Saks Fifth Avenue

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Occupying an entire city block directly across from Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue has been one of the city's preeminent high-end department stores since it opened in 1924. The ten-floor luxury behemoth buzzes with a well-heeled hum at the ground level, where cosmetics salespeople stand at attention and perfume spritzers beckon at every turn. Retail extravaganzas can be overwhelming; stop off at the information booth on the 50th street side before ascending to the upper sales floors. Things quiet down considerably at the genteel, elegant in-store boutiques of designers like Chanel, Escada and Louis Vuitton. On the fifth floor, find lower-priced labels like Marc by Marc Jacobs and Juicy Couture, as well as a casual shoe department. Ladies who lunch do so on the 8th floor at Café SFA, a full-service café and bar; the two floors below are devoted entirely to men's fashions, outerwear, suits and shoes. — Carolyn Murnick

Sales

Storewide clearance sales in spring and fall.

Key Departments

Bridal Gowns

By appointment only
Brides fly in from all over the world to check out this posh salon's ultraswank gowns by Carolina Herrera, Amsale, and others. Don't be fooled by the bustling main floor, though-the bridal boutique is intimate and relaxing. Alteration fees not included. Call for sample-sale information.

Bridal Shoes

Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo are just a few of the high-fashion labels you'll find in this store's extraordinarily comprehensive fourth-floor shoe department. Check out the all-white classics from designers like Stuart Weitzman and Anne Klein.

Bridesmaids

If you want to mix up the look of your bridal party, there's no better place to go than Saks, where dozens of designers and styles await. Bridesmaids will be happy to forgo an unflattering "one style fits all" number in favor of a navy satin strapless gown from A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz or a crimson chiffon gown from BCBG Max Azria.

Clothing - Women's Plus-Size

Saks' designer plus-size department, Salon Z, features a diverse array of European and US-made designer clothing from names like Dana Buchman and Marina Rinaldi in sizes 14 through 24; along with intimate apparel and hosiery.

Lingerie

If you need a fuss-free bra and a plain cotton thong for the big day, but you also want some fancy stuff for romantic interludes, this is your store. Natori and Chantelle hang alongside Donna Karan and La Perla, and cheerful salespeople will help you find a little of everything to try on.

Formalwear

It's worth perusing Saks' great designer floor to check out tuxes from makers like Armani, Hugo Boss, and Canali. But if you're after something really special, stop by Domenico Spano's Custom Shop.

Wedding Rings

Come here to choose from a wide range of styles and possibilities from several different vendors. You'll find a variety of rings from designers like Graff, Kwiat, Rand, and Cento in a wide range of prices. In addition, vendors have solitaires as well as wedding bands that are either at the store or can be supplied upon request.

Cuff-links

One of the few department stores left in New York that ensures you'll receive instant service if you let your glance linger on any of their display cases. Selection is limited but of high quality. The sales staff recommends the Hermès Cape Cod Double Wrap or a Cartier Tank to go with your tuxedo.

Registry

Sign up for everything from Missoni throws to Jay Strongwater glass bowls and Baccarat glassware.

Related Stories

Best of New York Awards

• Best Non-Trendy Jeans (2007)
• Best Men's Designer Shop (2003)
• Best Women Swimsuits (2003)

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