Apr
9
Target
Fine, I’ve said it. And whether you pronounce it in the original French as Tar-jhay or you’ve anglicized it back to its bull’s eye pronunciation given at inception, the reality is this: many of us are sneaking out to buy some cute, cheap finds at the same place where we stock up on toilet paper and batteries. I hate conglomerates as much as the next girl, but if the proverbial shoe fits, sometimes we just have to wear it.When designers like Isaac Mizrahi and Shabby Chic are joining in, there must be something going on. I recently bought three pairs of black pants for $40.00. (Did I mention $40.00 total? Not $40.00 each). Do they really look any different than the others in my closet? As for quality, only time will tell. But one of my dearest friends, who has a bag collection that could easily pay off my graduate school loans, recently called to rave about a dress she bought there. “When you pair it with a Prada bag and Manolos, who can tell the difference?” More importantly, it looks FABULOUS on her.
Also check out:
Yoga clothes. It’s not Lulu Lemon but some of it is infinitely wearable.
Men’s Hanes undershirts. Size small is nice and long but fits through the body really well. Not as soft as James Pearse but the 3-pack for 6 bucks makes them virtually disposable.
The best part is that you can tell yourself you’re going there to do productive shopping, like picking up bulk toothpaste and family size diet coke cases. Then, when you sneak in a few good finds, it doesn’t feel quite as bad.
Right now, they’re only in Brooklyn (or the suburbs-check out the Edgewater store just over the GW bridge in NJ) but they’re due to open shop at 119th and FDR in that long awaited new mall.
Brooklyn location:
139 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
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Filed Under: in the store
Apr
9
Sabon
The good news and the bad
I’ve never been the trendsetter amongst my friends. I’m never the first one to find the great new jeans or the hot new restaurant. Although I’m no lemming, I’m no leader of the pack either. So when I landed in Sabon by accident, and quickly became obsessed with their products, I liked to think that I ‘discovered’ them. That was about five years ago, when, I believe, they were only on 6th avenue in the West Village and in the hinterlands of Tel Aviv. I consider myself a Sabon veteran after hiking down Shenken Street in the boiling Israeli summer heat to find their exact location. In my younger years, the hebrew packaging was enough to keep me moving but now I just pop into one of their many Manhattan outposts around town.
I still love Sabon and rarely stray from lavender, vanilla, patchouli (which i believe makes men melt) though I recently ventured into the orange ginger territory. While I could write on about all their products that make me feel pretty even on a chilly bloated Monday I actually must be a little critical of my Israeli brethren.
Do these people work on commission? As I mentioned, I run into any of their stores that are convenient when I need to re-stock. And by run, I wish I meant that I simply grab necessary product from shelf, remove credit card from wallet and execute transaction. Impossible. why? Because one is bombarded by cute, Israeli girls prostituting their products. Hounding. Begging customers to wash their hands in lovely hand soaps, inquiring as to customer familiarity with their products, drowning our senses in jars of deliciously smelling salt scrubs and luxurious lotions. Yes, it’s all very lovely, very exotic, very romantic in there. But sometimes, I just want to go home at the end of the day. Most recently, I found myself cutting a visit short so as to avoid the barrage. This routine may work for boyfriends buying gifts, but as for me, I’m thinking about shopping online.
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Filed Under: in the store
Mar
2
Anthropologie
If you’re like me, you know the feeling of watching an item like a hawk (a terrible metaphor for someone who knows very little about birds) until it hits the price you like. While I’ve begun to do this less as my income has increased and my time has become more precious, I still love to saunter through the sale rack in hopes of uncovering that one sacred find. because the 5th and 16th location is conveniently near my work, i enjoy a stroll through on my way to the F train.
I do like Anthroplogie. If for no other reason, the environs are angelic and smart, whimsical and worldly, all at the same time. And i have found some items there that have been truly enjoyable and fun to own. But i must be honest on a few levels: first, their clothes look better in their stunningly decorated surroundings than they ever look on the body. The fabrics are delicate and even flimsy and don’t really stand the test of time. But even that is okay sometimes if you find the piece de resistance.
The problem is this: if you’re hoping for that particular piece to go on sale…chances are, it never will. A long time ago, when I had just finished college, and $70.00 felt like a prohibitive amount of money to spend on a pair of pants, I recall asking a saleswoman when they would perhaps be marked down. it was then that she revealed something her boss would probably not be too happy about: sale items are completely random and arbitrary. The garments on the sale rack are shipped from their other stores around the country and may indeed be from past seasons rather than from last month. I felt like I was being tricked. like i was being robbed of my fundamental right to prey on an item until it met my buying standards.
Yes, I still pop in. and yes, there is, on occasion, something to be found in this “sale” area. But still, I can’t help but feel that there’s something unconscionable about this. I recently inquired again as to whether or not my “insider” information was accurate. Another saleswoman, though more obliquely, confirmed that indeed sale stuff is random and not necessarily pulled from their floor. In all my years of shopping there, i have never seen an item at regular price re-appear in the sale area. It makes me angry; I feel cheated. Still, if you want to hit the sale rack, I’ve found that the one on West Broadway in Soho is the best. Maybe their merchandise is coming from…uptown?!
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Filed Under: in the store
Jan
16
Bloomingdale’s
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to know about this old standby. Still, it seems there are a few things to note:
- Don’t bother with the downtown store, unless you’re in a pinch. It’s more of a boutique than a department store and only their makeup counters seem truly comprehensive.
- The uptown original is the place to go for jeans. While Barney’s may have a denim specialist, and Loehmann’s may have a few discounts, nobody but nobody can match the sheer selection of Bloomies’ 2nd floor. The employees vacillate between disinterested louses and overly gregarious advice givers. I’m still trying to figure out what their commission situation is there. Does anyone know? Regardless, I wouldn’t go there for the camaraderie; take as many as your little paws can hold and do the dreaded deed: try ‘em on. Although some suggest trying on no more than five at a time, I’m a girl who thrives on overwhelming choice. Pick your poison. NB: As of January, Joe’s has a whole bunch of new styles out for all different body shapes and they’re still fairly priced at under $200.00 (who thought the world would come to this?)
- Sales. Don’t believe the hype that Bloomie’s is a less expensive stepsister to Bergdorf’s and Bendel’s. Yes, they have their couture corners but they also have lots of good deals. Last month, I bought a fantastic black Theory skirt in a fabulous tiking, marked down and down and down… I paid $20.00 for it.
- Bras. Get yourself fitted at The Town Shop on the UWS, give the little guy some business (the first store opened its doors in 1888 and it is still family run by the Koch’s) and then stock up at Bloomingdale’s where the selection is 2nd only to their denim array. For the well-endowed ladies, may I suggest the Chantelle Volupte Smooth Minimizer? Gorgeous shape, a little sexy and gives contour rather than just shrinkage. There are bra sales; look in The New York Times for info. I’ve been unsuccessful at finding their lingerie sale information anywhere else. Please let us know if you are in on any secrets!
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Filed Under: in the store
S’nice
Although I’ve detected the faintest of unpleasant smells (twice) while walking into this Hudson St café and have not entirely fallen in love with their iced soy lattes, it’s not an entirely bad place to grab a salad or sandwich. I’d try something with goat cheese and try to score a seat near the window. If you’re cool enough to own an apple laptop, then spread out on the giant, wooden tables and feel like you’re in a Vermont farmhouse as the city scoots by. It’s…s’nice.
The Chocolate Bar
A student once bought me a box of chocolate from this yummy chocolate shoebox of shop. It melted by the time I carried it home but was still totally delicious. I was sold. Try something lavender when you pop in.
Li-Lac
The Chocolate Bar’s new neighbor since moving from their run-down digs on Bleecker St. The chocolate is the same though.
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Filed Under: at the table
Oct
9
NJB
I recently discovered that this store has been in business for over 20 years. This is very impressive given the Village turnover. Although their sales rack is meager and quite lame, their recent fall finds were delightful; They had a velvet coat that I haven’t seen anywhere else and gorgeous cashmere from avita. The sales help is lovely and although it’s a little spartan, the shopping experience is peaceful and inviting.
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Filed Under: in the store
Oct
9
Darling
Despite having lived down the block from this store for three years, I never managed to make it in until recently. It’s slightly precarious position at the corners of West 4th, Horatio and Hudson may perhaps make it less visible. At nighttime, ook for the fans that delicately blow on the mannequins’ dress, giving the illusion of a wind-swept night on Nantucket, and you’ll know exactly where it is. In the daytime, make a visit to this adorable shop whose name suits it aptly. The main floor of the store smells deliriously delicious and the recent summer sale rack was entirely affordable. Check out their fun jewelry as well.
But the real fun is downstairs where racks and racks of dresses fill the perimeter of the room while inviting antique chairs cozy up the center. It’s really lovely actually and the dresses vary from fun cocktail finds to more subdued work pieces. They carry some great stuff from designers like Magsy London and Fray and the staff is more than happy to offer opinions and assistance.
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Filed Under: in the store
A stroll down Greenwich Avenue will get you more than just a peaceful afternoon in the heart of the West Village. While plenty of shops like Tina Tang Studio (and Tina Tang II across the street) and Bigelow Pharmacy (just diagonally across the street on 6th Ave) are reasons enough to shop around this neighborhood, a peek into Joseph Hanna will probably not disappoint. A secret in the West Village, this leather shop looks dark and a little dingy from the outside and its bargain basement discount signs adorning the windows do little for its décor. But inside lies a small gem: a leather shop where handbags and luggage can be custom made and where serious bargaining can be done.
- Best Bets: This shop is rife with possibilities of what my mother would call ‘hondling’. No price should be taken at face value. Find what you really want and make them an offer. Their leather carry-on bags are made of rich, fine, durable leather and some of their handbags have classic, simple lines and are also beautifully constructed. I recently inquired about a Pullman suitcase for my dad which they said could be made in the range of $500.00. That’s quite a deal for luggage in this town- and the leather is as nice, or nicer, than you’ll find at Ferragamo or Vuitton.
- Beware: Don’t expect to shop in peace. While there is bargaining to be done it does come at a price: expect noodgy salesman offering you all kinds of deals. Still, they’re endearing.
- Don’t Bother: Don’t waste your time on their small selection of lower-end, big designer wallets and bags by Kenneth Cole. If this is what you’re in the market for, go to Macy’s.
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Filed Under: in the store
Sep
18
Century 21
Despite the obvious tragic reminders across the street, and the cacophony of Millennium Hilton construction, the affectionately termed “C 21” still remains the leader in discount shopping, great finds and narrow, overcrowded corridors.
- Best Bets: Century 21 is known for its mid to high end designers ranging from Tocca and Tracy Reese to Marc Jacobs, Theory and Allan Schwartz. They also carry a large selection of European designers such as Dolce and Gabanna, Moschino and Missoni. They have an extensive lingerie collection including undergarments from Wacaol, Calvin Klein and Chantelle. Keep an eye out for clearance sales where Wacaol bras can go as low as $8.00. Interestingly, the juniors department also has some fun finds like racks of modestly priced Free People and fun t’s for the gym with slogans such as “hangin’ with my peeps” adorned with very cute little yellow chicks.
- Beware: Returns policies can be a nightmare. Don’t remove tags and keep all receipts. Also, the best finds aren’talways where you’d think they’d be. For example, the dress department has slim pickings but if you rifle through the women’s section, you’ll often find dresses amongst a specific designer rack. I recently found a long, black Theory dress for $80.00. Not in dresses, on the Theory rack. The same goes for active wear. The best yoga and gym pants, such as So Low and Bejeweled, are not in active wear on the 2nd floor. Instead, head to the 3rd floor and poke around.
- Don’t Bother: Looking at chachkas and accessories on the 1st floor. True, there are some decent bag grabs, such as Kate Spade and Un Appreis De Chien, but save the handbag for the haul to Woodbury Commons; leave the tourist trap 1st floor and head upstairs instead. And if you’re looking for shoes, take the 1 train to 18th Street and hit Loehmann’s instead; Century’s shoe department is packed, and not with great finds. An occasional odd shoe on the “last pair” wall may entice a periodic walkthrough.
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Filed Under: in the store
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