SUSIE BUBBLE’S 10 BEST BETS FOR STYLISH STEALS

I have a pretty broad scale of bargains – anything from a $5 dress to a $100 Balenciaga dress is a bargain to me which makes this list somewhat varied.  If I explored the boroughs more whenever I’m in town, this list might be radically different.  That said, I have a pretty formulaic shopping strategy whenever I am in town and when I’m low with shopping time, it’s better that I go the places where I KNOW I’ll come out with something (I’m one of those annoying people that need to come away with something otherwise I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything…).

1. About Glamour — 
I’ve never failed to leave this place without scoring something.  You’ll find the Japanese biggies such as Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons on the rails alongside interesting vintage pieces that aren’t necessarily decade specific.  If the clothing isn’t your thing, you can always pick up some Sanrio stickers.  107 N 3rd St. 
Brooklyn, NY 11211, between Berry St. & Wythe Ave. (Map it!)

2. Beacon’s Closet — 
This is a pretty obvious spot and I should really explore the other branches of Beacon’s but I can’t deny that I’ve found some amazing things in this cavernous space – $30 Marc Jacobs skirts, $20 Proenza Schouler dresses etc.  Apparently there’s a secret back room here where the REAL goodies are kept.  It’s a little bit sad that a vintage store has a ‘VIP’ velvet rope section but I’m intrigued enough to want to try and get in! 88 N 11th St., 
Brooklyn, NY 11211, between Berry St. & Wythe Ave. (Map it!)

3. Tokio 7 — 

There’s a good lot of designer consignment stores in New York compared to London but Tokio 7’s selection is pretty meticulous.  I like to go through everything to see whether there are any pieces from past collections of designers that pop out. 83 E 7th St
., New York, NY 10003, between First & Second Aves. (Map it!)

4. Goodwill in Chelsea — I wouldn’t say Manhattan is a thrifter’s haven but this Goodwill is pretty good and for me the prices are on par with charity shops in London.  I come here based on the belief I’ll find something as a friend frequently finds beautiful 70s pieces here. 103 W 25th St 
New York, NY 10184, between Sixth & Seventh Aves. (Map it!)

5. Fox & Fawn — I’ve followed Fox & Fawn from Lower East Side to their present Greenpoint store.  It’s small but if you go through all the rails, there’s always something that catches my eye.  I have an overdyed blue shirt from here that has become a wardrobe staple and always garners comments. 570 Manhattan Ave
., Brooklyn, NY 11222, between Driggs & Nassau Aves. (Map it!)

6. Narnia — As vintage stores go, I wouldn’t call Narnia BARGAINOUS but their selection is pretty stellar.  I once caught one of their sample sales in the summer which they held two doors down from their store.  Yay for the $10 bin. 161 Rivington St 
New York, NY 10079, @ Clinton St. (Map it!)

7. Brooklyn Flea — 

This isn’t a cheapie cheapie flea market but is one with really great ambiance and a good food stall selection.  I spent half an hour haggling with some guy over a pair of Michael Kors boots but half the fun was in the haggle banter. 27 N 6th St
., Brooklyn, NY 11211, between Wythe & Kent Aves. (Map it!)

8. Century 21 — Shopping in Century 21 is NOT fun but it does reap rewards.  It’s a bit like having Yoox.com on a shopfloor meaning that you really have to hunt through everything, look on floors, check sizes etc to make sure you’ve seen everything.  I come here on a quiet Monday morning to tackle it. 22 Cortlandt St
., 
New York, NY 10007, between Broadway & Church St. (Map it!)

9. Barneys Warehouse Sale — 
This is bi-annual but is pretty legendary.  I love going in the last few days of the sale when they have done the final mark downs.  There’s a lot of joy to be had in taking something up to the cash till and having them cancel the final marked down price.  I think I jumped in the air when she said a chunky Jil Sander jumper was $75. 255 West 17th St., New York, NY, 10011, between Seventh & Eighth Aves.  Twice annually in March and August (Map it!)

10. Opening Ceremony Sample Sale — Opening Ceremony is my number one pit stop when I get in to New York (conveniently located by Soho Grand) but their bi-annual sample sale makes the trip even more worthwhile.  The great thing with OC is that they keep their sale rails for quite a long period of time and they always seem to have an abundance of stock.  I come here to hunt for Proenza Schouler, Toga, Boy by Band of Outsiders on the cheap… 35 Howard St. 
New York, NY 10013, between Broadway & Crosby St.  Twice annually, usually May/June & December (Map it!)