New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [162]
Forever 21.
The pounding music, plethora of jeggings, and graffiti-covered N.Y.C. taxicab parked inside will appeal to tween shoppers. But even if you are older than 21, you’ll still find a reason to shop here. This location, clocking in at a whopping 90,000 square feet, is the biggest Forever 21 on the East Coast. Come for supertrendy clothes that won’t break the bank, such as slouchy sweaters, shirtdresses, and pouffy skirts. Menswear and children’s clothes are also sold here, and the jewelry is surprisingly well done. | 303 5th Ave., at 31st St., Midtown West | 10016 | 212/777–9564 | Subway: B, D, F, M to 47th–50th St./Rockefeller Ctr.
Norma Kamali.
A fashion fixture from the 1980s has a newly modern, though still ’80s-influenced, line. Her luminously white store carries bold black-and-white-pattern bathing suits, Grecian-style draped dresses, and her signature poofy “sleeping-bag coats.” The in-house Wellness Café sells olive oil–based beauty products and healthful snacks like kale chips. | 1540 Broadway, between W. 45th and W. 46th Sts., Midtown West | 10036 | 212/302–0594 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Department Stores
Bergdorf Goodman.
Good taste reigns here in an elegant and sophisticated setting. Bergdorf’s carries some brilliant lines, such as Marchesa, Narciso Rodriguez, and Balenciaga. In the basement Level of Beauty, find a seat in the manicure–pedicure lounge or go for Bergdorf Blonde highlights at the in-house John Barrett salon. The home department has rooms full of magnificent linens, tableware, and gifts. To fully be a lady who lunches, grab a bite at the seventh-floor BG Salon, with Central Park views. | 754 5th Ave., between W. 57th and W. 58th Sts., Midtown West | 10019 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave.
Henri Bendel.
Behind the graceful Lalique windows you’ll discover a mecca of niche boutiques stocking beauty products, accessories, and gifts (but no clothing). Bendel’s dedication to the unusual begins in the ground-floor cosmetics area and percolates through the floors of women’s lingerie and jewelry, scarves, and sunglasses. The in-house lines are displayed throughout. | 712 5th Ave., between W. 55th and W. 56th Sts., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/247–1100 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Lord & Taylor.
This is not your mother’s Lord & Taylor. The department store has been working hard to attract a younger, hipper crowd. Thanks to a recent makeover, the clothing departments are easier to navigate and shoppers will find classic brands like Coach, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren. The ground-floor beauty department also got a face-lift, with store exclusives like Lancôme’s first mascara bar. | 424 5th Ave., between W. 38th and W. 39th Sts., Midtown West | 10018 | 212/391–3344 | Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R, M to 34th St./Herald Sq.
Macy’s.
Macy’s headquarters has more than 1 million square feet of retail space, so expect to lose your bearings at least once. Fashion-wise, there’s a concentration on the mainstream rather than on the luxe. One strong suit is denim, with everything from Hilfiger and Calvin Klein to Earl Jeans and Paper Denim & Cloth. There’s also a reliably good selection of American designs from Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and Sean John. For cooking gear and housewares, the Cellar nearly outdoes Zabar’s. | Herald Sq.,151 W. 34th St., between 6th and 7th Aves., Midtown West | 10001 | 212/695–4400 | Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R, M to 34th St./Herald Sq.
Jewelry and Accessories
Bulgari.
This Italian company is certainly not shy about its name, which encircles gems, watch faces, and an ever-growing accessories line. There are beautiful, weighty rings, pieces mixing gold with stainless