New York shopping: a survivor's guide

l Shopping in New York is, to borrow a phrase from the visitor attraction business, an experience. It is best experienced in comfortable louboutin shoes and clothes which are easy to remove and not too hot. christian louboutin shoes shops keep disposable pop socks, boutiques often have water coolers but if you feel yourself getting too rancid you can always dive into a cosmetics place - Sephora and Aveda are both gorgeous - and squirt yourself with free scent.

l A good map is essential: the shopping map in the NYC Unfolds series is small, a joy to use and aesthetically pleasing. If you plan to take the subway - and it is quicker than a cab if the roads are jammed, not to say filthy cheap - buy a Metrocard. Just pay attention when planning your route - the Clockwork Orange it ain't.

l If your mobile phone doesn't work in the States - and it probably won't - pick up a calling card while you are at it. Cheaper for international calls, and much easier than managing a pocket full of dimes. And remember to pick up your messages on the mobile service. Book everything by phone and call shops to check opening hours, or how to get there. Very New York.

l Eat, drink coffee and swig water regularly. Shopping is exhausting and you get sated and stop looking properly if you do too much. It is hard to find a bad meal in New York but everyone should experience the foodie swoon-palace that is Dean & Delucca, and the crazy institution of Balthazar, the uberfashionable French cafe where a man with a headset tells you if you can go inside for a croissant. There is a takeaway with a bench outside where the plebs can rest their feet, watch the parade of fashion victims and drink their hot chocolate from the coveted pale yellow cup.

l To avoid looking like an out-of-towner, swerve past from Starbucks and find a mom and pop convenience store where the coffee comes in paper cups with Greek statues. The shop may well be owned by a Korean family and nobody knows why the statues are there but it is a New York moment not to be missed.

l Load up on cool ephemera and tacky souvenirs: NYPD snow domes, stick-on bullet holes, match books, carrier bags, free postcards, anything that says I heart NY. Most  christian louboutin  stores have a stack of business cards on the counter: if you see something you like but can't decide whether or not to buy it, take a card and write the details on the back. You can also get them to hold the item for a few hours, or days.

l A manicure, massage or haircut are all good excuses to sit down for a rest. New York is obsessed with grooming and the most beautiful of the beautiful people get their cuticles pushed and bits waxed at Bliss, where there is also a buffet of healthy snacks and free bottled water. Uptown girls might prefer a set of highlights from blonde guru Frederic Fekkai.

l And don't think you can stop when it comes to five o'clock: many New York stores are open until seven or even later. You don't want to come home with a light suitcase and a heavy heart. Do you?