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...