I'm off to NYC on Monday...

[flootshoot]

I've never been. To say I'm excited is a bit of an understatement.

I don't have a huge amount of spending money, but it is my birthday so DH may treat me... any shops I should check out? Clothes that are noticeably cheaper/worth stocking up on for me and/or the DC? Anywhere I absolutely mustn't miss?

TIA!

LOVE LOVE LOVE New York!

In terms of bargains I'm probably not the best person to ask, but, try shops which are based only in US and have us as exports which makes it slightly cheaper (obv depends on exchange rate though).

My fav shops were-Victoria Secrets, Sephora (cosmetics similar to Boots type store, nice makeup etc) Abercrombie and Fitch and off course it would be rude not to wander into Tiffanys, for a look round if nothing else :-)

I didn't do loads of shopping but these were the shops I bought from. I found Bloomingdales too much hype and a bit grotty, a bit like a tired Debenhams but there's loads of designer shops too-ie Diesel etc so if you like a specific designer look them up before an make sure you take your size comparisons with you.

There's probably lots of bargains to be had somewhere but a few tips above. Also we went for Thanksgiving and there were Christmas markets at Grand Central and at Bryant Park which had some lovely things (some tat too !) but seemed quite overpriced...

Have an amazing time!!

Thanks.

So EXCITED!!!

Wow, I'm incredibly envious!!

Definitely miss Bloomingdales/Macy's...excellent description above.

Century 21 and Target are great for bargains - similar to TK Maxx.

Woodbury Common is an outlet village outside of the city which is good - you can catch a greyhound to it and also gives you a chance to see a bit of the suburbs. Maybe google to see if the brands on offer are of any interest?

Electrical is usually cheaper, if you're looking for anything.

Definitely incorporate tourist stuff with shopping, you won't care if you come home with nothing but you will care if you miss some of the sights. It's also a good way of coming across shops that you didn't know about.

Try and make it to a museum if you can, we went to MOMA and they had an amazing fashion exhibition on.

Central Park is lovely, I bet it's beautiful at the time of year.

Walk from Empire State all the way to battery park, you'll catch loads of sights.

Definitely go to Greenwich Village, great independent shops.

Don't bother with Statue of Liberty...

Enjoy!!!

Ta.

We're definitely doing the tourist thing but I really want to shop too, plus we can get some Christmas gifts out there.

Banana republic, crate & barrel (just don't buy anything big there!) saks fifth avenue. Oh and go and buy a sandwich and goggle at how massive it is! Enjoy. Very jealous of you

Brooklyn Flea market is great, if you have time to leave Manhattan. The one in Williamsburg has an amazing view of the skyline but I like the one in Fort Greene for the choice of food places. I got some prints & jewellery. There is a lot of tat but it is worth a rummage! www.brooklynflea.com

Agree with Banana Republic!

Touristy wise, better to do Rockefeller centre than Empire State as queues are shorter and you get a great view of Empire State from it.