Bergdorf's is a museum of haute couture. The store is beautifully designed on an intimate scale, and many claim that it lacks the nouveau riche feel of Bendel's, but its formality and quiet just make me feel uncomfortable (or maybe it's that I can't afford anything here?). The customer base is primarily composed of ladies who lunch and businesswomen with gobs of money but little time for nonsense. Still, there's an unparalleled gift and tabletop floor, worth a browse alone; finely tuned designer salons representing both couture powerhouses and downtown darlings; and unparalleled designer handbag and bridal collections. The ladies' shoe department is tops for one-stop designer shopping in the $300-a-pair range, with styles ranging from uptown sleek to funky chic. Just across the street is Bergdorf Goodman Man, a palace of fine men's fashion.