New York style and beauty questions

[hooliodancer]

I am going to New York for work soon. I'm very excited as I've never been.

What is New York business dress like (banking)? I don't want to look a test. I have bought a new black dress from Jigsaw- a midi length shift.

I also would like to buy something clothes wise that I can't buy here. Is that worth doing, or does the exchange rate make it pointless.

Also, will Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier be cheaper over there? I will stock up if so! Also, Clinique?

Is there anything else I should be looking out for? Thanks.

A twat. Don't want to look a twat. Not a test...

Bearing in mind that when I went to the US in November the exchange rate was 1.50, makeup was cheaper. However, the rate plus New York sales tax may mean it isn't now. Maybe do some googling of prices - e.g.Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser is £34 or $44 which is the same price right now, plus tax at the till.

My friend did an internship at Citi in NY and the dress code was basically look boring! Skirts had to be knee length, closed 2 shoes with heels at 2 inches and no more, no loud prints. The shift dress sounds good.

Lucky you, I love New York! I'm afraid I can't advise on business wear other than that, on the whole, people dress pretty conservatively and I'd expect the financial sector to be even more so.

I don't know about designer shopping and I don't buy many beauty products either. Personally I think their high street fashion is rubbish. I was dreadfully disappointed the first time I went. I was last there 2 years ago and it had def improved but any big UK city would still knock spots off them.

But - and before you start wondering why I'm bothering to post their 2nd hand shops are great! They call them 'consignment' and they sell every label you can think of, often hardly worn and at excellent prices even, I would think, considering the exchange rate. My favourite is this one tokio7.net/

Vintage shops also have lovely stuff but are £££.

Take lots of layers. You can still get very hot days in September-October but air con means it can very be chilly indoors.

I'm sure there will be other posters who can advise more on the other stuff. Have a great time.

Go to Sephora if you can!

I agree re PNGirl re shift dresses and pencil skirts/suits and hose (tights), New Yorkers are quite conservative re work dresswear.

I agree re sales tax too in New York!

They have some outlet malls out of town (forget names as I don't go them) where you can get stuff cheaper plus consignment shops are good.

If you can manage to do a day trip to Philadelphia they have zero or lower rate sales tax on clothes and makeup etc than New York. Philly is where Liberty Bell and their first "Parliament" is. Very pretty.

Their clothes can be variations on CK etc but it's not great, you can get the same as you'd get here! The only stuff I do like is Old Navy (Gap stable) but that's more casual, Talbots is ok (you can get in UK) but quite business like. Anthropologie is common there but £££ but you could pick up bargains. When i was there years ago it was before Banana Republic came to UK, I don't like their clothes and American Apparel I find expensive for what it is too.

I love the sound of the second hand shops!

It sounds like I'll have to wear tights then. Thin 'lady' tights? I hate them with a vengeance!

SAks, fifth avenue - my spiritual home

Upthread you've had up to date comments about the exchange rate , so just want to tell of my experiences there over a few years..so, I go in for Take the Day off stuff, try on this'n'that....come out with my original take the day off PLUS a ginormous bag of freebies to try , my current list:-
Anti gravity firming lift cream
All about eyes
Take the day off
Rinse off foaming cleanser
Liquid facial soap extra-mild
Rinse-off eye make up solvent
Dramatically different muisturing lotion

All pots or squeezey bottle, both good size..

Had full make up done every morning anorl.

Laura Mercia, got loads of little one-hit squeezable sachets.

Remember, in NYC there's Bloomingdales too

If you're savvy, you'll need an extra baggage allowance for all the freebies you can collect

Check out Milk makeup it's fab, only stocked in Sephora I think.

Also Nordstrom Rack for past season clothes at good prices located on Union Square. Brooklyn is also great for shopping for cool independent shops and Brooklyn Flea for vintage clothes.

Think J Crew is still cheaper... If you like J Crew!