Whilst I pretty much followed readers' NYC shopping suggestions down to a tee, Century 21 wasn't one of those places that I planned on visiting. I wasn't up for a TJ/TK Maxx experience where you MIGHT stumble upon a designer gem in amongst the crap, especially on the day of the Gucci event where I was feeling a little unsettled as it was.
However, we did have to go in the direction of Lower Manhattan to Battery Park for the essential Statue of Liberty viewing (was the boyf's first time to NYC, not mine - to answer a reader's question...) so I thought I'd take a gander. The store might look a little crusty, in terms of interiors and in some cases a little retro with the slanted curly font highlighting four floors of designer discount joy but I think a trendy revamp would sort of defeat the point of the places; which is good old-fashioned elbowing bargain-hunting madness. Ok, it wasn't madness but it was busy for a Wednesday afternoon (where other boutiques were quiet) and there were a lot of sharp looks going on especially in the shoe section. The bulk of people there were the middle-aged to elderly who seemed to have the smarts about this store as opposed to me who was just looking at random racks. In womenswear, it actually made it simpler for me that it was slim pickings for the US size 6 and below as it made it easier for me to search out stuff and so I came away with a Martin Margiela yellow satin dress and a Viktor & Rolf office dress, each at a sum of $50. The manicurist for the Gucci event wrinkled her nose when I told her of my purchases and said 'But they're last season's stuff!', which of course bothers me not a bit as my thoughts have always been 'Seasons Schmeasons!' (didn't manage to perfect my NYC drawl...).
It wasn't remotely like a TK/TJ Maxx situation as everywhere I rifled, there was Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Rick Owens (a BEAUTIFUL jacket at $500 was nearly snagged.... ), Jil Sander, Martin Margiela, Vivienne Westwood to be found at prices ranging from cheapie to not overly unreasonable. The shoes alas were a bit pricier but still bargainous if you want things at 50% off. Definitely glad I took the gander. Exciting shopping experience it may not be but for a rooter-outer like me, it was still rewarding. Speaking of designer consignment, INA which has branches in Soho, Nolita and Noho is also pretty amazing in terms of range of designer and prices (I'm still not sure how I came away with nothing...) and a far less bewildering/retro experience than C21.
Some gold and red for Chinese New Year celebrations (I postponed my celebrations until I got back to London...) Happy belated Chinese New Year by the by...hope you ate a lot of food! I'm planning to despite the fact that I just bought these unforgiving satin dresses...
Love the grey satin sheath.
Posted by: Live Fabulously | 09 February 2008 at 19:24
Hey I found your pic from the gucci party whilst reading fashion spinach lol totally random but here's the link xox Mimi
http://fashionisspinach.com/images/0208/guccigalasusieb.jpg
Posted by: MIMI | 09 February 2008 at 19:28
the grey dress!! *_*
sure wish i live in ny right now so i can go to that store!
Posted by: clover | 09 February 2008 at 20:18
do not miss Madame Gres at FIT...
Posted by: Nathalie Doucet | 09 February 2008 at 20:26
They're both beautiful, though the real object of my affections is the brocade (?) top you're wearing under the yellow dress. Nice picks!
Posted by: Drusilla | 09 February 2008 at 20:27
Happy Chinese New Year!
Hope you enjoyed NY!
Posted by: Secretista | 09 February 2008 at 20:28
Love the grey Victor & Rolf dress! I've got some good memories of C21 too...you'll almost always find something there.
And about your last post... I hope you're feeling a bit better after your tech disasters in NY! I have enjoyed reading what u wrote anyway and these things happen! Don't worry about leaving people down...this is supposed to be a hobby for you, please don't stop enjoying it. Yours is one of the best most interesting informative blogs I read. People only compare you to pro bloggers cos you're so good at this. Don't get down about it! You're great! Hugs! :)
Posted by: missmilki | 09 February 2008 at 20:49
I'd probably feel all wrong wearing something that was an obvious head to toe this season purchase - bor-ing. Some people buy new season clothes and hide them in the wardrobe for a couple of years for the same reason.
Posted by: Row | 09 February 2008 at 21:44
I love that grey dress. It's very figure flattering in a not too conventional way.
I live a few blocks away from Century and I've been going there for years. I never usually leave with clothes but I've hit the handbag (my vice) lottery jackpot many a time.
Posted by: Kim | 09 February 2008 at 23:17
I love satin and anything shiny. Great dresses and I like the way you put your whole looks together.
Posted by: Grace | 09 February 2008 at 23:22
your two-toned shoes are precious !
Posted by: KYM | 09 February 2008 at 23:36
ha "bargainous" - gonna have to start using that one. I have put off going there for the exact reasons you talk about in your 1st few paras, but I'm glad its the complete opposite
Posted by: riz | 09 February 2008 at 23:41
I love the Martin Margiela, smart buy.
Posted by: Imelda Matt | 10 February 2008 at 00:41
It sounds like such an interesting shopping experience, you gave a great description and made me really want to go there someday, hopefully soon.
Posted by: bronwyn | 10 February 2008 at 01:22
You did really well at Century 21. I used to work near there and I would always have to visit two or three days in a row before I could really process what they had and weed out a few good things. That comment from the manicurist is idiotic. Of course, they're from last season, fool. That's why they're on sale. *rolling eyes*
Posted by: WendyB | 10 February 2008 at 02:03
I can see that you're rocking your manicure. Dark colors look delicious on you since you're so pale!:)
Your new year outfit looks adorable! I wore red and gold on Chinese new year eve too~~~~~*bling bling bling all the way for good luck...lol I need it.
It's my first time leaving you a comment(blushes). Style Bubble is my daily read and by far my favorite. However, we as readers also understand that you have a life outside of this blog as well, so just be yourself and we still love you(and this little piece of web heaven)regardless.
Posted by: avid reader | 10 February 2008 at 02:19
I hate Century21. It's always so stuffy in there. Air-con anyone?? I am quite fond of rooting around to find a bargain but I have to be in the mood.
Posted by: Lyndsay | 10 February 2008 at 02:43
Those are both brilliant.
Posted by: enc | 10 February 2008 at 04:26
Those dresses are really lovely. Adhereing to 'seasons' is total nonesense! Who can really afford that anyway...?
Posted by: The Clothes Horse | 10 February 2008 at 04:34
I love the grey one <3
Posted by: shredz | 10 February 2008 at 07:42
(belated) Happy Chinese New Year, Susie! I hope you had a great time back in London!
Posted by: Drusilla | 10 February 2008 at 09:05
i sure want to visit that shop. it also looks cool from the outside. unfortunately, i have never been near nyc in my life - but maybe i'll go there someday, who knows.
and who cares if the clothes are last season? snobs.
Posted by: cate | 10 February 2008 at 11:04
Two brilliantly opulent shades.
I'm still mourning my not having the chance to hit C21, as you've said, it does connote pleasing bargain-rummaging.
/DCB.
Posted by: Dustcakeboy | 10 February 2008 at 20:50
The Viktor&Rolf is such a sweet dress (sweet as in so lovely not as in suburban-thug-'cool'-vernacular) haha
Posted by: bigglassesgirl | 10 February 2008 at 21:51
I used to give the salesladies at Century's my businesscard to get first dibs on new product. I went daily on my lunch breaks, too, so I often got first pick on merch!
And I agree, seasons schmeasons! (And that's a Brooklyn accent you're thinking of...but definitely not an "NYC accent"!) Hope you enjoyed my city! :0)
Posted by: PrettyGeekySis | 11 February 2008 at 03:00
amazing picks!
i love c21... there is nothing else like it..
Posted by: lady coveted | 11 February 2008 at 19:19