Theory

My experience with UWS boutiques has been this: you walk into the store, the staff (otherwise busy chatting among themselves) looks up and immediately decides you are not going to buy anything, thereby projecting an air of hostility that results in your leaving within a couple of minutes, thus turning their initial impression into a self-​fulfilling prophecy. You get the strong feeling that they derive their greatest pleasure from gossiping about you after you step out the door.
Theory is different, with professional sales associates who are friendly and helpful without being overbearing, I walked through the door on a frigid December evening and everyone exuded a we’re-glad-you-stopped-by vibe. When I expressed interest in one item, the associate ran to get my size, gave his opinion on color choices, and showed me another item that he thought I might like. I hadn’t been planning to buy anything, but ended up with a coat that kept me warm the rest of my time in NYC.
Theory sells well-​made, classic clothes at a reasonable price. I probably have pieces that are 10-​years-​old and I still wear them. Too bad for me that this store is 3000 miles from home, but if you’re looking for clothes you can wear to work and a super-​pleasant environment on the UWS, Theory is a must stop.

Awesome place even though I didn’t drive there!
I called this store because the Theory store in Beverly Hills didn’t have my size for these AWESOME FLATS ON SALE, so I ordered it from New York.
These shoes are so sick that I may call them to see if they have another pair. They are elegant, timeless, chic and super cute and practical. I want to get a pair for my mom…
I will call again tomorrow! Their service was excellent! They called the Beverly Hills store and were at first arguing with me about how the shoes were not on sale and never go on sale but then they realized they made a mistake and the shoes were on sale.
I am one lucky cute girl.

The store is not that large, but the staff is super helpful. I personally prefer buying my Theory items from department stores or online simply because you can get better deals. That being said, this location is convenient and there are many great stores in the area.

This place has been replaced by Helmut Lang

Theory is consistently a staple in my closet. There clothing is simple and high quality. It can get a bit a pricey but I promise you will have it for years and look amazing! Their pants and jackets will make you look sharp, clean and modern any day for any business meeting. Their wools and cashmeres will keep you warm all winter long for many winters!
The UWS location is smaller than the one in the meatpacking, but the service is great and they have a great selection for such a small store.

I had a terrible experience shopping for a business suit. First I was hovered over the entire time by several shopgirls, then one took over and insisted I try on several suits although I wasn’t particularly interested, she kept peering into my stall in the dressing room and insisting that I really really looked good in one of them. I was ambivalent, and not quite sure — but I had to buy a suit that day and she knew that. When I relented and gave in, thinking I’d like to try this on at home, in peace, and make a decision, as I was handing her my card, she says, oh by the way, no returns on this one because it’s reduced. So I paused, and stepped to the side to think more, but she kept saying how awesome I looked in it (by the way, the other suit I was interested in, which was not reduced and returnable, she said ‘did not fit right’, and that everybody knows that you don’t wear blazers which you can comfortably button — you are supposed to unbutton the last button. ?!). I bought it — relying on all this supposed ‘advice.’ Well, after trying it on at home, I hated it so much that I immediately went back. I tried to politely ask the manager if they would make an exception to the return policy, of which I was aware and I realize my mistake, but that I would happily accept store credit. Not only was I told no way in hell, but the manager implied I was stupid for listening to the advice of her own staff !!!
WTF?
So, alright, it was ultimately my mistake, but at least acknowledge the pushy and unfair sales practices of your staff — that girl was pushing that blazer because she knew it couldn’t be returned. And she did not have the decency to tell me it was not returnable in the 30 minutes she spent hovering over me. Seriously, are you that desperate for a commission on one reduced blazer that you will risk alienating customers? Do you seriously not realize that the commission on one reduced blazer will be more than offset by losses from the sales you will not make as a result of it?
My advice: go to the downtown Theory and buy your suits there — the staff are much more polite, upfront and decent.

I discovered this Theory store as I was exploring the neighborhood when I first started working at my new job. Being a downtown chick, this part of town is entirely foreign to me. Imagine my glee when I found out what wonderful stores there are just outside my office building! Needless to say, this Theory store is my favorite discovery! Of course, my wallet trembles every time I enter it!
This store location is much smaller than the MePa store but this is a minor difference because albeit smaller, it carries the same items. I personally am adverse to shopping in small boutiques because I oft times feel like all the attention of the sales people are on ME. I also feel obligated to buy something!
What is nice about the sales people in this store was that they’re all genuinely friendly and helpful. I didn’t experience any snooty ‘tude from any of the 5 sales people working there. All were very helpful and sweet which made me forget that I was the ONLY customer in the store. One even went into the back to bring out recently released items that they hadn’t put out yet which I thought was nice.
I don’t mind coming back here to shop given the pleasant experience I received here.