What is the best area to shop in in NYC that is not a mall?

I'm going into nyc with my mom on thursday to shop and i never know where to go. I know that i don't want to go to a mall and it needs to be in manhatten. Ideally, i'd want to go to an area that is somewhat affordable with a good number of nice, unique (not all chains) clothing stores. I know that that is very hard to find but any suggestions? what areas do you go shopping in if your not looking to shop in a specific store?

You can always try Pier 17, place is great if you not looking for a mall yet a place to shop and dine. I go there at time with my wife because she a shopping freak but its also a chacne for a great view, specially with the weather now, it's not so bad with the view of the waterfront as well. If you take this choice into consideration i guarantee you that this place is worth going if you want it to be manhattan and a place that meets your needs as mentioned in your question, most of all it sure beats 5th avenue anytime Lol

It's Manhattan, it's crawling with stores, just none of it will be as affordable as a similar store anywhere else, what with rents being what they are.
I'm assuming you're in HS. You could just bop around the shops near Herald Square/Midtown South for regular other threads, but St Mark's and the rest of the village has more in the way of off-beat clothing.
Assuming you'll be coming in near Port Authority鈥?I'd suggest you take the A/C/E line to 14th street and walk east towards Union Square. There are a ton of shops on 14th, including chains like Urban Outfitters, Strawberry, Forever 21, Levi's & Filene's Basement, as well as shoe shops and independant clothing shops, like Rags A-Go-Go. [Really sweet owner, BTW] If you aren't tired by the time you hit 4th ave, walk over to 3rd and head down towards 8th street, which is St. Mark's Place that far east. When you're pooped, grab a coffee from the Mud Truck and head into the Astor Place subway and take the 6 back uptown to the trains/bus/parking garage.

SoHo, Columbus Circle, South Street Seaport