It's no secret that with stores like Chanel, Prada, Anna Sui and so many other high-end designer stores, shopping in SOHO can be tough on Girlawhirl's wallet. But she looks at Broadway as a kinder, gentler place. And while she'd never compare the quality of something she picks up at the fast-fashion outposts on Broadway to anything from the designer stores in SOHO, sometimes all she wants is the ‘it' item at the right price, say $50 or $100 dollars. And that's where stores like Top Shop, Mango, Uniqlo, Zara and Forever 21 – all located on Broadway between Houston and Broome Streets come into play.

To be sure, these stores are crowded with high school and college shoppers on the weekends, but during the week, early in the day, Girlawhirl's always surprised by the number of career women she finds shopping in these stores. Last time, there were a couple of 40-something friends, checking out the sequined clothing at Top Shop (and they were successful – one woman left the store with the perfect dress for her event for $160). Young professional women favor the tailored separates at Zara, and the color options offered in the key items at Uniqlo are staggering. Merino or cashmere sweaters at incredible prices and in every color of the rainbow, and this fall in particular, skinny jeans in colored denim and super soft corduroy are the rage.

These days newcomer Top Shop is grabbing the most attention, with lines around the block on weekends, and an almost overcrowded craziness inside. But an insider gave Girlawhirl the full scoop: new merchandise arrives daily – yes, daily – and the NY store runs about three weeks behind the London Flagship with the merchandise. Check the online site topshop.com, for the latest from London and plan the three-week window accordingly. Shop on weekdays – early in the day, there are hardly any crowds then – and keep in mind that most stores in SOHO don't open their doors until the lazy hour of 11 am, but Top Shop is open at 10, which makes it the quietest hour of the day.