Being that I was born and raised in NY and am a certified bargain shopper, I am here to tell you that NYC has some of the best fashionable bargains around. After all, NY is the fashion capitol in the United States. From street vendors to upscale department store sales, its all here for you in black and white. Whether you live in NY or are planning on visiting this summer, print out this article for future reference. You will thank me later.
Street Vendors
Manhattan is known for street vendors. They are scattered throughout city and are willing to negotiate. The best area for finding cool stuff is in the Village. Broadway from 14th Street to Grand Street have some really great finds. There are some fabulous accessories to score. You can find everything from bangles to belts. Stay away from “designer” handbags. They are fake, no matter what they say.
Designer Bargain Stores
Finding designer clothing at half the price or less is always a rush for me. Century 21 ( 22 Cortlandt Street, c21stores.com) is the number one department store to find designer bargains. They have everything from Gucci sunglasses to Jimmy Choo shoes to Seven Jeans to Valentino dresses to Le Perla underwear, etc. I can go on and on and everything is at least half price or more. If you are a true fashionista this should be your first stop.
Another not-to-be-missed store is Find Outlet ( 361 W. 17th St. and 229 Mott St., findeoutlet.com) This boutique carries hip designers like Lauren Moffet and Ernest Sewn for a fraction of what they cost at department stores like Barney’s and Henri Bendel.
Loehman’s (7th Avenue @ 16th St.) and Daffy’s (57th Street is the best one) are other fabulous bargain department stores. They carry names like Plenty by Tracy Reese, Nicole Miller, BCBG, etc. These stores are also fabulous treasures.
Upscale Department Store and Boutique Sales
If you are in Manhattan always check with department stores to see if they are having any sales. If you go to Henri Bendel the end of August or January expect to find items up to 80% off! The Barney’s Warhouse sale takes place from February to March and everything is also up to 80% off!
Also, check with your favorite designer stores. The end of January and August are the best times to shop. Designer boutiuqes like Nicole Miller have up to 75% off!
Fashionable Bargain Stores
You don’t have to buy designer duds to get trendy designer looks. There are many fashion-forward inexpensive stores where you can score the latest trends.
Joyce Leslie (20 University Place) has all the latest trends of the season at very inexpensive prices. This JL is huge and is one of my favorites.
Girlprops (153 Prince Street, girlprops.com) is the place to buy jewelry. With earrings for $3.99, you can’t go wrong. This place is not to be missed and you can also purchase their goods online!
Sample Sales
When you come to NY you have to check out what sample sales are going on around town. Websites like TopButton.com and LazarShopping.com let you know about current sample sales. Definitely check these sites when you plan to go shopping.
Pearl River (477 Broadway, pearlriver.com) is a fabulous store where you can purchase authentic chinese merchandise at great prices. From Baby Bootee’s ($5.50) to Bamboo Place Mats ($1.75) to Cozy Silk Robes ($63), this place is one-stop-shopping. You are sure to walk out with a something. You can also go to their website.
Want some Carrie Bradshaw in your life? Patricia Field (302 Bowery above Houston St.) is the place to go. Patricia Field was the Costume Designer on Sex and the City and her boutique is ultra cool. While some of the items are expensive, you can actually pick up some stuff that is inexpensive (Heatherette dress $50, Cherry necklace $18). This boutique has something for everyone’s budget and it adds a certain hippness to your wardrobe.
Next time you go shopping in NYC remember you don’t have to spend your entire paycheck on looking fabulous. Remember these shopping destinations and you’re sure to be the envy of every fashionista out there!
