New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [161]
Furla.
Shoulder bags, oblong clutches, and roomy totes can be quite proper or attention-getting, from a cocoa-brown, croc-embossed zipper-top to a patent leather, cherry-red purse. | 598 Madison Ave., at E. 57th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/980–3208 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.
Louis Vuitton.
In the mammoth 57th Street store vintage examples of Vuitton’s famous monogrammed trunks float above the fray on the ground floor, where shoppers angle for the latest accessories. Joining the initials are the Damier check pattern and colorful striated leathers, plus devastatingly chic clothes and shoes designed by Marc Jacobs. | 1 E. 57th St., at 5th Ave., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/758–8877 | Subway: E, V to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Salvatore Ferragamo.
Elegance and restraint typify these designs, from black-tie patent to weekender ankle boots. The company reworks some of their women’s styles from previous decades, like the girlish Audrey (as in Hepburn) ballet flat, released seasonally for limited runs. Don’t miss the silk ties for men. | 655 5th Ave., at E. 52nd St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/759–3822 | Subway: E, M to 53rd St.
Stuart Weitzman.
The broad range of styles, from wing tips to strappy sandals, is enhanced by an even wider range of sizes and widths. Bridal shoes are hugely popular, if pricey. | 625 Madison Ave., between E. 58th and E. 59th Sts., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/750–2555 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Toys
American Girl Place.
No pink toy convertibles here; instead, the namesake dolls are historically themed, from Felicity of colonial Virginia to Kit of Depression-era Cincinnati. Each character has her own affiliated books, furniture, clothes, and accessories. There’s a doll hairdressing station, a café, and a Dress Like Your Doll shop. | 609 5th Ave., at E. 49th St., Midtown East | 10017 | 212/371–2220 | Subway: B, D, F, M to 47th–50th Sts./Rockefeller Center.
Fodor’s Choice | FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue.
A New York classic that’s better than ever, this children’s paradise more than lives up to the hype. The ground floor is a zoo of extraordinary stuffed animals, from cuddly $20 teddies to towering, life-size elephants and giraffes (with larger-than-life prices to match). FAO Schwartz stocks M&Ms in every color of the rainbow. Upstairs, you can dance on the giant musical floor keyboard, browse through Barbies wearing Armani and Juicy Couture, and design your own Muppet puppet. | 767 5th Ave., at E. 58th St., Midtown East | 10153 | 212/644–9400 | Subway: 4, 5, 6 to E. 59th St.
MIDTOWN WEST
Beauty
The Plaza Beauty.
If the sticky samples at Sephora make your skin crawl, try an all-together more civilized experience here. The Plaza Beauty, inside the legendary hotel, is a futuristic, all-white space stocked with elite brands like Tocca, Youngblood, and Aquiesse. For more pampering there’s an eyebrow bar and men’s area. Best of all, the sales staff is calm and helpful and won’t attack you with perfume. | 1 W. 58th St., Grand Concourse Level, between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/223–4694 | Subway: N, Q, R to 34th St./Herald Sq.
Cameras and Electronics
B&H Photo Video and Pro Audio.
As baskets of purchases trundle along on tracks overhead, you can plunge into the excellent selection of imaging, audio, video, and lighting equipment. The staff is generous with advice, and will happily compare merchandise. Low prices, good customer service, and a liberal returns policy make this a favorite with pros and amateurs alike. TIP Be sure to leave a few extra minutes for the checkout procedure; also, keep in mind that the store is closed Saturday. | 420 9th Ave., between W. 33rd and W. 34th Sts., Midtown West | 10001 | 212/444–6615 | Subway: N, Q, R to 5th Ave./59th St.
Clothing
Cheap Jack’s.
Jack’s two-floor space may be 12,000