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This Eastside art-deco landmark has been serving sophisticated New York shoppers since 1886. One of the city's earliest high-end department stores, Bloomingdale's has since evolved into a more democratic institution where mid-priced products and designers share ample retail turf. Though big-ticket women's collections can still be found on the heavily mirrored seventh floor, the store now seems geared more toward business people on lunch breaks and the ubiquitous tourists rather than ladies who lunch. Bloomingdale's Soho, which opened in 2004, furthers this trend, eschewing home furnishings and conservative labels in favor of wallet-friendly downtown designers like Ted Baker and Miss Sixty. In the midtown store, enter underground from the 4, 5, 6 train straight into the plus-sized department. On the black and white tile-checkered ground level, brave a phalanx of perfume-wielding clerks to browse copious cosmetics and accessories; stylish, affordable lines like Burberry, Michael by Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole occupy the bulk of shelf space in the notable watch department. In men's wear, visit elegant in-store boutiques for fashion-conscious sportswear labels like John Varvatos and Armani Collezioni. And gentlemen can get comfortable on the women's levels as well—in the well-upholstered lounge chairs strategically placed throughout the selling floor. — Carolyn Murnick