My favorite shops are diverse and numerous. I’ll be adding everyday a new store to my blog as well as a store review of the shop. In the meantime, I thought I’d share with you a couple of my favorite stores in New York City.

Chanel          

Everything about this spacious boutique is impressive, from the apparent spirit of Coco Chanel, of course designed by Karl Lagerfeld in a cleverly modern way, to the elegant Peter Marino interior, to the superb customer service and management, which is by far of the highest standard we’ve seen. This Chanel location boasts one of only seven Chanel fine jewelry salons in the country, where you may choose from re-editions and new versions of the glorious jewelry universe that Mlle. Chanel created in 1932. Also, you’ll find the broadest selection of ready-to-wear, from warm to cold weather choices of sports wear, day wear to the ultimate evening wardrobe. And if you were to visit this store each week, you’d literally find a fresh selection of clothing hanging in the salon. This revolving merchandising approach, along with a salesforce who intent on becoming your fashion allies, are just a few reasons why the serious customers are so loyal. The linking C accessories remain sought after still, with the notorious quilted or chain strapped handbags in abundance, but reworked and updated, as is the array of footwear including chic heels, modern boots and the classic ballerina slipper. You’ll also find great sunglasses and the full Chanel beauty and fragrance lines.

Celine                       

With Roberto Menichetti’s Fall 2005 collection only hanging in the stores through early 2006, here you’ll find simply nice, understated clothing. The glamourous, international jet-set image disappated since Michael Kors’ departure, but this doesn’t mean you won’t gravitate to a few luxurious pieces here and there by Roberto, like a fur trimmed coat, a slim lined skirt, or a cool 70’s inspired handbag. The large square sunglasses (style Retro) evoking images of Anouk Aimée in A Man and a Woman are our faves. Be on the watch for the new design talent for this French, LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Moeh, Henessy) owned house.

Gucci           

What hits you immediately when you enter this precisely sharp boutique, (besides the oozing style and luxury of it all) is the tauntingly amazing handbag selection, beckoning you to touch, take, buy! Frida Giannini, who’s been in charge (with fierce success) as creative director, of the Gucci design, is the newly appointed designer of the women’s fashion and does she have her hands on the pulse off the modern/sexy Gucci image? Somehow we bet yes, and that the strength of Gucci will remain, just as ever. The shoes will make you ladies drool, as well. The standards that we’ve all come to expect for the luggage and men’s footwear are superb, and will be waiting for you, as will be all the great accessories, from watches to fine jewelry to fab sunglasses and of course the men’s clothing, now designed (post Ford) by John Ray, who’s efforts have so far been well received.

Hermès       

With an air of refinement, this venerable French luxury goods house originally outfitted the grand coaches for the Champs-Elysées in the mid 1800’s. Having since applied its fine tradition for producing wonderful leather, it turned to a well traveled clientele and the upper-crust equestrian set. There’s a greater story however, than the evocative leather saddles, riding boots, exquisite luggage, and the silk printed scarves so well known. In fact, 16 metier, or product lines are offered in this large attractive boutique, and one need not completely break the bank to be included into the club. Small leather goods, like a mini picture frame, is relatively affordable, while the expensive fashion, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier will excite those for a price, who dress with French sophistication. This addition of Mr. Gaultier’s talent is a good thing, as change and a touch of eccentricity are needed to keep an old house fresh. There’s no shortage of the classics however, whether it be the impeccable accessories (more than just the infamous Kelly bag), great shoes, address books, table top ware, cashmere blankets or baby gifts, watches and fine jewelry…all that say perfection. A few pieces from their very chic and modern furniture collection can also be specially ordered here, with a long wait of over a year, but well worth it.