karens

Hi all. I'm heading into NYC next week for my annual shopping expedition. It will include a very long visit to the Strand Bookstore and to some upscale consignment/thrift stores.

I've found that guidebooks can be unreliable in indicating where upscale consignment shops are located - they seem to move around alot (?)

Any suggestions? I'm more interested in designer resale than vintage.

Anonymous

There are a couple of shops on Madison Ave between 79 and 80; Michael's is one.

TxTravelPro

Look here:
http://local.google.com/local?sc=1&h...le+Search&sl=1

shabbychic

There is a shop called "encore" on madison at 84th. I think Jackie O used to consign her clothes there. It is near "michaels" as mention previously.
They both sell names like channel, etc..

There is another store called "ina" that is located in nolita. I cant remember the address. They sell trendier designers. "sex & the city" has consigned there. also gucci handbags, etc...

Litespeed_Chick

I've been to a couple of those stores on Madison. I find it depressing when I can't even afford others' cast-offs. ;-)

shabbychic

litespeed chick: I hear you! Over $200 for USED shoes/clothes is kind of nuts!!
Sometimes though there are new items with tags for better prices than at retail so it is worth stopping in if you are in the area.

Karens: there is another store in the east village called "tokyo 7" on 7th street bet 1st and 2nd. They are very label conscious. I have consigned there before & they will only take high end designer names like marc jacobs in good condition,no banana republic, etc...but if you look around there are all kinds of labels mixed in.
Hope this helps.

GoTravel

Beware the vintage and consignment in NYC can be very costly and you can get ripped off.

One of the hospitals (name escapes me) has a consignment shop on the UES. I'll find out what it is and repost.

ekscrunchy

There a several along 81st Street on the east side, between second and third, I think.

mclaurie

Here's the listing from NY Magazine. I've never been but the first place in Brooklyn is supposed to be very good.

designer consignment shops
Beacon's Closet
This chic shop is especially popular with stylists looking for a turn-around on post-shoot garb. There's a great selection of used or vintage pieces, hip downtown basic, and high-end designer names. On any given trip you can score such finds as a Calvin Klein dress for $40, a Martin Margiela tank top for $10, or a pair of Dries van Noten boots for $20.
• 88 N. 11th St., between Berry St. and Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-486-0816
• 220 Fifth Ave., between Union and President Sts., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-230-1630; beaconscloset.com

Designer Resale Corp.
Make sure you pay attention to the color-coded items, because merchandise is reduced by 20 percent after 30 days and by half after 60 days. Keep that in mind as you're skimming the racks loaded with Joseph Abboud (suits are $195), Chanel, and Armani.
• 324 E. 81st St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-734-3639
• Gentlemen's Resale Clothing, 322 E. 81st St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-734-2739
• Designer Resale Too, 311 E. 81st St., between First and Second Aves.; 212-734-3639; resaleclothing.net

Encore Designer
The first New York City shop of its kind, Encore was founded in 1954 as a place for ladies-who-lunch to unload their old clothes for a bit of cash. Most things here are less than two years old and cost a fraction of what they once did. A recent trip uncovered a black Donna Karan blazer ($125), a Jil Sander cashmere jacket ($300), and a big Tod's bag ($550).
• 1132 Madison Ave., between 84th and 85th Sts., 2nd fl.; 212-879-2850, encoreresale.com

Ina
Ina scores barely worn (if ever) styles by the hottest designers -- Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Comme des GarÁons -- from local models and fashion insiders and passes them on for less than half the original prices. Look for Burberry raincoats (under $200), Prada and Gucci evening dresses (from $200 to $400), Calvin Klein tops, and Versace pants.
• 21 Prince St., between Mott and Elizabeth Sts.; 212-334-9048.
• 101 Thompson St., between Prince and Spring Sts.; 212-941-4757
• 208 E. 73rd St. between Second and Third Aves.; 212.249.0014
• Ina Men, 262 Mott St., between Prince and Houston Sts.; 212-334-2210; inanyc.com

karens

mclaurie - thanks so much for posting this. Every year around this time I head up to NYC for a solo shopping trip. I'm going in up in two weeks, so this was perfect timing!!

QueenBAC

This will my very first time in NYC in couple of weeks. I am latina and this is a very useful information for me.

Would somebody please tell me where can I go to visit other than shop???

budzilla

There are several resale shops, not necessarily "designer" but worth visiting, on 17th Street. I'm sorry I don't remember the names, and as all resale shopping, it'a crap shoot. Start with Housing Works on West 17th and head east on 17th.

karens

Thanks buzilla. Actually, one of the shops I normally stop at is at 17 W. 17th. I don't know the name, but I always remember the address! A bit up the street is Angel Thrift, which I found last trip.

Bokhara

Good tips for my "NY" file - thanks all

yeadonite

What bargains have been found at these stores?

sandi

Right next door to Encore is Biz. Also upstairs, but more pleasant to shop... not as crowded with racks and racks of clothing. Encore can be depressing, but prices are good even $400 Chanel suits (if you're a size 4 or 6).

And do try on everything at all these shops... many have been altered to fit the previous owner... a tag marked size 10 can be an 8 or even a 12. Beware!

Happy shopping.