So we are going to New York in a few days - what should I look for and where?

[Polgara2]

I definitely want clinique but was hoping that some of the more expensive makeup and skincare items (that I read about on here but can't afford) will be cheaper? What about mac for instance?
Also clothes? Where's bargainous? Won't have tons of time to spend shopping so need to be focused

Sephora. Great for cosmetics. There is one in SoHo, which is a good area to base yourself for shopping and drinks and hanging out of you want to focus on one area.

Theres a smaller Bloomingdales in SoHo, too, if you cant find what youre looking for in Sephora.

Oh, and American brands are cheaper, basically.

Don't bother with Macy's. I thought it would be Like Selfridge's or Harvey Nichols... It was more like debenhams.

The the drug stores are amazing, much more fun than superdrug or boots here.

Yy to the drugstores. The main chain in NYC is Duane Reade. I could spend hours looking round the cosmetics sections. Cheap and cheerful stuff like Revlon and Maybelline. Avene skincare. Great.

Bath and Body Works. They do ranges of different products eg perfume, body lotion, scrub etc so you can layer them and they're gorgeous. The nicest is "White Citrus" and also "Coconut Lime". Also fab lip glosses and even car scents. It's my favourite shop in the whole world, full of fruity flowery gorgeous products. FAR nicer than The Body Shop.

Agreed re Macy's. Bloomingdales is good. Bring your passport and go to the overseas shopping desk when you arrive and they'll give you a discount card. They also do further discount for some hotels.

Duane Reade v good for Essie. Half the price it is here.

The American clothes brands are obv much cheaper; J Crew, Banana Republic, Baby Gap, etc. Also Calvin Klein underwear is cheap as chips, and Tory Burch is good too.

IMO it's more fun shopping downtown in Greenwich as the shops are smaller units and therefore closer together. Also interspersed with excellent cafés, galleries and restaurants. I actually find shopping on 5th totally soulless. I make exception for the lovely Bloomingdales (I know it's not on 5th).

You'll only really get bargains on American brands OP. But I do find if I send DH into Bloomindales to buy cosmetics the lovely ladies fall over themselves to give him freebies.

Don't know about cosmetics but the best clothes shopping I had in NY was going round second hand (consignment) shops which have lots of designer stuff, often hardly worn and very bargainous. The Rough or Lonely Planet guides will tell you where they are. I thought their high street shops were really disappointing to be honest but, if you can afford new designer prices, you'll be in heaven

Century 21 for bargains.

You could research online before and then hit certain stores to reduce browsing time

I love Macy's, but it's not high end.

Wow lots of information thank you.
So sephora for cosmetics like clinique and mac?
Drugstore chain for maybelline etc.
Surprised so many don't like Macy's - but will have to go in and see it anyway.
Not sure we had Greenwich village or soho on our itinerary so will have to see where they can be slotted in if they're better!
Century 21 on the list as well.
Bath ans body works sounds good.

Is it definitely cheaper to buy the likes of clinique in US rather than duty free at the airport? Or perfume?

Clinique will be no cheaper in US than at home so airport best bet. On my most recent visit, even with a relatively strong pound most high street shopping, Gap, H&M, Uniqlo, Zara etc were no different in price to UK. We liked TJ Maxx for a good rummage and bargains although more for DH than me. I bought Levi Curve jeans at least half price and DH got a Tag watch for £300 less.

Went on the sephora website and it was definitely cheaper than here? Hmm what about the US airports we'll be going through 2 of those?
If I want to buy things like converse is it cheaper in the department stores or are there converse shops?

I travel to the US on business and always stock up on Clinque when I go to Sephora as it is significantly cheaper.

Converse are cheaper wherever you go in the US. When Dp went for work, he brought some back for my DS and they cost £30 when currency was converted where the same ones bought here would have cost £50. Absolutely identical in everything but price

Oh how I long to be in Duance reade now. Whenever im in New york with my mum its impossible for us to alk past a Dunace Reade without going in and spending a fortune.

Also hated Macys. as above thought it would be amazing. no it was just a horrible department store. Also thought bloomingdales was overpriced too so didnt bother much with them.

If your looking for designer clothes etc try woodbury common. its around an hour out of the city from the main port authority bus terminal. It will take a whole day to get round if you do go so leave earlyish. We got some fab bargains last time we were there. fossil watches for $15. converse 2 pairs for $30 and Im always sent to the armani shop by Dp to stock up on jeans as there usually 2 for $40 instead of over £130 over here for 1 pair!

Makeup in around the same price over here so airport is your best bet. But spehora, god you just have to go in and try everything. Times square is pretty expensive even considering the exchange rates. So jealous of you right now though!!

I LOVE Macy's!

I prefer it to Bloomingdales. I felt Bloomingdales was just like going into a House of Fraser. Whereas Macy's has much more character and history. It is huge. The kitchenware dept is ace. I buy loads there. Look out for sales on special holidays, such as President days (google to see what is on while you are there). You also get 11 percent discount in Macy's if you are from overseas. Ask the staff to direct you to the desk where you sign up for the discount. The handbag section is good, much better than debenhams!
Uniqlo near the Empire States is good.
Sephora is a really enjoyable shop.
Souvenirs, there is the most choice at Phantoms of Broadway.
Have fun!

Sephora don't stock Mac OP, but it is waayyyyy cheaper over there!

Ooh you are all making me very excited now! I am currently losing the will to live with the packing so shall dream of shopping instead haha.
Right everything duly noted - thanks to all. Just got to convince dh that you absolutely can't go to New York and not shop! We will send him to a museum or something.

Not your daughters jeans are much cheaper there. I love them as they cover up my wobbly tummy and hold me in

Going later this year so making notes. I plan to go to sephora and a drug store to get various bits and bobs that we don't have here.

If you're interested (or if anyone else is) I've remembered the names of the two best consignment (second hand/dress agency) stores I found. One was Tokyo 7 and I think it was in the East Village. The other was called Ina and was somewhere off Mott St (can't remember the neighbourhood but downtown, maybe Soho). More labels than you can shake a stick at, hardly worn and brilliant prices. My haul included a Prada skirt for about £35 and a Burberry skirt for about £8, both in superb condition. There are lots of similar shops but they do change/move so check in an up do date guidebook. Enjoy!

I like Macy's for the kitchenware and bed sheets. I picked up some fabulous earrings from Ralph Lauren there too.

I went to the Lincoln centre one time with friends a few years ago and they used to have some little shops there.

I stock up from sephora too.

Just back from New York - loved it. Have to say though that it wasn't as cheap as I'd hoped/expected. Get yourself on Banana Republic's mailing list now (make sure it's the American one) - they sent me daily offers to tempt me in. Ended up offering me upto 5 items at 50%! Also worth going into Walgreens - 2 Sally Hansen nail varnishes for $8, vitamins etc.......... Didn't think Sephora was that much cheaper but maybe because I am not such a high end make up girl and don't know my prices!