Shopping
Clothes/Bags/Watches etc.
Yes, this is my real suitcase from a trip in 2013. And yes, I did managed to eventually squeeze it all in. I have a bit of a shopping "habit". New York is a shopper's paradise -- shopping at every budget level. But where to start?
Clothes
The clothes currently in the New York stores will show up in Edmonchuk (a nick name for my hometown) approximately two years later. As a general rule, clothes are NOT cheap in New York, they're just different -- IF you know where to look. However there are bargains to be had.
You will want to go to the Garment district and yes, just like in the movies, there are racks of clothes being wheeled in the streets. You will find this area between 7th (Fashion) Avenue and Broadway and between 35-38 Streets. This is where the wholesale district is. All the stores look like really disorganized miniature warehouses and all the doors are locked and say "Wholesale Only". That's okay. What you do is go up and down the streets until you see a door that's open and a hand-made sign that says "sample sale". What they're doing is clearing out the current season stock and moving onto the next season. They are selling both left over stock and client samples. If you happen to be a size 5, 7, or 9 -- you'll be in major luck. That's the size samples come in. You can find some real steals at these sales. We're talking $10 for some major pieces. We're also talking some truly ugly stuff sometimes (why do you think it didn't sell). But some nice bargains to be had.
For my bling collecting friends -- all the wholesale stores that sell to broadway shows (and to shops like Claire and Ardene) are on Broadway below 30th. You will die at the prices (as in rock bottom cheap). Those who have seen me blinged up for Regency -- that's where I got the stuff. Including my 5 tiaras. (See below)
Also, shops along 34th Street tend to be cheap little boutiques where you can find some interesting stuff.
By the way, Macy's is on 34th & 7th. Go the main floor Kiosk and find the visitor Centre. Show them your out of town ID and they will give you a savings card worth 10% off your shopping until you go home. This store still has the original wooden escalators. (look on the higher floors). Excellent photo ops (the excitement your friends will feel when you show them a photo of you riding a wooden escalator -- in-describable) Bloomingdales is on 61st and Lexington. Take home some souvenir "bloomies" from Bloomies.
Knock Offs (Bags, Clothes, Watches)
Okay, for the "designer" stuff, the only place to go is Chinatown (below Canal). This is not for the faint of heart. There is some "backroom" dealing going on (seriously, in the back room, no windows, video camera showing the front of the store in case cops come in). Prepare also to barter like crazy. If you're no good at it, bring a friend who is not afraid to get into a fray. And yes, it will feel very surreal like you're in a movie. That being said, you will be approached as soon as you get off the subway by someone (usually Asian) looking to find you a "very good deal" for handbags. If you're game, go with them. I warn you, you will be led down some questionable looking alleys until you reach your final destination. I have done this twice and know several others who have also done it. It's totally terrifying, but we all lived (and have some very nice knock offs to show for it). By the way, it's also technically illegal to buy this stuff -- but oh, what an adventure you'll have and great stories to tell. Also PAY CASH
Clothes
The clothes currently in the New York stores will show up in Edmonchuk (a nick name for my hometown) approximately two years later. As a general rule, clothes are NOT cheap in New York, they're just different -- IF you know where to look. However there are bargains to be had.
You will want to go to the Garment district and yes, just like in the movies, there are racks of clothes being wheeled in the streets. You will find this area between 7th (Fashion) Avenue and Broadway and between 35-38 Streets. This is where the wholesale district is. All the stores look like really disorganized miniature warehouses and all the doors are locked and say "Wholesale Only". That's okay. What you do is go up and down the streets until you see a door that's open and a hand-made sign that says "sample sale". What they're doing is clearing out the current season stock and moving onto the next season. They are selling both left over stock and client samples. If you happen to be a size 5, 7, or 9 -- you'll be in major luck. That's the size samples come in. You can find some real steals at these sales. We're talking $10 for some major pieces. We're also talking some truly ugly stuff sometimes (why do you think it didn't sell). But some nice bargains to be had.
For my bling collecting friends -- all the wholesale stores that sell to broadway shows (and to shops like Claire and Ardene) are on Broadway below 30th. You will die at the prices (as in rock bottom cheap). Those who have seen me blinged up for Regency -- that's where I got the stuff. Including my 5 tiaras. (See below)
Also, shops along 34th Street tend to be cheap little boutiques where you can find some interesting stuff.
By the way, Macy's is on 34th & 7th. Go the main floor Kiosk and find the visitor Centre. Show them your out of town ID and they will give you a savings card worth 10% off your shopping until you go home. This store still has the original wooden escalators. (look on the higher floors). Excellent photo ops (the excitement your friends will feel when you show them a photo of you riding a wooden escalator -- in-describable) Bloomingdales is on 61st and Lexington. Take home some souvenir "bloomies" from Bloomies.
Knock Offs (Bags, Clothes, Watches)
Okay, for the "designer" stuff, the only place to go is Chinatown (below Canal). This is not for the faint of heart. There is some "backroom" dealing going on (seriously, in the back room, no windows, video camera showing the front of the store in case cops come in). Prepare also to barter like crazy. If you're no good at it, bring a friend who is not afraid to get into a fray. And yes, it will feel very surreal like you're in a movie. That being said, you will be approached as soon as you get off the subway by someone (usually Asian) looking to find you a "very good deal" for handbags. If you're game, go with them. I warn you, you will be led down some questionable looking alleys until you reach your final destination. I have done this twice and know several others who have also done it. It's totally terrifying, but we all lived (and have some very nice knock offs to show for it). By the way, it's also technically illegal to buy this stuff -- but oh, what an adventure you'll have and great stories to tell. Also PAY CASH
M&J Trimming. For my sewing friends, all the trim shops are located in the wholesale fashion area as well. I highly recommend M&J Trimming (1008-6th Ave). You will drool and spend the rest of the day there. This is just one very very small section of the store. Seriously, to die for.
Dance Clothes and Shoes
Okay, for this stuff, you can't beat Capezio's. The big store is on the 2nd floor (look up or you'll never see it) on 47th (I think, maybe 48th) between Broadway and 7th. They usually have some mega shoe sale on of some kind. I'm addicted to buying tap shoes there. On Stage (pictured on the left, 49W 37 Street) is very good alternative. Their selection is smaller, but on the whole, they're a lot cheaper than Capezio. Bloch also has a presence in NY, They are at 51 Columbus Ave (just south of 62 Street). In all stores, mention you're a teacher for the teacher discount. If you're into ballroom shoes, world famous World Tone Dance shoes (they do the shoes for Dancing with the Stars) can't be beat. 580-8th Ave, 2nd floor (on 8th between 38-39th street) It's pictured below. They have more walls of shoes than the photos show.
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One Wall of Shoes from World Tone Dance Shoes (like any building, there are three other walls -- they are also full of shoes)
The Christmas Store For those who fondly remember the year round Christmas store at South Sea Port, the store has now moved to Little Italy (133 Mulberry Street). Full of the strangest Christmas related stuff that I have never seen elsewhere. On the day you do Chinatown/Little Italy, pop in for a look. Get ahead with your xmas shopping (or if you are there over xmas, you are in for a treat). They have just opened a second branch on 5th ave in the low 40's. My fave Italian place, Caffe Napoli is just north of the Little Italy locations on the same street (but cross to the west side of the street). Actually they now have locations all over New York and are fun to visit any time of year.
Drama/Theatre
I'm talking books, scripts, plays, etc. The best place is The Drama Book Shop. Most people refer to it as "Drama Books". It USED to live in Times Square, but now has moved. The new location is at 250 W 40th Street, between 7th and 8th. Nice big location and no more stairs. They host a lot of free readings and signings. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and its a wonderful place and sit, peruse and find that next great play or monologue. They have a really good Canadian selection as well. It's a great way to kill time in the theatre district while waiting for a show. They used to do wine and cheese (free) on Thursdays. Haven't checked recently to see if they do that any more. You have to purchase something (a play, a coffee) to get the wifi password (printed on your receipt)
Broadway/Show Souvenirs
The cheapest (sorta) souvenirs are, of course, the Playbill that comes with your show. I say "sorta" because the show will cost you a fortune. But at least you get a lovely playbill with the ticket price. The next cheapest item is the sippy cup (see photo above) that you can get at the theatre. It holds a very over-priced soft drink (or booze). Soft drinks range from $9.50 to $12.00 (yes, highway robbery, every one knows you're paying for the damn cup)
You can sometimes get a lovely glossy program (musicals only, not plays) ranging from $15-$25 dollars.
The most expensive items are the clothing (tshirts run $35 - $50), hoodies usually run up to $75.
Do not buy the cast recording at the theatre, you can get that on-line at Amazon (or itunes) for about 40% cheaper.
Besides the actual theatre, you can also check out a number of shops for official souvenirs. There is One Shubert Alley or Theatre Circle Shops. Both of these shops carry the official merchandise (and are all in the theatre district). You can also get binders there to hold your playbills (if that is your thing)
You can sometimes get a lovely glossy program (musicals only, not plays) ranging from $15-$25 dollars.
The most expensive items are the clothing (tshirts run $35 - $50), hoodies usually run up to $75.
Do not buy the cast recording at the theatre, you can get that on-line at Amazon (or itunes) for about 40% cheaper.
Besides the actual theatre, you can also check out a number of shops for official souvenirs. There is One Shubert Alley or Theatre Circle Shops. Both of these shops carry the official merchandise (and are all in the theatre district). You can also get binders there to hold your playbills (if that is your thing)
Bling and Fans
My latest shopping obsession is buying cheap bling (and fans) for my Regency/Pride and Prejudice cos-play. (which sounds so much more acceptable than grown women playing princess). Nothing beats the Wholesale District to help you dress up in Tiaras, bracelets, rings and earrings (and fans by the literal dozen). The district starts at about broadway and 30th street. You will fill about three blocks of stores showing bling, boxes of really random stuff (mostly what you find at dollar type stores). Since this is the wholesale district not every store will be open to you. That said many are, but BE CAREFUL OF THE SPENDING MINIMUM. The most common minimums are $30 and $50 (you can get an awful lot of wholesale bling for $50) Some will have no minimum. The further south you go, the seedier the stores will look and the cheaper the bargains. There is one store on the corner of bway and 29th (28th?) that just looks like a junk palace. Dig deep and you will find fan treasures, hair bling, rings etc for between $6 and $8 per dozen (its wholesale, remember?). You will also find cute items like bags of emoji pens to bring back as cute souvenirs. If you go all the way down (towards 28th -(27th?)), you will find another crowded wholesale store with slightly different stuff and about a dollar cheaper per dozen. I brought back a bag of tiaras for my costume designer to make into headpieces for my latest musical. The area is currently undergoing renovations so many of those stores may have relocated.
My latest shopping obsession is buying cheap bling (and fans) for my Regency/Pride and Prejudice cos-play. (which sounds so much more acceptable than grown women playing princess). Nothing beats the Wholesale District to help you dress up in Tiaras, bracelets, rings and earrings (and fans by the literal dozen). The district starts at about broadway and 30th street. You will fill about three blocks of stores showing bling, boxes of really random stuff (mostly what you find at dollar type stores). Since this is the wholesale district not every store will be open to you. That said many are, but BE CAREFUL OF THE SPENDING MINIMUM. The most common minimums are $30 and $50 (you can get an awful lot of wholesale bling for $50) Some will have no minimum. The further south you go, the seedier the stores will look and the cheaper the bargains. There is one store on the corner of bway and 29th (28th?) that just looks like a junk palace. Dig deep and you will find fan treasures, hair bling, rings etc for between $6 and $8 per dozen (its wholesale, remember?). You will also find cute items like bags of emoji pens to bring back as cute souvenirs. If you go all the way down (towards 28th -(27th?)), you will find another crowded wholesale store with slightly different stuff and about a dollar cheaper per dozen. I brought back a bag of tiaras for my costume designer to make into headpieces for my latest musical. The area is currently undergoing renovations so many of those stores may have relocated.
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