Best department stores
New York
Barneys (barneys.com)
This Upper East Side space is the destination for the very coolest in men’s and women’s fashion. Don’t miss the chic homeware and books department on the top floor.
Henri Bendel (henribendel.com)
Great for international labels and home-grown brands such as Michael Kors and Diane von Furstenberg. Don’t miss the chic lingerie section.
Saks Fifth Avenue (saksfifthavenue.com)
This much-loved Manhattan favourite is a sprawling space with a shoe department so large it even has its own postcode.
Bergdorf Goodman (bergdorfgoodman.com)
A cool fashionista hangout, Bergdorf’s has eight floors of the very best international labels, and an entire floor dedicated to footwear.
Bloomingdales (bloomingdales.com)
Founded in 1872, this bustling store carries all your favourite high-fashion labels, as well as more casual brands for the whole family.
London
Selfridges (selfridges.com)
The capital’s buzzy department store has six floors packed with must-have fashion collections, homewares and accessories.
Liberty (liberty.co.uk)
Renowned for stylish accessories, this Regent Street store is brimming with cutting-edge fashion and unique gifts.
Harvey Nichols (harveynichols.com)
After you have shopped on the fashion floors, head upstairs to its own-label food hall and relax at the Fifth Floor Bar.
Fortnum & Mason (fortnumandmason.com)
A haven for those seeking chic and very British products, from packaged teas to sumptuous garden accessories.
Harrods (harrods.com)
Make a pitstop in the 1950s-style ice cream parlour.
Top shops for women
New York
Anthropologie (anthropologie.com)
Cavernous but gorgeously girly fashion and homeware store that sells small labels and kooky accessories.
Tiffany & Co (tiffany.com)
Fans of Audrey Hepburn and classic, modern jewellery will want to stop off at this Upper East Side institution.
Kirna Zabête (kirnazabete.com)
Ultra-fashionable, SoHo-based boutique carrying of-the-moment labels, including Thakoon, Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Two floors of pure indulgence.
Sharon Alouf (sharonalouf.com)
Jewellery studio selling contemporary pieces with an Eastern influence. By appointment.
Calypso (calypso-celle.com)
This little boutique is packed with stylish beachwear and holiday clothes, including signature kurtas (lightweight Indian tunic tops) in lush colours.
London
Mulberry (mulberry.com)
Renowned for its covetable It bags, this British brand stocks a good range of its leather and travel accessories, plus its own much-loved fashion line.
Matches (matchesfashion.com)
The Marylebone branch of this boutique chain has a great mix of seriously luxe labels (Derek Lam, Chloe, Zaglianai) alongside more affordable names like the Row and Acne.
Santa Maria Novella (+44 (0)20 7460 6600)
This tiny offshoot of the fragrant Florentine pharmacy has some of the most beautifully packaged toiletries around, including the sublime pomegranate-scented bath salts.
Nicole Farhi Home (nicolefarhi.com)
The fashion designer’s lesser-known homeware shop is a superb source for chic accessories, from soft throws and cushions to beautiful china and vintage Art Deco pieces.
Marks & Spencer (marksandspencer.com)
Stock up on great value cashmere in a good range of colours at the flagship store of this British institution.
Top shops for men
New York
Marc Jacobs (marcjacobs.com)
The world’s most talked about, and arguably most influential, designer has numerous stores on Bleecker Street, including this menswear outlet, which sells the mainline collection, shoes and accessories.
Dashwood Books (dashwoodbooks.com)
David Strettell, formerly the cultural director of Magnum Photos, opened this bookshop in 2005. It sells beautiful glossy tomes on all things photography-related.
James Perse (jamesperse.com)
The New York outpost of this LA label is a must for the perfect T-shirt. The small store on Bleecker Street also sells a range of shorts or trousers (depending on the season) and superb sweatshirts. It also sells great baby clothes.
Dean & DeLuca (deananddeluca.com)
This massive Broadway emporium is the place to stock up on gifts for foodies. Here you will find everything from delicious fresh truffles and whole hams to copper pans and all sorts of curious condiments.
Michael Ashton (michaelashtonwatches.com)
Vintage watches from Rolex and Patek Philippe are a speciality at this Upper East Side jeweller on Madison Avenue. Take a walk in nearby Central Park afterwards.
London
Sean O’Flynn (seanoflynnshirtmaker.co.uk)
After cutting his teeth at Savile Row tailors Huntsman, and New & Lingwood, O’Flynn has now opened his business selling bespoke shirts, pyjamas and dressing gowns. He also travels to the States for his discerning customers.
Cos (cosstores.com)
One of the high street’s most exciting new additions, Cos (stands for ‘collection of style’) sells sleek, minimal clothes and accessories at reasonable prices.
Truefitt & Hill (truefittandhill.co.uk)
Established in 1805, this old-fashioned gentlemen’s barber shop sells top-notch grooming products and accessories, from shaving sets to fragrances.
Connolly (connollylondon.com)
Originally known for luxurious car interiors and even the seats on Concorde, this leather specialist now produces immaculate luggage, gloves and bags.
Bamford & Sons (bamfordandsons.com)
Classic British design with a twist. Find watches, timeless stylish clothes, organic knits and eco leather in a quirky setting at this Sloane Square store.
