missypie

First, I admit that I don't know whether one says "in" Manhattan, or "on" Manhattan. Anyway....as you may know, teen girls are now into "designer" purses (at least around us, not the $2000 designer purses, just the $200 designer purses.) Other than a couple we've found at TJMaxx, I've not indulged this trend. Are there any places in Manhattan where they have real designer purses and accessories at discount (as opposed to knock offs)?

NewbE

Century 21 in lower Manhattan (I say "in", for what it's worth), across from the WTC site, is a discount department store carrying high-end brands. Like most discounters, their stock varies widely, but you might get lucky! Good luck!

MaureenB

Maybe there's a Coach outlet somewhere nearby? If the budget is $200 and less, there are actually retail priced Coach purses for that amount, in the regular Coach stores. Little wristlets are less than $100, for instance. Other cute ones for $178. I've seen both Dooney and Burke and Coach purses discounted at Macy's, too. The last 20% off coupon at our Macy's even included Coach. Good luck!
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Gekko

Century 21, as suggested, as well as Filene's, Loehmann's (sp?), etc. -- baseically all of the big discount stores.

missypie

Is Macy's still a "nice" store in New York? They bought Dillards down here, but are definitely more Dillards than Macy's.

GoTravel

I don't care much at all for Macy's.

For high end, Barney's, Saks, and Bergdorfs.

For super high end, Takashamaya.

For moderate to expensive, Bloomingdales.

Of them all, Bloomies is my favorite because I can afford it best.

Bergdorfs has the best shoes and Saks the best makeup counters other than Sephora.

Best designer discount is Century 21 but plan on spending a couple of hours battling the other shoppers, the clothes, and the sales clerks.

missypie

The good thing is that Century 21 is ver near our hotel (Embassy Suites) so the non-shoppers could stay home or do something else while the shoppers shop.

Gekko

C21 can be and often is a hellish nightmare. Go early and on a weekday, if possible.

Or prepare to be really, really frustrated.

bugswife1

There is a display case of discounted designer bags at Filene's but it is hit or miss.

missypie

It looks like Century 21 opens at 7:45 am during the week. I'm thinking that we could walk over there first thing one morning.

karameli

Another vote for Century21 and Loehmann's.

Also, there's a consignment shop called INA (www.inanyc.com) that usually has last season's "it" bags from high-end designers. When "Sex and the City" went off the air, this is the shop that liquidated their wardrobe.

P.S. It's "in Manhattan," unless you're saying "on the island of Manhattan."

Pausanias

Or, the "insular city of the Manhattoes."

nytraveler

Macy's is distinctly moderate.

For teens more upscale would be Bloomies or Barney's.

For discounted (some cheap, and some better - but not expensive designer try Filene's basemet (there's one at 79th and Broadway). Century 21 also has some moderate and more upscale names (like Coach) as well as real designers at a discount.

ggreen

The handbags at Century are right inside the door on the ground level, so it's pretty easy to get in and out. There is a large selection; I've definitely bought my share there! I'd say Loehmanns as your second choice.

There's a TJ Maxx and a Filene's Basement all in one store on 6th Ave at 18th Street - but it's my least favorite TJ Maxx (they're better in the 'burbs), and Century or Lohmann's is better for your time.

Macy's Herald Square has a huge selection of handbags, but of course not necessarily discounted unless they're on sale! They also are on the ground floor, closest to the Broadway entrance; if you're in the area (near Penn Station), it might be worth it for a peek at the original Macy's.

I think I mentioned the SoHo Bloomie's on another post of yours. They carry younger designers, so again if you're in the area, check it out.

And yes, it's "in Manhattan", or even "in the city".

GoTravel

missypie, even at 7:45AM there will probably be a line to get in the door.

Plan on crowds at Century 21.

Has anyone ever been in when it wasn't crowded?

missypie

Are the people in line at 7:45 am tourists or residents?

ggreen

Tourists!

I worked in the area last summer, and I don't recall there being "lines to get in". I can't remember exactly, but I probably went in the late afternoon or early evening. Also, there is more than one entrance, though again I don't know how many doors are open at that early hour...

Since it's close to your hotel, near things you want to see, and near the subway - you might want to play it flexible, and pass by from time to time. Saturday afternoon when you arrive might be a zoo, though - tourists.

missypie

That's what I thought. I figured that the residents must have better things to do.

travelbuff

I also recommend Century 21 (but it will be crowded as noted by other posters), Filene's (18th St and 6th Ave, 14th and Union Square and 79th & Bway) and Loehman's (7th and 18th, and NEW Broadway at 77th St - close to Filene's too)

Also Daffys' usually has a good selection at 34th and 6th which is the biggest store.

Sometimes Burlington Coat Factory has some designer stuff and that's 23rd and 6th Ave.

You teens will probably love Conway at 35th and Broadway, lots of tees and jeans, at inexpensive prices. Kind of knock-off of designer styles.

If you have time you might want to head up to Woodbury Common which is ALL outlet stores just north of the city, and a bus ride away out of Port Authority. I think there is a Coach outlet there.

NewbE

Well, I think it's mostly because that part of town isn't very residential-- people who work in the area go to C21 all the time, if briefly, just to see what's new.