I'm taking my wife to NYC for her 4oth birthday for 4 days starting 12/15. Like many women, she likes to shop and loves nice clothes at a bargin. I saw a tour that goes through the garment district called Dress like a Diva, Shop like a Tightwad, put on by Pamela Parisi. Has anyone heard of this tour? If so, I would appreciate your input. Thanks.

I'd skip the tour. Your wife will love Century 21 (discount dept store with everything), DSW in Union Square for shoes, Filene's Basement, and Loehmann's.

Also you can check New York magazine for sample and other "boutique" sales.

Good luck!

I have not heard of this tour, but I would disagree with Gekko. I think this tour sounds worth looking into, as you're doing. It sounds like this might give you access to the designers and manufacturers themselves, and probably unique stuff. Anyone can go to these department stores, but I think you'd have to know what you're doing to visit the places this type of tour would take you on.

I think that giving her this tour shows you put more thought into it, too!

I second Gekko's recommendations, and I would also encourage you to pick up a copy of Time Out New York for the week you'll be visiting. It will list all of the sample sales for the week, many of which are held in the Garment District. I don't know much about the tour, but I think one could do well on their own by researching in advance. Just my 2 cents...

nymag.com also publishes a list of sample sales all over the city on a weekly basis.

http://nymag.com/shopping/articles/sb/index.htm

The Garment District is not a retail shopping area (it's wholesale), and "the designers" do not have stores or boutiques there.

Stick with the favorites.

www.dailycandy.com Look for high-end sample sales. Go to as many as possible.

Ditto Michelle, Gekko, and lizzie's recommendations.

I'll add H&M for inexpensive diva clothes. Also, I love Mexx which is next door on Fifth Avenue.

Here you go http://gonyc.about.com/gi/dynamic/of...Fcitysales%3D1

Have fun.

I always enjoy Zara for inexpensive but interesting stuff.

Just my $.02, but Century 21 drives me nuts and I never find anything decent there. I hear from many who do, but I never have luck. It's holiday shopping season, too, so I feel like those places get well picked over.

Also, it's holiday season, so hit Bloomies and look for some sales. Shouldn't be any shortage of sales!

I appreciate everyone's input. I would really like to hear from someone who has been on the tour if possible. Thanks again.