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Whatever it is you want, New York has it in your size and favorite color. The tough part is knowing where to look. Or, given the sheer number of superstores, where not to look. Electronics, fashion labels, and bargains on all-American brands are what most visitors shop for. New York is a city of districts that seem to be designed for comparison shopping. The Diamond District (47th Street between Fifth & Sixth Ave.) lets you decide amongst the big brands of jewelry and watches. If high style is your game then the fashion flagships of Fifth and Madison Avenues should be your first stop. But New York is not only for those of deep pockets. For every $1200 Bottega Veneta handbag there are a thousand similar looks to be found for far less in discount stores, on street corners and at secret samples sales. The following pages will give you an idea of where to start whether hunting for the perfect souvenir or the sharpest look.
High Fashion For high design your best starting point is Fifth Avenue & 57th Street. Within a two block radius you'll find Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada and countless other labels. When you've had your fill here head a block east to Madison Avenue. Start with Barneys and walk uptown for exclusive shops carrying everything you need to live the luxe life. In recent years Downtown neighborhoods like SoHo and the Meatpacking District have also become fashion destinations. Many top labels like Ferragamo, Prada and Chanel have opened outposts in the light filled loft spaces of SoHo. And cut- ting-edge looks by Stella McCartney, Balenciaga or Alexander McQueen can be found in the Westside's Meatpacking District. Cobbled streets house gutted former butcher shops now artfully repurposed as high-style show- rooms. But if these labels are too rich for your blood, try the boutiques of the East Village. St. Mark's Place and East 9th Street have punk inspired standards and hip looks from up-and-coming designers. click here for more...
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