Updated July 2005
discounted designer
Find Outlet
Labels on the color-coordinated racks change frequently, but we’ve spotted Katayone Adeli, Helmut Lang, and Paige Novick — all for at least half off (mostly under $100). And don’t miss the always changing discount bins. The downside? With miniscule dressing rooms and a perpetual crowd of intrepid bargain hunters, Find isn’t for the claustrophobic.
• 361 W. 17th St., between Eighth and Ninth Aves.; 212-243-3177
• 229 Mott St., between Prince and Spring Sts.; 212-226-5167; findoutlet.com
LoftWorks
This downtown storefront in TriBeCa has three floors of designers like Prada, Gucci and Armani for up to 80% off. High ceilings, large fitting rooms, and a helpful staff make it feel more like a trendy flagship than a bargain boutique.
• 100 Lafayette St., between White and Walker Sts.; 212.343.8088, loftworkslafayette.com.
Gabay’s Outlet
Are you wandering the aisles at Bergdorf’s, wishing it could all be yours? Well now it can (for about 60 percent less). This East Village shop gets most of its merch from the midtown department store’s surplus, so you can be sure to find deals on fashion-hound faves like Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel. The occassional Blahnik or Choo will pop up, but be sure to join the mailing list for weekly shipment alerts, so you can be there at opening time to snag them.
• 225 First Ave., between 13th and 14th Sts. 212-254-3180, gabaysoutlet.com.
Century 21
We realize that we’re not letting any secret out here, but in all our travels there is no other store that compares as a bargain hunter’s dream for designer wear. Savings of up to 75% are the norm on everything from La Perla lingerie to couture Gaultier gowns to Robert Clergerie pumps. Sometimes it’s survival of the fittest, with all the clawing and pawing going on amidst the racks, but if you’re true to your game, you can score big.
• 472 86th St., between Fourth and Fifth Aves., Brooklyn, 718-748-3266 .
• 22 Cortlandt St., between Church St. and Broadway; 212-227-9092, c21stores.com
designer consignment shops
Beacon’s Closet
This chic shop is especially popular with stylists looking for a turn-around on post-shoot garb. There’s a great selection of used or vintage pieces, hip downtown basic, and high-end designer names. On any given trip you can score such finds as a Calvin Klein dress for $40, a Martin Margiela tank top for $10, or a pair of Dries van Noten boots for $20.
• 88 N. 11th St., between Berry St. and Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-486-0816
• 220 Fifth Ave., between Union and President Sts., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-230-1630; beaconscloset.com
Designer Resale Corp.
Make sure you pay attention to the color-coded items, because merchandise is reduced by 20 percent after 30 days and by half after 60 days. Keep that in mind as you’re skimming the racks loaded with Joseph Abboud (suits are $195), Chanel, and Armani.
• 324 E. 81st St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-734-3639
• Gentlemen’s Resale Clothing, 322 E. 81st St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-734-2739
• Designer Resale Too, 311 E. 81st St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-734-3639; resaleclothing.net
Encore Designer
The first New York City shop of its kind, Encore was founded in 1954 as a place for ladies-who-lunch to unload their old clothes for a bit of cash. Most things here are less than two years old and cost a fraction of what they once did. A recent trip uncovered a black Donna Karan blazer ($125), a Jil Sander cashmere jacket ($300), and a big Tod’s bag ($550).
• 1132 Madison Ave., between 84th and 85th Sts., 2nd fl.; 212-879-2850, encoreresale.com
Ina
Ina scores barely worn (if ever) styles by the hottest designers – Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Comme des GarÁons – from local models and fashion insiders and passes them on for less than half the original prices. Look for Burberry raincoats (under $200), Prada and Gucci evening dresses (from $200 to $400), Calvin Klein tops, and Versace pants.
• 21 Prince St., between Mott and Elizabeth Sts.; 212-334-9048.
• 101 Thompson St., between Prince and Spring Sts.; 212-941-4757
• 208 E. 73rd St. between Second and Third Aves.; 212.249.0014
• Ina Men, 262 Mott St., between Prince and Houston Sts.; 212-334-2210; inanyc.com
national chain outlets
United Colors of Benetton
Hop the 7 train to Queens for great deals (up to 70 percent off retail) on the Italian brand’s teeny tees, short shorts, bright swimsuits, and other youthful, sporty staples for both men and women.
• 40-06 Main Street, at Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, Queens; 718-461-7777, benetton.com
Eileen Fisher
Fisher’s simple mix-and-match cotton and linen separates are comfortable, casual, and always roomy. The East Village clearance location offers bargains on casual work-to-weekend staples like boat-neck tank dresses and cropped crepe pants. Samples start at 20 percent off; seconds start at 35 percent off.
• 314 E. 9th St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-529-5715, eileenfisher.com
Nine West
The popular source for trendy, affordable shoes has an outlet in Harlem and five more in Brooklyn. Deep discounts on Nine West’s already-low prices (retail, averaging $29.99 to $129.99) are so worth the trek.
• 282 St. Nicholas Ave., between W. 124th and W. 125th Sts.; 212-665-1022
• 1419 Kings Highway, at 14th St., Brooklyn; 718-376-0286
• 1218 Fulton St., between Bedford and Nostrand Aves., Brooklyn; 718-783-4528
• Georgetown Shopping Center, 2125 Ralph Ave., between Aves. K and L, Brooklyn; 718-444-7206
• Loehmans Plaza, 2027 Emmons Ave., between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st St.; 718-616-1614
• 420 86th St., between Fourth and Fifth Aves., Brooklyn; 718-748-4250, ninewest.com
online shops
Bluefly.com
It’s no wonder that this discount site has been a fashionista favorite for over four years. It’s got everything a well-dressed girl could want: hundreds of designers—from Balenciaga to Burberry, Theory to Tracy Reese—and thousands of items including shoes, handbags, and jewelry for up to 75 percent off. Shipping is cheap and returning is a breeze.
• bluefly.com
Girlshop.com
This New York-based shopping site specializes in ultra-trendy downtown designers. Check out their sample sale section to get up to 75 percent off of groovy raiments and accessories from hip houses like Lulu Guinness and C. Ronson.
• girlshop.com
Flip Flop Trunk Show.com
They may bill themselves as being “all sandals, all the time,” but there’s a lot more to this site than just designer slides, thongs, and mules. A trip to their sale page can yield must-haves like St. Tropez totes, Sophomore tees, and Douglas Paquette belts for up to 50 percent off.
• flipfloptrunkshow.com
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