It started happening about 15 years ago and by the early 2000’s it was over. New York is a suburban mall now. With all of the large chain stores around, I don’t see much of a difference heading out to Long Island or New Jersey to get the same exact items and not have to brave inclement weather or slow moving tourists.
I don’t have clothes. I do messy work from home and sell at flea markets. I used to be really into clothes, but I never go out. Now, with a 5 week long gift show coming up, I realize that I can’t show up in my painting clothes every day. Hence, I need an entire wardrobe by Thanksgiving.
Yesterday I had 3 hours in Manhattan to buy said wardrobe. I made my way from Grand Central down to Broadway Lafayette, zig-zagging east and west.
I hit Daffy’s Herald Square and nearly teared up (in a good way). I found myself stacking up in pants and dresses that I actually loved….and they were all decent prices. Oh yeah, and well made too! The reason I can’t bring myself to spend money on new clothes is because they are so poorly made! But I had designer jeans from Italy and dresses from USA in my hands, and they were like 20-50 bucks!
Then came the dressing room. NOTHING. FIT. I cried to the attendant and she tried to console me by saying “Look honey, these designer clothes run a size or two smaller. I don’t know who their models are, but they are not made for real women.” I chose to believe her because they did look small for a size *2, but alas, there was nothing nice in larger sizes. Is this because they don’t make them or because they sold out??
So, Daffy’s was a bit fat tease. Let’s see, where else did I go?
Cheap Jacks, formerly on Broadway near Union Square is now on 31st and 5th. I swear I used to be able to find some nice things there. Now it’s all $100+ and wasn’t even nice. Jack ain’t so cheap.
H&M, where I often shop, looked crappy to me after what I found at Daffy’s.
Tried Daffy’s on 18th, but it’s now an H&M. Did this happen years ago and I just realized?
Angel Street was closed for an event.
Housing Works: Scored! A single pair of Levi’s for $5. Four sizes too big. I’ll wear a belt or grow into them.
Loehmann’s. Meh. Wasn’t impressed with current selection. (Hey, does anyone remember the original Loehmann’s on Bedford?)
Screaming Mimi’s. Nothing, but I did think long and hard about a fabulous faux leopard poncho for $150. I might’ve worn it once. Or never.
I’ve gotta take one more day to do this. Where should I go? Century 21? Another Daffy’s? Because if I could find what I found in larger sizes, I’d be a happy camper.
And now, let’s take a moment of silence for the stores where I used to shop that no longer exist (or aren’t that good anymore):
Unique Boutique
Zoot
Domsey’s
Alice Underground
* Size has been changed to protect the innocent.
6 Comments
Try Goodwill (I like the one in chelsea or gramercy) or Beacon’s Closet (east v & park slope).
Been to Goodwill Chelsea. Beacon’s Closet…good idea!
I NEVER go to this store, but I went into Ann Taylor Loft today and they had some really cute stuff! I was shocked. Cute ruffly blouses (not officey) and dark wash jeans. And a very sweet jacket. Not very expensive, either.
I can never find anything in Century 21, save underwear, workout gear, and shoes. The rest is just too much for my delicate sensibilities. Everything’s crammed together, there are millions of people—it makes me a little nuts and I need to flee. Oh, good bedding though.
The photo for the post is just perfect. And you are hardly a size that shouldn’t be found in stores…that’s crazy talk! I can’t find anything I like anymore…which is part of the reason I started sewing this summer. Now I’m a wrap skirt machine. Wearing one now, in fact.
Alice Underground. ::sniff::
I still have a button from Unique. Sigh.
Did you try Filene’s Basement? There’s also a 20% off coupon out. You can google for it.
Dare I mention Lord & Taylor? Sure it’s a chain, but it’s a decent chain and shopping there is relatively stress free. Print a coupon before you go.
I used to go to Ann Taylor for suity kind of things when I shot more weddings.
Here’s the update: I did ok yesterday at Beacon’s Closet. Today I’m heading over to Jersey Gardens outlet mall. I used to make a killing there, but haven’t been able to get over that way lately. Rainy day….I’ll skip the mean streets of NYC and head over to a mall.