Hi, yublocka. Definitely hit Bloomingdales, Express, J Crew, Nordstrom and Anthropologie in the US, as those stores aren't in Canada. I would also add Club Monaco to your list- one of my favourite stores, they do a great job of taking current trends and making them into classic, good-quality pieces.

Bumping - I need some shopping ideas please gals!! :)

Hi Tam. New York does not have a Nordstrom. There are two that are accessible outside the city by train: one in Westchester, NY and one in Short Hills, NJ (in that swanky mall I posted about). If there is one in SF, that would probably be easier to get to. You will not find Nordies in Canada.

Visit Bloomies in NY, and if you are open to another dept. store, Lord and Taylor. What about Urban Outfitters? There are like 6 of them in NY. I can definitely see you in that store. Oooh and Uniqlo for great basics.

Also, if you go down 5th avenue from around 23rd street going south, you will find countless shops like Zara, Esprit, Arden B, Guess, Banana Republic, J Crew, Anthropologie, Bebe, H&M, Lucky, and lots, lots more.

You have a great list!

Oh wait - one more: Mango.

You have an outstanding list!

Good list! For Canada, I would add Mexx, Jacob, and French Connection unless you have those back home. As the others noted, Canada does not have Express, JCrew, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, or Anthropologie. Two larger stores that are worth checking out are the Bay (a department store, go to the "designer" floor, it's not actually designer--it's brands like Mexx, Kensie, Vero Moda, DKNY, Esprit, etc) and Winners (a discount chain store that carries lots of great brands, including some designer stuff, as well as Mexx, Matt & Natt, BCBG, etc.).

Club Monaco is a must-visit.

If you're going to NYC try Forever XXl (cheap, but an experience - sometimes good, sometimes bad) and Century 21. I'm not sure if NYC has a Loehmann's or a Nordstrom's Rack, but they are great and a very short trip over the bridge to Paramus ( no sales tax on clothes) NJ.

Gail

Oh I forgot about Century 21. It's a nightmare to shop there so I avoid it unless I'm going with someone else, but you can score some unbelievable deals there. It's like a brick and mortar version of smartbargains.com. Most of it is just normal, everyday prêt-a-porter, but it also has some of those crazy outlandish haute couture designs that look like they were stripped off the model immediately after she stepped off the catwalk. Worth looking around for amusement.

NYC does have a Loehmann's. I think it's on 6th ave around 14th street. That area of town has lots of bargain shops like TJ Maxx, DSW, and Burlington Coat Factory. There is also a Diesel store a few blocks from there in Union Square. Really, I could go on forever about this.

This has nothing to do with clothes, but I am thoroughly entertained by the Container Store. It sounds so boring until you actually get inside.

Thanks so much for all this advice. I will be printing it out and trying to visit each and every place I can - hehhe!! I am planning on packing EXTREMELY lightly!!!

Does anyone know of stores that specifically stock a good range of Frye boots? I would really like to try them on for size!!!

Maya I think the container store sounds like a store here called Howards Storage World. I love it!! Little compartments and plastic boxes are (one of) my weaknesses!!!

Nordstrom as the best selection of Frye boots at the moment. I know it's a schlep getting there though :0(

Me too Tam. The Container Store has containers for things that I didn't even realize needed containing.

Here is the info for the San Francisco Nordstrom:

Nordstrom San Francisco Centre (#427)
865 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 243-8500

In that case I wouldn't bother with the schlep to NJ or upstate NY, although shopping at the Short Hills mall IS quite a unique experience. My shopping fantasy is winning a basquillion dollars, closing the mall to anyone but YLFabbers, and flying all of the forum members there for a shopping spree.

As for Frye boots, it might be a little harder boot shopping right now since it's spring in our hemisphere. But you might get some great deals as stores try to get rid of their winter inventory!

Such great suggestions! Thank you all!! I've just mapped out where all these stores are in relation to where I am staying - SCARILY CLOSE!!!! :)

http://didiaskforfries.blogspo.....redit.html

San Fransisco has all of these , plus tons of higher end..Gucci , Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and on and on..it is fun to window shop .:)