Recommendations

Strengths

• No Upper East Side shopping spree is complete without a trip to Barney’s. They've been around since 1923, and unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know all about them. Still, I thought it might be useful to share my perspective.
• I love Barney’s handbags, beauty products (lower level), and baby clothes.
• When it comes to fashion, I tend to focus on the their avant garde European designers, like Lanvin, Balenciaga, Giambattista Valli. Barney’s buys their lines in a unique way, and often gets merchandise before other stores.
• Have lunch at Fred’s on the top floor to complete the experience. It’s hipper than the restaurant at Bergdorf’s, and the market salad and lobster club are excellent.

Shortcomings

• If you go on the weekend, it can be a bit of a madhouse.

Insider tips

• Robert Sweet Williams downstairs does great eyebrows for non-waxers.
• One of the best choices for bridal registry. They have a great selection, and if you have a change of heart you can use the credit towards any Barney’s merchandise.
• If you are from out-of-town and don’t want to be overwhelmed, you can download their store directory from barneys.com before you go.

Anecdotes

• I grew up just a few blocks away, and have been shopping there for about 20 years personally and professionally. I’m tempted to estimate how many times I’ve been to Barney’s, and how much I’ve spent over the years; tempted in the way you are tempted to look at a gruesome car wreck. I think I’ll pass.

Perfect for

• Barney's is that rare store that’s just as cherished by local insiders as it is by out of towners. It’s truly a New York shopping institution.