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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