ShoppingBig Time

If a shortage of shoes has made you hungry for a shopping trip, be sure to stop at One Thousand Steps (N186). White shoe-lined walls and tables greet you when you enter the futuristic storefront. Take a look at the variety of women’s ballet flats, wedges, and heels by Steve Madden, Mella, Mia, Nanette Lepore for Keds, and an exclusive One Thousand Steps brand. For guys, browse the selection of street-sleek sneakers from Puma, Vans, Toms, Nike, Diesel, and Lacoste. The middle section of the shop features shelves and shelves of handbags by Guess, Steve Madden, Melie Bianco, Hobo International, and others. Find a neatly arranged wall display of unique, multihued sneakers in the back.

Continue on the mall’s first floor toward For Love 21 (E126), a new hot spot for affordable, on-trend jewelry, clutches, shoes, and other accessories. More boutique than big box retailer, Forever 21’s elegant sister store is decorated with oversized silver candleholders, faux crystal chandeliers, and a sparkling black-and-white–checked floor. Atop the round white tables, baskets and bowls of fashionable jewelry are displayed under spotlights. Grab a silver tray and start piling on the goodies. For about $4 an item, you can pick up multiple statement rings, bangles, and other in-vogue accessories. The adjacent room features handbags, clutches, wallets, and shoes in the colors and styles of the season. If you follow trends but don’t want to invest in designer accessories, this is a must-stop shop.

Put the money you saved on accessories toward a pretty party frock. When it comes to designer dresses, Bloomingdale’s takes the cake. The notable dress department on Bloomie’s second floor offers racks and racks of contemporary cocktail dresses and gorgeous gowns. Styles range from frothy and girly to clean cut and classic from big-name designers, including BCBG Max Azria, Theory, Tadashi, Sue Wong, and the always-lovely Laundry by Shelli Segal. Whether shopping for a cocktail party, black-tie affair, wedding, or fashion event, Bloomie's has the selection you need. After perusing the dresses, travel downstairs to the handbag section for fabulous finds from the likes of Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke, and an exclusive glass-case display of Fendi, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, and Furla bags. Brides-to-be also love Bloomingdale’s for its gift registry, on floor three, thanks in part to the keen eye of registry consultant Dawn Degrote, who helps couples find the perfect crystal pieces from Baccarat or bedding from Court of Versailles.

Located just south of Bloomingdale’s first-floor mall entrance is Apple Store (S132). It’s hard to name just one reason to stop by this multimedia marketplace, so go in, browse, and see what the Mac people have created this month. Whether you’re buying an iPod, stocking up on accessories, shopping for digital cameras, gawking at the new iPhone, or seeking help from the Genius Bar, this Apple store—the fourth to open in the nation—is a destination for all.