LOEHMANN’S VS. DAFFY’S

Always
L: Designer Shoes
On a recent visit, we saw Kate Spade Sherpa-style winter boots for $90, Jean-Michel Cazabat pointy-toe flats for $99 (down from $450!), and Sigerson Morrison kitten-heel slingbacks for $150.
D: Trendy Items and Baby Clothes
Recently: metallic belts ($8.99), puffer coats, cute lingerie (polka-dot thongs, $4.99); for babies, cashmere crewnecks ($39.99) and faux-shearling coats ($29.99).

Maybe
L: The Back Room
Sometimes there are Vince Bermuda shorts ($70) or a Marc Jacobs tweed coat with velvet trim ($279.99). At the wrong moment, you’ll be sifting through old stock and off-sizes.
D: Menswear
Sometimes you’ll come across a keeper, like the recently spotted Michael by Michael Kors shirt ($19.95), if you feel like fighting with the disorganized racks.

Don't Bother
L: The bag selection is uninspired.
D: This is a “designer shoe” selection?

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CENTURY 21 VS. WOODBURY COMMON

Always
C21: The Men’s Section
at Century 21 is well organized. Armani suits can be under $400, and the range and price ($89.97) of jeans are impressive. Baby essentials and kids’ clothes are also good.
WC: Women’s Fashion
The Barneys New York Outlet at Woodbury Common is full of steals, like velvet blazers for under $100. Neiman Marcus Last Call’s home section is great, and the world’s only Chanel outlet is here.

Maybe
C21: Designer Jeans
The women’s department recently had Joe’s, James, and Yanuk for $69.97—but looking for anything else requires too much patience.
WC: Home Décor
The Polo store is no great shakes, but crisp Ralph Lauren Home linens are a bargain. Pick up enough pillows and vases at Crate & Barrel to accessorize your entire studio for $250.

Don't Bother
C21: Accessories is overcrowded and claustrophobic.
WC: Theory’s prices here are no better than a sale at Bloomingdale’s.

Loehmann's
101 Seventh Ave., nr. 17th St.; 212-352-0856

Daffy's
Various Locations

Century 21
22 Cortland St., nr. Broadway; 212-227-9092

Woodbury Common
498 Red Apple Ct., Central Valley, N.Y.; 845-928-4000

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Table of Contents: Jan 23, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!