Generally are trainers cheaper in NYC?

[EachandEveryone]

Because I need some decent footwear but I'm conscious of how much trainers are these days. I don't go to the gym but I walk a lot and in NYC I am planning on walking everywhere but I still need to look alright to go into a bar after all that walking. Should I wait until I get there or should I potentially pay more money but buy them now and start breaking them in?

[EachandEveryone]

Thanks. At first I thought she was going to ask for Mac! They are only 13/14 so maybelline will do for now!

[EachandEveryone]

Those that are going in the next couple of weeks I'd love to hear if you bought anything.

[bigTillyMint]

Me too!

[spub]

Going next Weds. Planning to eat, drink and shop myself into the ground.
Will report back if I am not completely incapacitated
Any tips/advice much appreciated. So excited! ( clapping hands together like a seal emoticon)

[LeopardIsTheNewBlack]

There's a free app you can download called coupons.com. If you click on 'shopping ' you can get scannable discount codes for store. Before you hit the shops always check for printable coupons online. Macy's ALWAYS has coupons and the savings can really add up.
If you are going to Century 21 downtown make sure you visit the TJMaxx on Wall St. It has the most high end stuff I've seen in a TJMaxx, I've bought a lot of Kate Spade from there.
Like another poster said, Target's ok-ish. Their clothes are huge though and the cut and fit tend to be bad.

[spub]

Leopard, awesome advice. Thank you!

[bigTillyMint]

Ooh, that website looks good - I will have a good look just before we leave! Thanks

[LeopardIsTheNewBlack]

Also, re the trainers. I would absolutely wear them to walk around in rather than boots. I would put a pair of heels or ballet flats In my (huge) handbag and change into them for bar hopping. Speaking of bars I really recommend Butterfield8 which is midtown. Check out their website for happy hour deals . In a city where a glass of crappy wine can cost $15 you need all the happy hour help you can get.
Beauty treatments-head on down to Chinatown where you can get waxing,nails and massages dirt cheap.
Food- if you are looking for a diner Juniors is good( they're known for their New York cheesecake) but the Times Square one has crappy service. I prefer the one in Brooklyn. If you take the subway over to Brooklyn make sure you walk back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn bridge. The view is amazing and you'll be happy you wore your trainers
If you want a good and free view of the Statue of Liberty taken the Statem Island ferry from Whitehall to Staten Island and back. It's a really nice ride, but please avoid rush hour! Go between 10am and 2pm and you'll have free run of the boat.

[bigTillyMint]

Thanks for the tips, Leopard - great!

[EachandEveryone]

The Macy's vouchers on their site all seem to be for shopping online? Where can I get the printable ones from?

I'll look into that bar. Thanks. We are staying on canal street so look forward to some foot massages!

[Chimchar]

Hi everyone. Nothing to add in terms of the request for info, but wanted to say that I'm going too last week of October!!

It's our first trip. An terrified and excited and grabbing any tips I can about nyc!!

Meet you all in Maceys!

[Chimchar]

Actually, what with this being s&b...what sort of coat or outdoor wear are you taking? Not sure if I should go for warm or waterproof or take both?!

[ChipsandGuac]

Am I the only person on the planet who hates Century 21? It's only one step up from a jumble sale and smells as if it is too. Plus, I've never quite got over them putting up a massive "FALLING INTO STYLE" banner, from top to bottom of their building, right next to Ground Zero.

[ChipsandGuac]

Chimchar The weather can be anything from warm and pleasant to snow at the end of October. In the last 4 years, we've had snow around Halloween. Last year was lovely. So, check the weather forecast before you come!

[ChipsandGuac]

Sorry, that was meant to read, in the last 4 years we've had snow TWICE around Halloween.

[Millymollymama]

I thought Macy's was a jumbie sale too. The last, and only, time I looked. We needed an extra carry on bag so that was purchased from there but it was not a pleasant experience.

We buy very little in the USA now as the £/$ rate is dreadful. We have good meals out. DD interned in NY recently and found some brilliant restaurants in the soHo area. We actually preferred staying down there too. It is unlike any other area of New York but, as DD found out, you need a mortgage just to go to the deli. Lots of interesting neighbourhood shops though. And the best cafes. My DH bought shoes from Cole Hahn and was disappointed with Banana Republic this time. DD said her favoured brand of American trainers were cheaper but our rule is only buy American brands. Anything imported, forget it.

[bigTillyMint]

Millymolly, what is your DD's favourite brand of American trainers? Maybe DD or I would like them?!

I too am wondering about a coat. I think maybe I will take my biker jacket and an umbrella as I hope to buy a puffa there.

[EachandEveryone]

I've got a thin navy Zara coat and a tweed blazer I'm there from the 24th and will wait until nearer the time to decide. I found Macy's to be fine but then I only went to the toddler Ralph Lauren section.

[Helgathehairy]

I was doing a bit of looking last night and it looks like Play Doh is LOTS cheaper in the U.S. Now bear in mind, I'm in Ireland so starting with Euro prices but looking at the same sets in Argos and Toys R Us, toys r us were lots cheaper. 2 year old DD is obsessed with the stuff!

[Want2bSupermum]

Don't even bother with an umbrella in the rain. It's quite windy here so they just blow out.

Saucony are normally well priced. To save money I ask if they have any from the previous year left over. That got me a $40 discount last time.

[bigTillyMint]

Maybe I will take DS's Nike pacamac! Off to Google Saucony. So do you need to ask directly for discounts?

[EachandEveryone]

I got an email off Macy's today with a 15% off voucher code. Again it says to put the code in at check out. I don't know if the code can be used in the store

[Want2bSupermum]

Yes ask directly for discounts. We go shopping twice a year for DH. He is tall and wide so we end up spending a lot, about $3-5k as nothing is discounted. I often get that number discounted by 15 or 20%. I just ask what discounts and promotions are running as it's an awful lot to spend.

[bigTillyMint]

Great tip, Supermum - thanks!

[EachandEveryone]

Is there anywhere decent to go for a blow dry mid town?