NYC Discount Shopping

Loehmann's
The mother of all discount stores is Loehmann's, located in Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan and surrounding suburbs.
In their "Back Room," you'll find designer merchandise with names you'll recognize at large discounts. They sell women's clothing, shoes, accessories, coats and handbags.
My favorite bargain: I had my eye on a Calvin Klein yellow linen jacket at Lord & Taylor, priced at $280, too rich for my blood at the time. At the end of the season, the jacket was marked down to $200, but I still didn't want to spend that much. On a visit to Loehmann's, I found the jacket, label still in, for $100. But it was August, and the store was clearing out all their summer merchandise, giving an additional 40% off. I got the jacket for $60.

Forman's
A generally good source for discounted women's clothing, but an excellent source for Liz Claiborne. Locations: Forman's has three stores in New York:
Orchard Street on the Lower East Side; 42nd St. between Lexington and Third Avenues; and John and Gold St. in the financial district

Fine & Klein
Fine & Klein has the best prices and best selection of designer handbags. Expect to save 30%. Location: Orchard St., down the block from Forman's.
A note on the Lower East Side: many stores there sell underwear, stockings, and bedding at a minimum of 20% off. Walk around, have a good time. The stores in the area are closed Saturday, open Sunday. If you want some help in finding the bargains, take one of the free, one-hour tours of the Lower East Side shopping bargains that begins each Sunday at 11 am at Katz's Delicatessen (Ludlow and East Houston Streets).

Century 21
This is the place for real bargain hunters. A real low price shopping paradise.

Shopping: The Crystal District