories, a large selection of contemporary jewelry, handbags and scarves.
On the One
153 Main Street, Mt. Kisco
914-666-7787
Having grown up watching clothing designers sketching at her family’s kitchen table (both her father and grandfather were in the fashion business), owner Jill Heller-Fiddle is fascinated by fashion. Find Barneys-like designer clothing and accessories in her very upscale women’s boutique, which has in stock collections by Rebecca Taylor, Theory, FAL by Jeffrey Grubb, Diane Von Furstenberg, Cacharel and Kulson, and the Citizens of Humanity denim line, Matilde cashmere and ultra-hip Alvin Valley pants.
Pamela Robbins
7 Harwood Court and
1 Chase Road, Scarsdale
914-472-4033
Hailed by Harper’s Bazaar for “bringing an informed fashion perspective to Scarsdale,” this shop with two locations, co-owned by Pam Hochstin and Robin Mizrahi, outfits many of the county’s best-dressed ladies. “Seven Harwood” carries classic, clean-lined sportswear and “The Chase” favors high-end designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Narciso Rodriguez and Strenesse.
Panache
86 Purchase Street, Rye
914-967-5637
Clothes-hounds have been making pilgrimages to this boutique for about two decades for European (Dismero, Votre Nom, etc.) and American designs (Womyn, Renfrew, Zelda, etc.). And owner Deborah Barnwell (former sales manager for designers Albert Nipon and Diane Von Furstenberg) and manager Wanda Penasso will even pay closet calls to your own home to help you take stock of what you have and what you need.
Panoply on Park
50 Hudson Avenue, Peekskill
914-737-0217
“I’m always acting as a personal shopper,” declares owner Jennifer Wenk. Primarily a clothing boutique, Wenk’s store also carries jewelry, home accessories and
toiletry/spa products. Look for unique handbags and a lovely selection of scarves.
Tiger Lily
139 Main Street, Mt. Kisco
914-244-4201
The shop for designs by Cynthia Steffe, Dick & Jane, Shivani, etc. and funky fashion accessories (scarves, belts, fun jewelry, cashmere sweaters, etc.). Leave time to settle on the maroon velvet settee to snuggle with two-year-old yellow Lab, Hogan, the shop mascot.
Toney Toni and
the Gang
70 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
914-793-0737
189 Katonah Avenue, Katonah
914-232-3283
Not brash, not flashy, not trendy or too cute. Instead, think classic. Expect such designers as Isda & Co., Nanette Lepore, Nicole Miller, Trina Turk and Jenne Maag.
Tuesdays Child
10 Chase Road, Scarsdale
914-722-0185
Imagine pricey, grown-up and serious fashion from designers like Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Celine, Stella McCartney and Michael Coors. Add in sportswear from AG, Three Dots, Gunex (their trousers from Italy are really big) and Henry Lehr (for great beach clothes in the summer) and this elegant boutique has the high-end lifestyle niche covered. Can’t make it during office hours? They’ll be happy to schedule an after-hours appointment for you.
Yum Yum Tree
96 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
914-395-1875
Young and hip meets comfy and easy-to-wear at this boutique carrying sports and eveningwear. Browse through racks of jeans from Seven and Blue Cult, tees from Three Dots, classic cashmere from White & Warren, microfiber suits from Yansi Fugel, and designs by Tocca, Beth Fowley and more.
Zoya
506 Mamaroneck Avenue,
White Plains
914-390-9692
Check out this self-described source of “all things so cool it hurts!” Owned by former Dolce & Gabbana freelancer Diana Makaj, Zoya (“goddess” in Albanian) features fashions from young, new designers at reasonable prices. Look for sexy Serfointaine jeans, Beau Bois dresses, Hidari lacey boy shorts, T-bags, Bijoux chandelier earrings and all things chic.
DISCOUNT
Fox’s
440 White Plains Road, Eastchester
914-793-1573
1121 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT
203-322-3561
The ultimate in fashion treasure hunting: you’ll never know what you’ll find—new merchandise arrives every weekday.
The Penny Pincher
709 Bedford Road,
Bedford Hills
914-241-2134
High-quality fashions, especially designer clothes, at low prices. Check out the impressive selection of bags, jewelry, cashmere sweaters (sometimes brand new) and even antique furniture and decorative home furnishings. And it offers unadvertised half-price sales to regular customers on its mailing list.
Target
9 City Place, White Plains
914-821-0012
Good designs at discount.
FORMAL WEAR
Elephant’s Trunk
11 Main Street,
Mt. Kisco
914-666-7666
When in 1971 Rafael and Robert Brache invested $3,000 to open a tiny shop selling funky clothes and Indian jewelry, they had no idea that it would grow to become a driving fashion force in Westchester for eveningwear and special-occasion clothes and accessories. After a devastating 2000 fire, the store was forced to move temporarily; it reopened in its original location in the fall of 2003. Its newly redesigned space is as elegant as its merchandise. Look for frocks by notable American and Canadian designers Rose Taft, Catherine Regehr, Halston, Ania Zofia, Jovani and Gemy plus haute-couture lines. And an in-store personal shopping consultant will help you complement that sexy satin gown with a one-of-a-kind evening bag or a pair of chandelier earrings from the shop’s array of stunning evening accessories.
Mary Jane Denzer
222 Mamaroneck Avenue,
White Plains
914-328-0330
Serious fashionistas with serious funding sources come here. Think très chic and cher: Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, John Galliano, Pucci, Colette Dennigan, Bill Blass, Etro clothes and handbags, etc. “Our store is for people who love to dress well,” says owner Mary Jane Denzer. “We aren’t trendy but we have great style.” Check out sales in January, February, June and July. Can’t find a place to park the Porsche? Not to worry: valet parking available.
LINGERIE
Dorothy Stein
707 White Plains Road, Eastchester
914-723-6111
111 Main Street, Mt. Kisco
914-666-6475
This 70-year-old upscale boutique specializes in undergarments and swimwear (Gottex, Miraclesuit, Roxanne, etc.). A personal sales assistant helps customers choose a proper bra (Wacoal, Chantelle, Donna Karan, etc.) and an on-site seamstress will customize selections. Professional post-mastectomy fittings also available.
Dusty Rose
114 South Ridge Street,
Rye Brook
914-934-0775
A favorite destination for discounted undergarments, sleepwear, hosiery and socks (it also carries sportswear, jeans and cruise wear). Co-owner Marilyn Weissman is proud of the store’s service—for good reason. Customers get help with a smile.
Inner Self
The Westchester
125 Westchester Avenue,
White Plains
914-682-7001
From sensationally sexy to comfortably cozy undergarments (bras, thongs, panties, etc.) and sleepwear (silk chemises and tee gowns), this is the shop for just about any kind of lingerie. Pick up loungewear separates (pants $24, jacket $34) or a pair of floral cotton knit PJs decorated with an embroidered terrier ($38).
Lilies & Lace
480 Main Street, Armonk
914-273-2253
In a word: sexy. Fashions for both the beach and boudoir including sesuous-looking lingerie (think slinky camisoles, racy thongs and bodacious bustiers). Expert fittings and custom-tailoring are available for your new strapless bra or maillot.
MATERNITY
Mimi Maternity
16 Purchase Street, Rye
914-967-5403
“When you are pregnant, you need a whole new wardrobe,” manager Sidney Saviory says. Top sellers here? Mimi’s own clothing line and the Sweetpea label.
Pea in the Pod
The Westchester
125 Westchester Avenue,
White Plains
914-644-8202
Forget prissy Peter Pan collars and “baby under construction” T-shirts. This chain carries luxury and designer wear for the fashion-savvy customer with deep pockets—like new mom Kate Hudson, who had a dozen of its exclusive Bella Dahl maternity jeans and cords in her maternity wardrobe. What else to expect if you’re expecting? Seven For All Mankind, Earl Jeans and Joe’s Jeans for denim, Lily Pulitzer
for that Palm Beach look, Ana Sui and timeless Diane von Furstenberg dresses.
OUTERWEAR
Outerluxe
1989 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont
914-834-2345
Enter and you’ll find a wood pine table, a leather tray of gold-foil covered chocolates, and lots and lots of sable, mink, fox and rabbit. Outerluxe carries super-luxury fur outerwear, sportswear and accessories, including the Fury line of ultra-vivid earmuffs, scarves, headbands and handmuffs (they made a guest appearance in January episodes
of Sex and the City). Plus funky crochet hats.
SWIMWEAR
Tahiti Street
37 Spencer Place, Scarsdale
914-722-4206
113 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
203-622-1878
Whether you’re thinking La Côte d’Azur or just Croton-on-Hudson, this is the place for all things swimwear—plus cover-ups, sun hats, hair clips, flip-flops and beach bags.
Museum Shops
The Bruce Museum of arts & Science
One Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT; 203-869-6786
Fans of rock (the geology specimen, not musical style) love the huge rock and mineral selection (from $1 to $350).
the Hudson River Museum
511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers; 914-963-4550
Take home works of art like sandstone bowls, onyx urns and beautiful perfume bottles as well as reproductions of works by local artists.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700
There’s plenty of generic gift shop fare like T-shirts, mugs and magnets here, but the selection of educational resources is truly outstanding. Aspiring marine biologists revel in its extensive book inventory.
The Neuberger Museum of Art Store
Purchase College, State University of New York
735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; 914-251-6129
The perfect place to snag gifts for the culture crowd from beaded jewelry from Ethiopia to handpainted candles crafted by Johannesburg tribes, and woven baskets from Africa, glass vases and lots and lots of art books. “I try to pick out things that you cannot find at a typical neighborhood store,” says manager Jane Barry.
Accessories
EYEWEAR
Eye Designs of Armonk
575 Main Street, Armonk
914-273-7337
Eye Designs of westcehster
747 White Plains Road, Scarsdale
914-723-5800
Eye Designs offers frames from top-notch designers (prices start at $225) and lots of the newest sunglass fashions. Also available: the La Loop necklace (priced from $85 and up).
Scarsdale Eye
Care Center
8 Spencer Place, Scarsdale
914-472-2020
Look for designs by Judith Leiber (to match your JL pocketbook) Bada, Anne et Valentin, Face a Face, Bevel and Morgenthal Fredricks. From $225 to $900, they’re still cheaper—and more fun—than Lasik.
Trapp Opticians
42 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
914-337-0707
76 Main Street, Irvington
914-693-4956
307 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck
914-698-0303
14 Purchase Street, Rye
914-967-5565
10 Harwood Court, Scarsdale
914-472-8900
175 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains
914-949-9254
87 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
203-552-1072
One shopaholic threw away her contacts and resumed wearing glasses after she discovered Trapp, a local chain owned by opticians Barry Grossbaum and Martin Schulman. “They have the cutest stuff,” she gushes.
Belts, Scarves & More
Beadz
2097-A Boston Post Road, Larchmont
914-834-2900
This store sells handmade beaded jewelry, book marks, key chains and other fashion accessories. They even sell a large assortment of individual beads.
Etcetera
131 Katonah Avenue, Katonah
914-232-7505
If you’re tired of your Burberry winter scarf but still want some plaid pick-me-up, pick up a pair of their sunglasses (starting around $150). Etcetera carries shoes, bags, jewelry, gloves, hair accessories, wallets and stockings—and Cosabella lingerie.
Excessorize
Accessory Boutique
1885 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont
914-833-0304
