Shopping in NYC 3: Delightful Department Stores

"I never think people die. They just go to department stores."--Andy Warhol

Generally speaking, if you're in need of anything--be it a shiny pair of peep-toe stilettos to an eye catching coat to a sparkly party frock--you can find it at a department store.
New York has several flagships, and while they all offer the same general options, certain stores 'do' certain departments better than others.
Thus, The Fashion Bomb presents: The Delightful Department Store review (New York City edition):
First up is my absolute FAVORITE:


Lord & Taylor (424 5th Ave at 38th street)
*Pros: The dress selection is *sick* and the coat floor always has great options. Sign up online for their promotions, and always get at least an extra 15% off your purchases.
*Cons: Cashiers are at times stingy with the discounts if you don't have the actual coupons (silly, because you can usually get a booklet on the 7th floor).
*Bonus: Older women know what's up, but younger women generally don't. This translates to a glut of Nicole Miller, French Connection, and BCBG Max Azria at good prices. I blogged about this one! Read about it here.

Next Bloomingdales (1000 3rd Ave between 59th Street and 60th Street):

*Pros: While Lord & Taylor has a great dress selection, Bloomy's is unmatched in that department. From bridesmaid dresses to cocktail LBD's, Bloomingdales has it all.
*Cons: Sales are too few and far between, and are typically reserved for Bloomy's card holders.
*Directions: N, R; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
*Bonus: Check out their other, smaller location in Soho (504 Broadway between Broome Street and Spring Street) for a more intimate vibe and a pretty good shoe sale section. Directions: N, R to Prince St; B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette.

You can't come to NYC and not visit Macys (151 W 34th St between 7th Avenue and Broadway):

*Pros: This century old mainstay has arguably the best shoe department in the city. It's also a great place to find work clothes, and has frequent markdowns and promotions.
*Cons: The flagship store gets cruiseazy on the weekends.
*Directions: 1, 2, 3; B, D, F; N, R, Q, W to 34th St
*Bonus: Stop in their food court if you need to refuel. Stimulate your shopaholic taste buds with Starbucks, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Au Bon Pain, and more. The surrounding area is also prime shopping stomping ground. Drop into the nearby Banana Republic, Forever 21, or Victoria's Secret.

Saks 5th Avenue on 5th Avenue (611 5th Avenue at 49th Street):

*Pros: Go to their quarterly jean sale to get those Citizens, Sevens, and True Religions you've been eyeing all year.
*Cons: The perfume sprayers and makeup applicators on the first floor can be overbearing.
*Directions: B, D; F, V to 47th-50th Sts-Rockefeller Ctr
*Bonus: 5th Avenue in Manhattan is a great shopping/window shopping strip. After visiting Saks, drop into Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan, H&M, or Armani Exchange. Walk uptown towards Central Park and salivate over the Gucci, Dior, and Fendi window displays.

Henri Bendel (712 5th Avenue)

*Pros: The amount of 'greeters' at the entrance is a bit much, but I like the customer service-y feeling. They have great sales if you get the inside scoop.
*Cons: Prepare yourself for slight sticker shock.
Directions: 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.

There are a few department stores I *don't* frequent because they either seem a.) intimidating or b.) way out of my price range. Still, it might be fun to take a dip and twirl around!
Check out Barney's New York (660 Madison Ave at 60th Street):

*I had heard...Millionaires like Beyonce and Mary Kate Olson shop at Barney's. Hey, the promise of celeb stalking might make your trip worth it.
*Directions:N, R, W to Fifth Ave

Last up: Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets)

*I had heard...Bergdorf's clothing displays are breathtaking. Visit to gaze upon the beauty of everything, but be prepared for clutch-my-pearls prices.
*Directions: F, N/R/W, 4/5/6 to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue.
Hope that was helpful:)
Smootches!