Around 2,4 million women in SA use blushers and highlighter; 3,5 million use eye make up, 4,9 million use nail varnish, and 5,4 million use lipsticks.
New York
Slick and cool, this is one of the cities that knows best when it comes to shopping.
THE INSTITUTIONS
The department stores here still do it best. And you can't leave NYC without a carrier bag from Macy's. This is not the place for cutting edge but rather for all the big brand essentials – everyone from Guess and Esprit to Ralph, Donna and Calvin, and at all prices in between. Another is Bloomingsdale's for trendy, well-priced American brands. Bloomies also carries all the requisite big-name designer labels and houses an extensive selection of lingerie.
If you're looking for authentic New York cheesecake, look no further than the Grand Central Station. This restored landmark boasts a fabulous bakery, a classy entertainment lounge, an oyster bar and restaurant and a slew of speciality shops.
CHEAP & CHEERFUL
This is the city that knows how to do cheap. Check out these venues that will leave you looking like a million dollars without you having to spend that much: Find Outlet is one of the places where you can score that rare treasure – if you can bear the tiny dressing rooms and crowds of other bargain hunters. Designer labels change frequently so take your time and check them out carefully. LoftWorks boasts three floors of labels like Prada, Gucci and Armani for up to 80% off. Its high ceilings and helpful staff make it feel more like the real thing than a bargain boutique. Gabay's Outlet is literally the Bergdorf's of bargains, getting all its stock from the department store's surplus, with the occasional Blahnik or Choo popping up once in a while.
Survival of the fittest is key when it comes to Century 21, without a doubt the bargain hunter's dream. Save up to 75% (being the norm) on everything from La Perla lingerie to Gaultier gowns. Ina has barely worn (if ever) styles by the hottest designers for less than half the original prices. Look for Burberry raincoats (under $200), Prada and Gucci evening dresses (from $200 to $400), Calvin Klein tops and Armani pants.
Then there's the places you see in the movies, Chinatown, Brooklyn and Upper West Side (the flea market in particular) for bargains you'll die for.
Also, don't forget Chinatown for fabulous, knockoff handbags.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
This sums up the bulk of what's cookin' in Manhattan, but it's really worth taking a trip to The Adidas Originals store, the triple-stripe sportswear company has moved out of the gym and into retro fashion. Young jocks and wannabe D.J.'s come here for anything from key chains, track suits and t-shirts to limited-edition shoes. Also, you must do the big Gap stores.
UPMARKET & DESIGNER
Take a walk around Soho – it's filled with glorious niche stores, like Camper (nuff said). And the world's best Apple shop (prices are lower than in South Africa, even when you add on the taxes when you declare your goodies back home)
Many say that Madison Avenue is the reason God made window shopping. This haute strip boasts fifteen blocks of celebrity designer shops i.e. Calvin Klein, Gaultier, Giorgio and fashion house boutiques. Kick your shoes off and try another at Fratelli Rossetti, makers of really fabulous Italian shoes, and be sure to make some time for the grande Polo store afterwards.
Anyone worth her Manolos will tell you that Barneys' New York is the final word in edgy designer fashion. The lower floors house sophisticated, expensive items like Prada suits and in the upstairs department, you'll find Habitual jeans, Miu Miu dresses, and clingy Juicy tees.
If you're looking to find that perfect suit, look no further than Bergdorf Goodman. And for the younger shoppers, flock to the fifth floor for Michael Kors, Theory, and Diane von Furstenberg dresses. Oh, and look out on the 2nd floor for the equally dangerous selection of shoes and handbags that will get any woman into trouble!
SAKS Fifth Avenue is the top-end department store filled with the major American designers and plenty of Europeans. The swimwear department is also a must-visit when you're there and see the seasonal heart stoppers.
SPECIALS
The American Girl Place is a 43,000-square-foot behemoth, home to a full line of eighteen-inch historical dolls (dressed in period clothes), a café, a bookstore, and a theatre that brings the dolls' characters to life. FAO Schwartz – in 1862, German immigrant Frederick August Otto Schwarz began supplying New York society with Europe's finest toys. Today, you'll find a smattering of ultra, high-end goods and an array of stuffed animals, dolls, train sets, blocks, board games and even candy.
SHOP! TIPS
The best prices are not in the store but literally in the basements. Certain stores sell goods in the basement for 25-50% cheaper than in the actual store!
Times Square offers many attractions but it is purely touristy therefore most times overpriced and low in quality. Most of the shops found here focus on souvenirs and fast food.
Around 2,4 million women in SA use blushers and highlighter; 3,5 million use eye make up, 4,9 million use nail varnish, and 5,4 million use lipsticks.
