This is my second-favorite of New York's big department stores (after Saks Fifth Avenue), and my favorite for actual buying. It's more accessible than Barneys or Bergdorf's and more affordable than Saks, but it still has the New York pizzazz that Macy's and Lord & Taylor now largely lack. Taking up the space of a city block, Bloomie's has just about anything you could want, from clothing (both designer and everyday basics) and fragrances to housewares and furniture. It pays to make a reconnaissance trip to get the overview, then move in for the kill. The main entrance is on Third Avenue, but pop up to street level from the 59th Street station and you'll be right at the Lexington Avenue entrance. Note: At press time, rumor had it that a second, smaller SoHo branch is in the works, supplanting the Canal Jean Co. at 504 Broadway.