Saks Fifth Avenue

This outpost of the upscale retail chain has been open since 1952, and it remains one of the top destinations in the city for designer labels. The multi-level men's store is nearby on the other end of Union Square (220 Post St), offering a wide array of shoes, suiting, shirting and accessories. In the main store on Post Street, the shoe department is a major draw. The section takes over the entire bottom floor and is packed with luxe labels like Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Prada, Gucci and Jimmy Choo. The store is laid out in a spiral formation of ascending escalators: Each floor bears a handful of designers, with cliques of chic mannequins wearing the season's latest arrivals. The most extravagant of the floors is the gown salon, where frocks of every silhouette are grouped by hue and towering floral arrangements adorn mirrored tables.