A fashionista's fabulously frugal New York

For money-conscious fashionistas wanting style on a shoe-string, New York is the ultimate shopper’s paradise.

Whether it's upscale Madison Avenue or the bargain-friendly Lower East Side, the Big Apple offers something for everyone. What’s more The Hotel @ Times Square offers chic yet cheap accommodation in the heart of the city – perfect for ladies looking for a sample sale snip or wanting to catch a glimpse of next season’s designs at New York Fashion Week, taking place from 8 – 15 September.

For those wanting to see the work of a real icon, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is currently celebrating the late Alexander McQueen’s contributions to fashion with his Savage Beauty exhibition.  Taking place until 31 July, all of his collections will be on show, including the British designer’s final runway presentation which took place after his death in February 2010.

However the city that brought the chic fashions of SATC to the small screen is not just about designer trends – it’s also revolutionised the concept of fashion with all its thrift stores and vintage boutiques, selling artfully arranged treasures.  One of the best concentrations of high-quality, well-priced vintage and thrift stores are in the northern end of Fifth Avenue, where shops such as upmarket Housing Works, quirky Guvnor’s Vintage Thrift and ‘modern-vintage’ Beacon’s Closet have been popping up over the last couple of years, selling everything from jeans to smocks and frocks.

Located close to the shops of Fifth Avenue, The Hotel @ Times Square is modern and comfortable and provides a host of great hotel facilities including complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi, free national phone calls, a fitness centre and bar.

To ensure visitors get the best value-for-money, New York is great because clothing and shoes priced under $110 are tax-free.  In addition, a New York Pass can be purchased from $80 per day.  This VIP discount retail card adds something to the shopping experience as some stores will have a special gift waiting for pass holders. While others such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales will offer up to 70 per cent off retail prices!  Sample sales can also be a great opportunity to find bargains from New York top designers.  From clothing and shoes to handbags, they take place throughout the year and promise thrifty shoppers big discounts.

Rates at The Hotel @ Times Square start from just US$$194.99 per room (£60 per person) in July and US$314.99 (£97 per person) in September, based on two sharing. Flights and accommodation taxes excluded. Dialaflight.com offers return flights from Heathrow to New York, Newark from £364 in September.

For more information and bookings, visit: applecorehotels.com