6 Best Places to Shop in Beşiktaş and Nişantaşı, Istanbul

Longtime designer Gönül Paksoy is known for her elegant and stunning women's clothing that reinterprets Ottoman and tribal designs. Her museumlike store shows off beautiful pieces created with vintage textiles, as well as new garments handmade using all-natural fabrics and dyes. There is also a collection of more casual (and less pricey) items including jewelry, bags, shoes, and other accessories, all crafted in Paksoy's characteristic style.

One of Turkey's oldest and most elegant fashion houses, Vakko carries its own lines as well as clothing, shoes, and accessories from high-end international labels at its flagship department store in Nişantaşı. The company is particularly well-known for its collection of silk scarves and ties in a variety of traditional and modern designs. It also sells its own signature chocolates. A spin-off "concept store" next door, V2K Designers ( Abdi İpekçi Cad. 31), sells hip men's and women's apparel by international names.

Istanbul's version of Bloomingdale's, Beymen has suited doormen and sells expensive, up-to-date fashions from well-known international brands and designers in its multistory flagship department store. The two underground levels house Beymen Blender, a hip store-within-a-store that carries youthful styles of clothing and shoes. The ground-floor Beymen Brasserie is a popular see-and-be-seen spot for lunch or an afternoon coffee.

Walking into this shop feels like walking into a sleek apothecary, with wooden shelves lined with bottles and porcelain. The fragrant essential oils, soaps, creams, and more sold here are made by hand, using all-natural ingredients and a mortar and pestle. There are two other branches in Kuzguncuk and Kanyon Mall.

One of Turkey's most established jewelry companies makes re-creations, and also chic interpretations, of ancient Anatolian designs and motifs. It has also branched out into home accessories along similar themes.

The delicate, handcrafted jewelry at Yuka is the creation of Güliz Mustafaoğlu, who uses onyx, pearls, and sapphires to punctuate her creations. Part atelier, with the tools of jewelry making prominently on display, the shop sell rings, necklaces, earrings, hair clips, and more, all in Mustafaoğlu's distinct style.