I loved the shopping in New York City. Yes, it may be a little expensive but the selection is amazing. I found so many places that I would love to shop at unfortunately I was short on cash. But whenever I go there again I will be sure to have enough cash to go a little crazy, ;)

I am writing about this shop ONLY because I no longer live in New York. This was my secret place! A little hole-in-the-wall-type store has treasures. Heavily discounted (how about 90%?) clothes from well-known and obscure labels abound there. Most of the clothes I bought during my 3-year stay in NEW York I bought at Nice Price. Some things might be damaged, many are actually manufacturers' samples (who cares?), but you can get really nice stuff there at very low prices. Example: I bought a t-shirt, from a company called IRKA (never heard before), 90% silk, 10% lykra, discounted from $120 to $12. It is mashine washable, pre-shrunk... Three days later I returned and bought 3 more. Suits, pants, work clothes, casual clothes - I bought everything there. Check it out, especially if you live in New york and can return every once in a while - they change inventory very often.

Their slogan is "New York's Best Kept Secret". Though the location of public restrooms might actually be better kept secrets (unfortunately), this truly IS one of new york's best-kept secrets. With EVERYTHING at a discount - dozens of well-known brands of shirts, pants, jackets, dresses, ties, lingerie undies (including Calvin Klein boxers - always a hit), household goods, and more... The end-of-season and holiday sales have great deals, but are hugely crowded. You'll find most mid-priced designers here at great prices, and clothes by European designers can be found here, with prices cut in half. Of course, that's still too expensive for most people, but if you must have designer clothes, you might as well buy 'em here. A definite must for any stylish shopper.

B & H Photo & Video is without a doubt the cheapest, most professional, and most comprehensive photo goods store in NYC. This will be the FIRST place any photographer or videographer goes, even film professionals - going anywhere is a mistake. With at least fifty staff members to help you, anything you might need - 20 foot tall lamps, complete mixing board systems, five thousand dollar news reporting cameras or simply small handhelds for family and friends, this place has everything. How can it be so small and yet have everything? Just wait until you see the elaborate conveyor belt system that gets your goods from the basement - things run so smoothly here, and there are so many fun goodies, that you will think that you're in Santa's workshop (and the green and white uniforms only add to that effect). Don't believe it? Check prices online first - great website.

The Strand is probably the biggest used book store in NYC and possibly the best. Claiming to have 8 miles of books you will find more great books here than you can ever read. The "review copy" section has 50% off new hardcovers - it's small upstairs and is huge downstairs. It's so big you will get confused, so ask a staff member or read the signs yourself and you'll soon find your way. Secret: Want to have the staff search for a book for you? Call them from 9 to 5 and they'll do the searching through the stacks for you. If you show up in person they aren't allowed to do it for you.

This women's clothing store on West 57th between 8th and 9th is just the type of boutique for the latest trends. Although slightly high-end with similar acting sales ladies, it's the perfect place for that unique sweater or hard to find skirt. As the name of the store suggests, it's a look and see kind of place where getting lucky is just as important as having the necessary dough to buy.

There are so many places to choose, but if you want to check out how the other half live, I'd suggest heading uptown to see some of the most beautiful stores in the city. Start with Barneys New York on 61st and Madison - this is the hippest department store in the city, and is just a feast for the eyes. Don't be surprised to catch a celeb or two shopping right along side of you. Next head over to Bergdorf Goodmans, on 5th Ave & 57th St. This shop is actually a little outdated for my taste, but is a NYC tradition. Finally, check out Henri Bendels on 5th & 56th - also quite a hip spot, and beautifully laid out. Bendels has a great first floor - stuff that ordinary folk can afford.

This is a chain store that stretches right across the States and into Canada, and it's a pretty fun shop where you can easily find some interesting bits and pieces. Some of it is pretty crappy quality, but most of the things there are cool and quite funky. Definitely worth a look if you're not into spending ludicrous amounts of money on clothes.

Do you like cool funky stuff for cheap or do you insist on overpaying for new, designer stuff? If you prefer the former, then go to this market in the East Village. It's on Saturdays, it takes place in a little parking lot, and it's full of amazing stuff. If you go early, you're guaranteed some nice stuff for next to nothing.

For all you NYC urban streetwear hipsters that don't feel like spending a fortune, check out Canal Jeans. They got totally reasonable clothes and they look good too. It's in SoHo, but it's not about SoHo prices at all. Also, the store is huge, so there's a greaty chance that they'll have what you want.