New York – A Shopaholic’s Dream by Anjanette Harry

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  I stayed at the Portland Square Hotel. A quaint place enhanced with a Far Eastern style air. Light music floated throughout the lobby and a tumbling water fountain complete with a Buddha statue greeted visitors in the foyer. Situated on West 47^th Street, the hotel was in a perfect location, surrounded by bars, restaurants, shops and only a block away from the world famous Times Square.

           

 

  New York is a loveable city that has something for everyone. Whether you want to indulge in the expensive splendour of shops on 5^th Avenue, visit the popular Macy’s on 7^th Avenue or rather find brilliant bargains at the city’s huge outlets such as Woodbury Common and New Jersey Gardens, you are sure to find what you need. Me? I did a little of all three.

 

 

 

{mosimage}  Before a day of shopping, I always like to eat a light snack. Pax Wholesome Foods has a nice chain of reasonably priced cafes, and one was located right near my hotel. An array of healthy sandwiches, tasty salads, fresh fruit and scrumptious desserts are available here. A little like Pret A Manger (though they have that there too), it was the perfect place to eat a quick but satisfying meal. After eating, I decided to visit 5^th Avenue, a great long road adorned with stores representing some of the best names in fashion. Armani Xchange, Lacoste, Kenneth Cole and some of our own popular high street stores; H&M and Nine West littered the street. Each store was like a little drop of shopping heaven and a sight to behold, with their creative window displays and bright designs.

 

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  After happily scouring the many stores along 5^th, I made my way over to 7^th Avenue to visit Macy’s and Victoria Secret, passing Broadway with its great expanse of theatres and flashing multi-coloured lights. Mary Poppins, The Lion King and Wicked were just a few of the famous musicals that caught my eye on this particular shopping expedition.

 

 

  Harlem is a culturally rich and diverse place with an exceptional history. 125^th Street, Harlem’s main shopping district, is a gem of a place to shop and a location that perhaps not many visitors would think to visit. Name brands that are more famous for combining a casual style with a unique urban class take top priority here. Guess and Rocawear were just some of the popular selected brands that were available to buy. By far, the best purchase I made here was a beautiful black leather gold-lined Babyphat jacket for only $150.

 

 

 

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 The Thanksgiving holiday arrived during my time in New York. It was a special time there, the atmosphere unlike any other. The chilly winter winds and thundery showers did little to dampen people’s excitable moods in the days leading up to their national holiday, as quality family time and rich festive food awaited all.

 

 

 

  Visiting the city in November, I was also able to see the preparations for Christmas which was, in a word, unforgettable. The ice skating rink at Rockefeller Centre was being prepared during my visit to the shops, attracting great crowds and cheerful onlookers. Strings of Christmas lights and colourful decorations gave the city an almost romantic feel and Saks’ exquisite window display involving a glittery Christmas gold reflected onto the pavement below.

 

           

 

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  Yellow taxis streaming through the wide streets, unbelievably tall buildings and Central Park are just a few of the images that come to mind when thinking of this bustling and distinctive city. But there is so much more to see and do. A place where boredom can never exist and the mind will broaden with all the things to be learnt and the many different people to meet. One tip though if you’re thinking of visiting New York to shop…make sure you take an empty suitcase to hold all the lovely items you’re going to want to bring back with you!

 

 

 

By Anjanette Harry

 

anjhar6@hotmail.com