Last weekend I went to New York, looking to do a little holiday shopping for my loved ones and also squeeze in a little retail therapy for myself. New York, the shopping mecca and all decorated for Christmas too – what’s better? Well, truthfully, I left feeling as though Portland might be.

Of course, to be fair, you can’t go to New York and not have fun shopping. My favorites this time around: Edge*nyNOHO, an indoor market filled with local designers and their work, had some affordable yet still fantastic pieces, especially the Andy Collins Jewelry that feature flowers cast in resin. Also fun was Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn. With racks and racks of women’s and men’s, there was everything from true vintage to gently-worn H&M, and all was bargain- to reasonably-priced, such as the peep-toe brown and gold heels I found for $16.95. (Of course I can’t wear them in this snow, but whatever. Details.)

But this weekend of battling long lines, tacky tourists, irate-at-the-tacky-tourists NY-ers and giddy-at-the-finally-favorable-exchange-rate Euros left me daydreaming of cobblestones and my favorite local haunts. So, a happy ShopLocal-ite anyway, I returned home with renewed shopping energy. I’m going to start at Akari, where I spied some great, oversized Jan Michaels rings. And they are adjustable too, so no sneaky finger-measuring needed. Perfect for the jewelry lovers on your list.

I’ve got a list of stores to hit this week, but I want to know…Where are your favorites?