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Photo by Cathy Pinsky; Model: Carole Rozanski; Hair by Dawn DeTrinca; Makeup by Valerie Guglielmo, both of Shine Salon & Spa, Ossining. On Carole: Belle Fare shearling vest with fox trim, Cheryl leggings, B.Chyll cashmere sweater, courtesy of Fox’s; Hermès boots courtesy of Elegance II; Cole Haan men’s shoes, Ben Sherman tie, Caroline Grace green cashmere scarf courtesy of Syms; steer hide Ottoman, W/A Studios oval link necklace, Hermès gloves, Hermès scarf, Chanel bag, Hermès Birkin bag, Titti Dell’Acqua alligator pumps courtesy of Penny Pincher. |
UNBEATABLE BRUNCHES
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Dom Perignon 2000 $165 |
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Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2005 $33.99 |
“Chardonnay is what makes Champagne voluptuous, and Dom Perignon contains more than sixty percent. Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs is one-hundred-percent Chardonnay and is as rich and creamy as they come.”
For White:
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2006 Louis Carillon Puligny-Montrachet $62.99 |
2007 Beaujolais-Villages Blanc ‘La Jacarde,’ Pascal Granger $18.99 |
“Good white Beaujolais can have the same weight and nervous energy as a young white Burgundy.”
For Red:
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2005 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon “To-Kalon Vineyard,” Napa Valley $275 |
2005 Robert Mondavi Cabenret Sauvignon, Napa Valley $22.99 |
“Both wines come from the same neighborhood. In fact, as much as twenty-five percent of the Mondavi comes from To-Kalon, the same vineyard as the Hobbs. The quality and the breed of the Mondavi makes it one of the very best buys in Napa Cabernet today.”
Free Money
Restaurant.com is a terrific website that offers gift certificates for restaurants at deep discounts. For example: you can purchase a $10 certificate for $3, a $25 certificate for $10, and a $50 certificate for $20. And we’re not just talking mom and pop pizzerias here: choose from Antipasti and Melting Pot in White Plains, Flying Pig in Mount Kisco, Le Fontane in Somers, Willy Nick’s in Katonah, and Pier View in Yonkers, to name a few.
Our Favorite Prix-Fixe Dinner Deals
(check westchestermagazine.com for more great dining deals)
1. Bengal Tiger (140 E Post Rd, White Plains, 914-948-5191, bengaltiger1.com). Its prix-fixe menu every day from 5 to 10 pm includes a main entrée with rice side dish from $15.95 to $31.95. Popular dishes include chicken charminar and narangi battakh (duck breast).
2. Crabtree’s Kittle House (11 Kittle Rd, Chappaqua, 914-666-8044, kittlehouse.com). No one thinks of Crabtree’s as a cheap eats place, but you don’t have to go into debt to eat here. Crabtree’s offers a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $38.
3. Deer Park Tavern (40 Deer Park Rd, Katonah, 914-232-9104, deerparktavern.com). Tucked away between Routes 35 and 22 in Katonah, Deer Park dishes out New American cuisine in a classy but casual atmosphere. Between 4:30 and 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, diners can feast on a three-course meal for just $20.05.
4. Equus at Castle on Hudson (400 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown 914-631-3646). Dine like a king in the gorgeous Equus restaurant on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Just $95 for two three-course dinners (vs. $74 for one four-course meal).
5. Iron Horse Grill (20 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville, 914-741-0717, ironhorsegrill.com). Chef Philip McGrath serves up two bargain- dining deals: a $38 three-course, pre-theater (until 7:30) dinner; the other, $49 for three courses—any three courses, any time.
6. The Heights Bistro & Bar (334 Underhill Ave, Yorktown Heights, 914-962-3777, theheightsbistro.com). On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, this cozy bistro charges $21.95 for three courses; the menu changes nightly.
7. La Panetière (530 Milton Rd, Rye 914-967-8140, lapanetiere.com). The entire menu has a prix-fixe option every day: choose an appetizer and entrée for $52; appetizer, entrée, and dessert
for $68.
8. Le Château (1410 Rte 35, South Salem, 914-533-6631) Enjoy a four-course meal for $48 per person with choice of salad or snails, braised lamb shank, sautéed sea scallops, medallions of beef, dessert, and coffee or tea.
9. Le Fontane (Rts 100 and 139, Somers, 914-232-9619). Every Tuesday through Friday nights, visit the fresh antipasto buffet, get a choice of entrées and homemade dessert for only $23.75.
10. Pascal’s (141 Chatsworth Ave, Larchmont 914-834-6688). From Sunday through Thursday, choose two dinner courses for $25; on Fridays, choose three courses for $30.50. Popular choices include trout with lemon-caper-butter sauce and roasted chicken with tarragon sauce.
11. Plates (121 Myrtle Blvd, Larchmont 914-834-1244). Choose any two courses from the prix-fixe menu for $30 from 5 until 6:30 pm on Sunday through Thursday evenings. Choose appetizer/entrée, entrée/dessert, or even appetizer/dessert.
12. Zitoune (1127 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck 914-835-8350, zitoune.com). For dinner Monday nights, there is an all-evening, $25 prix-fixe three-course menu, including a glass of wine.
[CHEAP EATS ETIQUETTE] Sure, these two-for-one and free-wine meals save you money, but when it comes to tipping, make sure you give your server a few extra bucks. After all, he or she is doing the same amount of work.
[INSTANT CASH] For clickable coupons, visit coupons.com, couponcabin.com, couponcode.com, couponmom.com, 8coupons.com, fatwallet.com, and shortcuts.com.
Health & Beauty
LOOK GOOD—FOR LESS.
FREE CUTS AND COLOR
The following five salons conduct advanced cutting and color classes and need models to work on—for free. If you’re willing to be a guinea pig, some of the top hair pros in the county are willing to do all the work and charge you not one single dime. (But generous tips are a good idea.)
Beautiful Hair Color Salon
41 Washington Ave, Pleasantville
(914) 741-2428
Regular Single-Process Color: $45/$105 (jr/sr colorist);
Cut: $45/$105 (jr/sr stylist)
On Tuesday nights: Free
What you should know: Owner Franco Marino is a Best of Westchester colorist winner.
Le Collage Salon
200 E Main St, Mount Kisco
(914) 241-0084
Regular Single-Process Color: $75; Cut: $68 to $82
On Tuesday nights: Free cuts; Friday mornings: Free color
What you should know: Popular place–book early.
Paulo’s Atelier Hair Salon
725 Bedford Rd, Bedford Hills
(914) 666-2800
Single Process Color: $75 and up; Cut: $75 and up
On Wednesday nights (and some Monday afternoons): Free
What you should know: Kathleen Troy of Paulo’s was named 2008 Best of Westchester colorist. And call first; as of press time, the schedule had not yet been set.
Richard Scott Salon and Day Spa
15 S Moger Ave, Mount Kisco
(914) 242-1700
Regular Single-Process Color: $65 and up; Cut: $65
On scheduled nights: Free
What you should know: Classes vary; one week they may teach cutting techniques, another color, so call in advance to find what sessions will be offered.
Not Free, But Frugal
Zokkoz Salon
1250 Pleasantville Rd
Briarcliff Manor
(914) 923-2929
Ask for Liz Oliveto and get 50 percent off senior stylist prices.
Every day just $20 for blow outs, $32.50 for a single-process color.
SENSATIONAL SMILES, SENSIBLE PRICES
We’re pretty wary of discount medical services but were thrilled to discover dentalplans.com. Go to the site, search for your family dentist (or, if looking for a new one, type in your zip code), and see what plans your dentist will accept. One staffer selected Qualident and paid $95 for a year’s membership (she applied a $10 discount coupon to get that price!) and nearly made her money back with her first visit, paying just $114 for cleaning, exam, and X-rays vs. $210, the regular fee before the insurance. Her last crown cost $975; with Qualident, it will be between $588 and $683. Certainly something to smile about.
SUPER SPA DEALS
1. $49 FACIALS
Facelogic Spa (145 Kisco Ave, Mount Kisco 914-241-3223) Facials here are always $49 when you sign a yearly service agreement for one facial a month (elite facials are $89). The logic here is that, with lower prices, you’ll come more often, which will lead to better results.
2. SPA WEEK
Twice a year (May and October) prices on selected spa treatments are cut to just $50 each. In the past, places like Red Door Spa, Ritz-Carlton Spa, Haven Spa, Oggi/Adam & Eve, and Laser Cosmetica, have participated, but visit spaweek.org for additional spas and more information.
3. HALF PRICE LASER SPECIALS
Amari Medical Spa (455 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, 914-722- 3000). Laser hair removal for Westchester Magazine readers: buy one area, get one free. Visit amarimedspa.com/offer for coupon for this special offer.
Aqua Laser & Aesthetics at Adriana Spa (212 Main St, Eastchester, 914-337-3700). Two-for-one pricing on all laser facial treatments. Bring a friend and it’s twice as nice! Photofacial (five sessions) $1,800 to $3,000; ReFirme Tightening (for face and neck, five sessions) $3,200 to $4,200; Hair Removal (six sessions) $550 and up (plus two-years free maintenance).
Dare to Be Bare (443 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, 914-346- 8900). Buy three laser treatments, get three free, plus 20 percent off waxing, facials, or a microdermabrasion package.
Dermacare (4 Gannett Dr, Ste 220, White Plains, 914-696-4900). Laser facial hair removal is $50 per session; five sessions frequently are needed. Plus, with Friends and Family program, get 40 percent off all laser-treatment packages (two packages need to be purchased together).
4. BUY ONE SERVICE…AND SAVE ON SECOND
Oggi/Adam & Eve Salon and Day Spa (770 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, 914-472-0010, oggiadameve.com). Bring a friend on Spa Sundays and the friend will receive 50 percent off the service; facials run from $85 to $125; massage from $85 to $110. Come to the salon on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for a spa pedicure ($50) and receive a complimentary manicure (usually $14).
Riverspa (50 S Buckout St, Irvington, 914-591-5757, riverspaonhudson.com). From January 1 through February 15, book a Discovery Facial at full price ($105) and get the Fusion Massage (a combo of Swedish, deep-tissue, and sports massage techniques) for half-price ($52.50).
5. SAVE 20 percent
Oasis Day Spa (50 Livingstone Ave, Dobbs Ferry, 914-409-1900, oasisdayspanyc.com). Book a Collagen Facial ($160) and receive a free Glycolic Peel ($30 value) and 20-percent discount on AGE Total Defense anti-aging cream and Bota-Peptide Eye contour cream.
6. Ritz Sampler
Ritz-Carlton Spa (Three Renaissance Sq, White Plains, 914-467-5888). Most treatments at the Ritz Spa start at $130, but on Mondays through Thursdays through March, you can sample two 25-minute mini treatments for $100. Choose from foot, body, or scalp massage, facial, and scrub.
7. $99 Specials
Renue Spa (100 N Central Ave, Hartsdale, 914-997-1080) January specials at this new spa include: 45-minute Swedish massage and a 30-minute sea-salt glow (regularly $140); 45-minute European facial plus Swedish massage (regularly $165); 60-minute microdermabrasion (regularly $150); and photo correction facial (regularly $200).
BEAUTY SAVERS MINIMALIST MAKEUP
Pssst! If you’re a fan of Estée Lauder products, makeup artist Scarlett DeBease (Scarlett New York Image Consulting, 914-441-0756, scarlettnewyork.com) has an insider’s secret to share: “At Kohl’s, you can buy the American Beauty and Flirt cosmetics lines, which are both made by Estée Lauder, for considerably less than the flagship line. Use your Kohl’s discount coupons that come with your charge card, and they are an even better deal.”
Other tips from DeBease:
For cream to powder foundation with SPF protection,
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instead of Dior’s Diorskin Compact SPF 20 at $41… |
…try Maybelline New York – Instant Age Rewind Face Perfection Cream Compact Foundation SPF 18 at $9.99 |
For cream/cream-to-powder formula eye shadow,
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instead of M.A.C.’s Paint at $16.50… |
…try L’Oreal Paris Cream Shadow Paint at $10.29 |
For anti-aging eye cream,
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instead of Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Moisturizing Treatment at $98… |
…try Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Eye Cream at $19.99 |
For tinted moisturizer,
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instead of Bobbi Brown SPF 15 at $40… |
…try Boots (available at CVS & Target) No 7 Soft & Sheer SPF 15 at $11.99 |
SAVING FACE (and $$$)
You can protect your skin at a fraction of the cost of high-end department store products, promises Dr. Brent Wainwright, a board-certified dermatologist with a practice in Cross River and an assistant clinical professor at New York University’s School of Medicine. He recommends:
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Instead of La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare at $1,000… |
try Olay’s Regenerist UV Regenerating Lotion at under $20 |
“Olay’s product contains antioxidants and a palmitoyl peptide, like La Prairie, plus a sunblock with both UVA and UVB protection—and at a fraction of the cost.”
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Instead of La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Sunscreen Cream with Mexoryl at $45… |
…try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 with Helioplex at $9 |
“Mexoryl is currently being used in a relatively small number of products by high-end manufacturers and is therefore more costly. Neutrogena’s Helioplex has equivalent UVA-blocking power and ingredients to make it photostable as well—at a more realistic price!”
HEALTH CLUB SPECIALS
1. If what you’re looking for is a plain vanilla, no-frills gym at which you just get on a treadmill or lift some weights, check out Planet Fitness. Yes, it’s a chain—but there are locations in Yonkers, Scarsdale, and White Plains—and you won’t find a cheaper deal anywhere. Visit planetfitness.com to see what deals they are offering; at press time they had a $39 start-up fee and just $10 a month after that. Sweet deal!
2. Membership in any of the YMCA facilities in the county is another cost-effective way to keep fit. Membership dues and monthly fees vary by center, and financial aid is available at some locations.
[CHEAP GAS] For heaven’s sake, don’t waste gas driving around looking for the best deals. Visit here for up-to-the-minute prices on gas around the county, searchable by price or zip code: westchestergov.com/gasroute/gas_search.aspx. Who says your county government doesn’t work for you?
[STRESS-LESS COPAYS] Target charges only $4 copays on around 300 commonly prescribed generic drugs (like the antidepressants and antianxiety meds which we all could use now).
on the go…for less
For a whole lot less
TRAVEL STEALS AND DEALS
Here are our favorite cheap travel websites; don’t book a hotel, rent a car, or plan a trip without first checking out:
1. SideStep.com: Compare airfares on this search engine, and check out special flight offers for the best deals.
2. Hotwire.com: Find four-star hotels at two-star prices, last-minute deals on airfares, car rentals, and drastically discounted cruises. Hotwire also has a neat feature that “remembers” your past searches and lets you know of deals to places you like to visit.
3. Travelzoo.com: Get the top 20 deals via email every week, plus random specials.
4. Shermanstravel.com: Sherman’s has a top-25 list with enticing offers like four nights in Prague for $831 including air and boutique hotel.
5. Smartertravel.com: With airlines charging à la carte fees for everything from blankets to checked luggage, it’s hard to figure out the actual cost of a ticket. Uncover potential fees first at this site.
6. Kayak.com: Search for cheap flights, hotels, and more.
Free Lodging!
For the ultimate in cheap travel, visit Couchsurfing.com, a website that connects travelers to people who are willing to let you crash on their couch (or stay in a guest room) for free. There are already more than 670,000 members in 231 countries with thousands of new members signing up every week.
Moving?
Save up to two-thirds of relocation fees just by joining that all-American car club, AAA, the American Automobile Club. For a $58 first-year membership fee plus a $10 enrollment fee, not only do you get free roadside assistance, maps, discount hotel rooms, and travel advice, but AAA’s Consumer’s Relocation Service (800-839-6683) offers amazing discounts on relocation. One of our writers, Adrianne Stone-Gibilisco of Ardsley, was quoted about $28,000 to move her household from the West Coast to New York. Through AAA, she got a discounted rate of $7,800, plus they negotiated for her to get compensation for damaged goods. Now that’s what we call a deal!
Kids
Save a bundle on your bundle of joy.
Cost-Conscious Consignment Shops
While Stop & Shop and Shop Rite may have the best prices for diapers/wipes/organic baby food, and Old Navy our choice for one-stop shopping for organic cotton onesies, footie PJs, and other baby clothing basics, consignment shops are the best bet for gently (or never) used clothes, toys, books, DVDs, and all baby basics. Our favorites:
1. Affordables (10 Main St, Dobbs Ferry, 914-693-3610, affordablechildren.com) This one-of-a-kind shop is crammed, not only with kids’ clothes (sizes newborn to 14) but with games, books, and baby equipment. If you’re looking for something specific, such as a boy’s suit in size 8, call ahead and the staff will take a look before you schlep. Get on the mailing list for the newsletter with coupons and notifications of end-of-season sales, when everything costs a buck.
2. Milk Money (579 Warburton Ave at Movie House Muse, Hastings-on-Hudson, 914-478-4378) Park the kids in the playroom while you browse through the clothes, toys, furniture, equipment, and hardcover books. Whatever doesn’t sell goes to charity. Items are sorted by age and gender—and racks are loaded with bargains. Looking for some specific item or a particular label? Fill out a wish-list form and Milk Money will call you if and when it enters the store.
3. Mint (253 Mill St, Greenwich, CT 203-532-0200, mintvintage.biz) This shop sells gently used designer clothing and prom dresses for children and teens, in mint condition (hence the name) and at a fraction of the original price. Some of the items are even brand new, purchased from overstocks and closeouts.
4. The Preppy Turtle (2 Depot Plz, Bedford Hills, 914-666-8500, thepreppyturtle.com) This shop carries mostly designer-name clothing for kids, teens, and juniors along with toys, baby equipment, nursery accessories, and baby gift items. Lots of tap dance shoes!
5. Vintage Kids (2124 Boston Post Rd, Larchmont, 914-834-0862) Clothes from Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and others in sizes newborn to boys and girls 14/16; shoes; ice skates; dancewear; toys; baby equipment; room furnishings; and accessories. Don’t miss the dollar table for best bargains; prices range from $1 to $50, with a few items close to $100.
KIDS’ HAIRCUTS
Haircuts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for kids ages one to 10 are full price ($16 to $20) for the first child, half-price for the second child at Cool Cuts for Kids (770 Central Ave, Scarsdale, 914-472-6400). Snip-its (450 Central Ave, Scarsdale, 914-574-5320, snipits.com), a new kid-centric salon, will offer Westchester Magazine readers $5 off haircuts (regularly $17.99) or give away a free eight-ounce bottle of Snip-its all natural shampoo or conditioner during January.
THE MOTHERLODE OF FREE FUN
If you haven’t taken advantage of one of the 38 libraries in the Westchester Library System (westchesterlibraries.org), now’s the time to start. In addition to nearly six million books, CDs, and DVDs available to borrow at no charge, every library offers entertaining, informative, and just plain fun programs. Children’s story hours are mainstays of every library’s offerings, but there are also concerts, craft classes, and even parties. More and more libraries have built special sections for teens, too, with dedicated computers for gaming and Internet access, plus activities strictly for them.
FAVORITE FREE WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
1.) The Scholastic Store (450 Central Ave, Scarsdale, 914-725-7201 scholastic.com) On Saturdays, story time is at 3 pm; seasonal parties throughout the year.
3.) Muscoot Farm (51 Rte 100, Katonah 914-864-7282, muscootfarm.org) It’s always fun to get back to nature and visit the animals; on select weekends there are hayrides, festivals, and craft activities.
3.) Most bookstores in the county offer free story times for kids and other activities. Check your local branch and stores for details. Even Pottery Barn offers story time—who knew?
[KIDS’ PARTY SUPPLIES] Stock up on kids’ party supplies at Amazing Savings (925 Central Ave, Scarsdale, 914-472-1320; 561 Boston Post Rd, Port Chester 914-937-2612): gift bags and party favors to put in them, paper goods, wrapping and tissue paper—all for a pittance.
Arts & Entertainment
County culture for a song
FREE MUSIC
Since 1988, Downtown Music in White Plains (dtmusic.org) has offered free weekday and weekend musical performances from classical to ethnic music. Noonday Getaway Concerts are held at Grace Church (33 Church St, White Plains, 914-949-0384) on Wednesdays from September through May, starting at 12:10.
(ALMOST) FREE READINGS
Literary readings at the Hudson Valley Writers Center (300 Riverside Drive, Sleepy Hollow, 914-332-5953 writerscenter.org): just $5 to listen to the likes of novelist DeLaune Michel, poet Elaine Sexton, and memoirist Mimi Schwartz. A bargain. Sundays at 4:30, second Fridays at 7:30.
FREE MUSEUM DAYS
Hudson River Museum (511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers 914-963-4550; hrm.org), the oldest museum in the county, is free from 5 to 8 pm Fridays; free to children under five at all times. Don’t miss Red Groom’s The Bookstore installation; the latest exhibit is J.C. Leyendecker: America’s “Other” Illustrator, a retrospective of his original paintings and drawings, including covers for the Saturday Evening Post, running from January 31 to May 10, 2009. The museum also has frequent free weekend kids programs. While visiting, be sure to stop by the nearby Glenview Mansion, where six turn-of-the-century rooms are open for viewing.
Tuesdays through Saturdays, you can visit the Katonah Museum of Art (134 Jay St, Katonah, 914-232-9555 katonahmuseum.org) free from 10 am to 12 pm (never a charge for kids under 12). A non-collecting facility, KMA puts on eight to 10 exhibitions a year. There are two indoor galleries, a sculpture garden, and a learning center where children can learn about the exhibits in a hands-on, kid-friendly way.
Get two completely different art experiences in one visit at the Neuberger Museum of Art (Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, 914-251-6100, neuberger.org) and the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Garden at PepsiCo (700 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, pepsico.com). The 168-acre sculpture garden at the corporate headquarters for PepsiCo is open to the public at no charge. See works by Rodin, Calder, Moore, and more (a must-do if you call yourself a true Westchesterite). If you visit Pepsi first, you can get free passes for the Neuberger Museum just across the street at Purchase College. In addition to the fabulous permanent exhibition of African art, there are 12 changing exhibitions a year, focusing on 20th-century masters, and mid-career and emerging artists. (The Neuberger is also free the first Saturday of every month; children under 12 always are admitted free.)
It’s not exactly free—a $4 donation is requested to visit The Union Church of Pocantico Hills, (Rte 448, Pocantico Hills, 914-631-8200; hudsonvalley.org), but it would be a sin not to make a pilgrimage to pay homage to the stained-glass windows there—nine by Chagall and one by Matisse, commissioned by the Rockefellers. These windows represent the only cycle of Chagall church windows in America and the last completed work of Henri Matisse, who completed the design for the “Rose Window” above the chancel just two days before he died. If you go to Sunday services, there is a possibility you’ll spot a Rockefeller or two.
[SUPPORT THE ARTS AND SAVE] Buy a subscription to your favorite arts group and get discounted admission, sneak previews of shows, and other bonuses.
Pets
Don’t Buy; Adopt
Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars on that purebred Persian or cute little doggie in the window of a pet store, visit one of the many pet rescue centers in the county and adopt a perfectly good dog or cat. You’ll save a life and get a devoted pal in the bargain. Plus, shelter pets are up to date on vaccinations and, in many cases, have been spayed or neutered.
Elmsford Animal Shelter
(914) 592-7334; elmsfordanimalshelter.com
New Rochelle Humane Society
(914) 632-2925; nrochelleanimalshelter.org
SPCA of Westchester
(914) 941-2894; spca914.com
Westchester Shore Humane Society
(914) 835-3332; westchestershorehumane@yahoo.com
LOW-COST MEDICAL CARE
Low-cost vet services are available at the SPCA of Westchester (590 N State Rd, Briarcliff Manor 914-762-4842, ext. 10). Physical exams are just $10; rabies vaccines $20 for dogs or cats; similar savings on other vaccines and tests. Spaying and neutering cats starts at $125; dogs at $225. And buy your pet meds like heartworm pills and flea and tick treatments online for more savings. Have your vet fax prescriptions to petmeds.com or drsfosterandsmith.com. You can even buy bulk pet food at Foster and Smith and save the schlep.
REPAIR, DON’T REPLACE
Frugalistas know a little tlc can extend the life of all our favorite things.
Love Your Leather (Again)
Occhicone Fine Leather Goods
42 N Main St, Port Chester (914) 937-6327
Shoe and purse aficionados trust their beat-up Balenciaga bags and blister-causing Blahniks, and all manner of listless leatherwear (such as luggage, clothing, and even furniture) to the folks at Occhicone, a Port Chester fixture for nearly 30 years.
We’ve Got You Covered
Fabu Fabrics
35 Adams St, Bedford Hills (914) 244-9041
Even a worn old sofa can have a second act with a first class reupholstering. With more than 20 years’ experience, Joshua Katz at Fabu can work wonders with even the most mundane pieces—and he’s not too shy to tell you that, either. “Basically, I’m an decorator,” he says. “We have thousands of fabrics to choose from—but only three or four are gonna work for any given project. The trick is narrowing them down.” Gotta love him for his talent, his charm—and his chutzpa.
Let There Be Light
Powell Accessories, Ltd.
33 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains
(914) 948-8866; fixold.com
This third-generation, family-owned business does all kinds of lighting repairs, from updating wiring to fixing and repinning those pesky chandelier crystals. It can also make lamps out of “just about anything.” Due to the sheer volume of work it turns out, turnaround time, depending on the intricacy of the job, may not always be lightning-fast, but the results will be well worth it.
In Focus
Sam’s Camera Exchange
979 Central Ave, Scarsdale (914) 725-1616;
195 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco (914) 666-3383 samscameraexchange.com
Though it handles repairs on all photographic equipment, Sam’s specialty is getting the bugs out of digital cameras: solving printing problems, recovering lost images on memory cards, and transforming unrecognizable photos into clear ones. A county staple since 1939, Sam’s repairs can take a minimum of two weeks.
Clean Your Clock
Mark’s Time
1 Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills (914) 242-0058
If time really is standing still for you (i.e., your clock or watch isn’t working), head here. Mark Reichbach, originally trained at the Bulova Watch Company factory on Long Island, brings close to 30 years of expertise to the repair and restoration of rare and antique clocks, watches, barometers, and even music boxes. He even makes house calls.
Plugged In
Albano Appliance and Service
83 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge
(914) 764-4053
Fridge on the fritz? Dishwasher DOA? In addition to selling and repairing all types of major appliances, Albano fixes almost everything it sells (except Sub-Zeros which only allows their techs to work on the famously finicky fridges), as well as appliances you bought elsewhere (provided that the warranty has expired). With its in-house staff of technicians, it guarantees service on products it has sold within 48 hours of that first SOS.
Dream Weavers
The Golden Horn Oriental Rugs
350 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck
(914) 670-6666; rugrestoration.com
When you need your antique rug brought back to its original luster, visit the same group of rug restorers relied on by Christie’s auction house. The world-famous auctioneers trust the Golden Horn in Mamaroneck to work on rugs, some of which are valued at up to $250,000. Fear not, they’re also glad to restore regular rugs and anything handmade, even if its price tag doesn’t have six figures. And, if the cost to restore the rug is greater than the value, they’ll even send your rug to Istanbul where labor costs are cheaper.
Sole Men
Vaccaro’s Shoe Repair
11 Boniface Cir, Scarsdale (914) 723-1308
Like chicken soup for your soles. This family-run shoe repair shop has been nursing back the snapped-off stilettos and busted boots of its fiercely loyal, well-heeled customers since 1929.
A Stitch in Time
Stanley Custom Tailoring
22 Purdy Ave, Rye (914) 967-3351
Shop in your own closet and have your wardrobe updated (or refitted) by an award-winning master tailor. Before emigrating to the U.S. in the early ’90s, Stanley Szewczyk studied design in Krakow, Poland, where he
perfected his craft working on the extravagant costumes of the Polish Theater.
Mr. Clean
Carlan Cleaners of Westchester
Ossining (914) 762-1454; carlancleaners.com
If you have kids and/or pets, you need to know Carlan Cleaners. Owner Carl McKenzie has been keeping the carpets, rugs, and upholstery in Westchester clean for nearly two decades.
Of Whole Cloth
The Quilt Cottage
414 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck
(914) 777-1333; quiltcottage.net
Restoring old, heirloom quilts is what owner Nancy C. Rosenberger, who has 20 years of experience in the textile business, is most often called to do. “A lot of the work is done by hand to get the same look as the original, and to keep the same seams,” she says.
Heavy Metal
Artcraft Silversmiths
156 Mount Vernon Ave, Mount Vernon
(914) 668-9486
This third-generation family business has been the trusted go-to company for silver, gold, brass, and copper replating, restoration, and polishing since 1933. From tea sets to trophies, Artcraft works its magic—and can often do so in under two weeks’ time.
Furniture Fix-ups
Tarrytown Woodworks
6 S Washington St, Tarrytow (914) 32-4189 tarrytownantiquesrestoration.com
Eric Clingen calls his shop “a walk-in clinic for damaged furniture.” He repairs and restores antique and vintage furniture from dressers and coat racks to tables and chairs.
[DRIVING A BARGAIN] Routine car maintenance extends the life of your car. When you go in for an oil change or any other service, ask if there is a coupon available—you’ll often net a 10-percent savings on parts, labor, or both.
THE PRICE IS…RIGHT
A survey of local grocery store prices yields some surprising results.
With the prices of food rising, we wondered if all stores are passing along the increased costs equally. So, for the week of October 12 to 18, Westchester Magazine editors fanned out across the county to their local grocery stores and reported the prices on a market basket of common staples—a baker’s dozen in all.
To compare “apples to apples” as best we could, we stuck to a few ground rules. With each item, we selected the cheapest variety of its kind available in the store, whether it was the store brand, a leading national brand, or the brand on sale that week. We ignored manufacturers’ coupons. And, in cases in which a certain item was available in a different quantity (say, a 22-ounce box of corn flakes instead of the 18-ounce box we were looking for), we computed the per-ounce price and extrapolated the price for the size we wanted. (Yes, contrary to popular belief, writers can do math—with the help of our trusty calculators).
Results: It does pay to shop around. The spread between the most- and least-expensive stores among those surveyed was $14.35, and that was just for our small sampling of groceries. While the perceived higher-end stores generally correlated with higher-end prices (the most expensive store was D’Agostino Supermarkets, with a market-basket at $47.40, while the least expensive was Shop Rite at $33.05), there were some notable exceptions. Staten Island-based chain Key Food Marketplace surprisingly came in as the third-most expensive, right behind upscale chains D’Agostino’s and Whole Foods Market. Meanwhile, green gourmet grocer Trader Joe’s was the second cheapest store among the eight surveyed.
Shopping from Home: We surveyed two of the major home-delivery services, Fresh Direct and Pea Pod. Despite its claims as being both fresher and cheaper than your local supermarket, Fresh Direct was the second most expensive of both in-store and home-delivery options (coming in at $47.38; D’Agostino’s beat it by two cents). Meanwhile, Pea Pod, a division of Stop & Shop, was $36.07—cheaper than Trader Joe’s, and cheaper than Stop & Shop itself (its website informs that prices may differ between in-store and home delivery). However, Pea Pod requires a minimum $60 purchase, and purchases under $100 have a $9.95 fee (purchases over $100 carry a $6.95 fee). In addition, there’s a fuel surcharge; 88 cents for the week we surveyed. These fees wipe out whatever bargains Pea Pod offered in its food prices, inflating its final total to $43.90. As for Fresh Direct, it requires a minimum order of $30, and its delivery fee to Westchester is $6.79. Clearly, stay-at-home grocery shoppers pay for the added convenience.
Your Best Bet: All the major chains post their circulars on their websites, and most are searchable. So do a little research from the comfort of your home to see which of your local groceries are offering the best prices for the items you want—before you go.
—Robert Schork
CLICK HERE FOR OUR DETAILED CHART.
[MAKES CENTS] Coupon circulars in your weekend newspapers are coordinated with weekly sales at major chain supermarkets, so smart shoppers can save even more.
Shopping
Cheap Dates
Check here to find when your favorite stores are having sales.
JANUARY
Rothman’s, 1 Boniface Cir, Scarsdale (914) 713-0300; rothmansny.com. This high-end men’s clothier warehouse sale is the real deal, offering legitimate huge markdowns of everything that is left in its New York City warehouse and stores. Starting January 22, find extraordinary markdowns on its collection of suits, sport coats, overcoats, sportswear, denim, and shoes from the likes of John Varvatos Star USA, Hugo Boss, Canali, Z- Zegna, BCBG, Theory, Hickey, Penguin, Ben Sherman, Burberry, Seven Jeans, and many others. For example, Canali suits, regularly $1,395-$1,495, now $899. BCBG suits, regularly $495, now $299. Z-Zegna suits, regularly $995, now $699. Hugo Boss suits, regularly $895, now $599.
Tea Blossom (left), 64 Garth Rd, Scarsdale (914) 472-1128,
teablossom.com. Stock up on teapots and accessories at 35 to 40 percent off at Tea Blossom.
Wondrous Things, 1159 Pleasantville Rd,
Briarcliff Manor (914) 762-3300; wondrousthings.com.
The sales at Wondrous Things begin the day after Christmas with great holiday bargains and continue through mid-January. Find gifts for baby and the home (for you, too!), jewelry, ladies clothing, and accessories.
Groovy on Grand, 119 Grand St
Croton-on-Hudson (914) 271-0700; groovyongrand.com.
The store for “Cool Clothes for Cool Kids, Tweens & Teens” has two big sales a year, one in January, and one in August.
Contact, Rye Ridge Plz, 120 S Ridge St, Rye Brook, (914) 481-1910; contact-clothing.com.
For fashion-forward, Sex and the City-type clothing at up to 50 percent off, visit in January and July. Lines include Hale Bob, Single, Anne Ferriday, Language, Komarov, Custo Barcelona, and Butterfly Dropout.
Petticoat Lane stores in Chappaqua, Scarsdale, Bronxville, and Greenwich, CT. Save 40 to 70 percent on all handbags and winter sleepwear; get 20 percent off all lingerie.
Tiger Lily Boutique, 139 E Main St Mount Kisco (914) 244-4201.
Find up to 50 percent off select winter and holiday items.
UnderDressed Lingerie Boutique 10 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry (914) 478-4292 underdressedlingerie.com.
Call for the date of the all-day, 10-percent-off sale on everything in the store, plus special extended markdowns. Snacks too!
Wishes, 315 Kear St, Yorktown Heights (914) 962-9474.
Great reductions on already modestly priced tabletop items, serving pieces and utensils, frames, candles, hanging glass art, and other decorative items for the home.
Bloomingdale’s Furniture & Rug Outlet
2 Saw Mill River Rd (Rte 9A), Hawthorne (914) 592-0413.
Savvy shoppers will save an additional 20 percent on everything in the store except mattresses and rugs during the Martin Luther King Day sale.
MarketPro Computer Show and Sale Westchester County Center, White Plains
(201) 825-2229; marketpro.com.
Spend just seven bucks on an admission ticket and get the chance to save up to 80 percent on the latest brand-name merchandise, including hardware (mostly IBM-compatible, but some Macs), software, computer parts, and components, monitors, printers, scanners, and accessories. January 10, 11.
February
The Preppy Turtle, 2 Depot Plz, Bedford Hills (914) 666-8500; thepreppyturtle.com. The Preppy Turtle consignment shop has only two clearance sales per year: February 1 through 15, to clear out the excess winter merchandise, and in August. Save 50 percent on the best American and European brands for infants through juniors.
ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Outlet, 1055 Bronx River Ave, Bronx, NY (718) 842-8772; abchome.com. Prices are still high but lower than what you’d pay in the Manhattan store, and the Warehouse Sale the first week in February means even greater savings, when some items usually offered at 30 percent off are marked down as low as 60 percent off.
MARCH
Casafina (right), 301 Fields La, Brewster, NY (845) 277-5700; casafinagifts.com. 
Four times a year, the Casafina warehouse opens its doors to clear out excess inventory, as well as discontinued and slightly imperfect
items (call for exact dates the month before).
Save up to 50 percent off retail prices on an extensive collection of Italian and Portuguese ceramics and glassware, decorative accessories, furniture and jewelry imported from India, garden furniture, metal giftware, and table and bed linens. Particularly noteworthy: the gorgeous Casa Stone dinnerware imported from Portugal; a dinner plate that retails for $25 typically sells for $12 here.
MarketPro Computer Show and Sale Westchester County Center, White Plains (201) 825-2229; marketpro.com.
See January; March 21, 22.
Wüsthof, 333 S Highland Ave, Briarcliff Manor (914) 923-6000; wusthof.com. Reconditioned and discounted knives are usually at least 50 percent off retail and sharpening any brand of knife is available at $2 per blade. (Our food writer wouldn’t take her knives anywhere else.) Examples: its bestselling knife block set, which consists of five knives in assorted sizes, shears, sharpening steel, and block, is $299, retail $510. The warehouse will be relocating in 2009, so look for extra-special bargains!
APRIL
Island Imports, 5F W Cross St, Hawthorne (914) 747-1040.
You’ve seen its bags, scarves, and accessories in such catalogs as Coldwater Creek and Soft Surroundings or at such retail stores as Bloomingdale’s, but never at the prices offered at the twice yearly (usually April and October) sales of samples and overstock at Island Imports. On average, you’ll get half off wholesale prices, so a $100 purse would cost between $15 and $20. Scarves, necklaces, and bracelets are $10 each, earrings $5 a pair (sterling silver is higher).
Soho East, 63 Main St, Dobbs Ferry
(914) 693-7296; sohoeast.com.
The only thing better than getting something for the home from Soho East is getting it on sale. Expect a sale in April during which everything is 20 percent off; in July, everything is between 10 and 50 percent off.
MAY
Melita’s Home Furnishings (left), 125 Main St Ossining (914) 923-0351.
Melita’s holds its sales around Mother’s Day and every fall, with savings of up to 30 percent off the Chandler Bedding Collection including duvet covers, quilts, shams, decorative pillows, and curtains.
MarketPro Computer Show and Sale Westchester County Center, White Plains
(201) 825-2229; marketpro.com.
See January; May 30, 31.
JUNE
Casafina, 301 Fields Ln, Brewster, NY
(845) 277-5700; casafinagifts.com
See March.
JULY
Rothman’s, 1 Boniface Cir, Scarsdale
(914) 713-0300; rothmansny.com
The summer version of the sale is in July through the first weekend in August coinciding with the Scarsdale Sidewalk Sale. See January.
Soho East (right), 63 Main St, Dobbs Ferry
(914) 693-7296; sohoeast.com
See April. In the July sale, everything is between 10 and 50 percent off.
Wondrous Things, 1159 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff Manor (914) 762-3300 wondrousthings.com
See January.
Nordstom, The Westchester
135 Westchester Ave, White Plains
(914) 946-1122; nordstrom.com.
Nordstrom’s July sale is one sale we never miss. This is a good time to get all your kids’ back-to–school fall clothes; find such high-end brands as QuickSilver and Northface winter jackets at really good prices.
Contact, Rye Ridge Plaza, 120 S Ridge St, Rye Brook (914) 481-1910; contact-clothing.com.
See January.
Katonah Yarn Company, 120 Bedford Rd, Katonah (914) 977-3145; katonahyarn.com.
Katonah Yarn Company has a big blowout sale every July as part of the Katonah Sidewalk sale days.
AUGUST
Groovy on Grand, 119 Grand St, Croton-on-Hudson (914) 271-0700; groovyongrand.com
See January.
The Preppy Turtle, 2 Depot Plz, Bedford Hills (914) 666-8500. thepreppyturtle.com
Sale runs August 1 through 15 to clear out remaining summer merchandise. See February.
Wishes, 315 Kear St, Yorktown Heights (914) 962-9474
See January.
SEPTEMBER
Katonah Yarn Company, 120 Bedford Rd, Katonah (914) 977-3145; katonahyarn.com.
The annual Fall Festival Day offers lots of bargains and a trunk show with local artists, yarn companies, or designers.
OCTOBER
Island Imports, 5F W Cross St, Hawthorne (914) 747-1040
See April.
Melita’s Home Furnishings, 125 Main St, Ossining (914) 923-0351.
See May.
Casafina, 301 Fields La, Brewster, NY (845) 277-5700; casafinagifts.com
See June.
NOVEMBER
Nordstrom, The Westchester 135 Westchester Ave, White Plains (914) 946-1122.
See July.
DECEMBER
Zwilling J.A. Henckels, LLC 171 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne (800) 777-4308 jahenckels.com.
Every December, this high-end cutlery warehouse slashes prices up to 50 percent. Overstocks, seconds, and discontinued items will be available, and cookware, flatware, gadgets, cutting boards, and more will be at least 50 percent off. Example: a Henckels premium brand professional “S” eight-inch chef’s knife will be on sale for $34.99, list price $120.
Casafina, 301 Fields La, Brewster, NY
(845) 277-5700.
See October.
Nordstrom, The Westchester, 135 Westchester Ave, White Plains (914) 946-1122.
Men’s sale starts December 26.
Patio.com (locations in Scarsdale, Mount Kisco, and Stamford, Westport, Greenwich, and Ridgefield, CT, patiocom)
The area’s premier outdoor furniture company transforms itself for the holidays, with faux firs, name-brand ornaments, and high-end game tables and equipment. And during December, the company takes $100 or more off all pool tables (prices range from $800 to $15,000). Select Christmas merchandise in all stores is discounted up to 60 percent.
[FREE BOOKS!] Are your shelves full of books you’ve already read? Exchange them at novelaction.com! Select any books from the website and send in an equal number of your own books in exchange. Expect to pay $4.80 to get 12 paperbacks; no transaction fees.
[REALITY CHECK] Like half-priced sushi, not all deals are worth it. Think long and hard if you would buy this “bargain” at full-price. Also, will you use it or will it languish in your closet with all the other “must-have” bargains?
DISCOUNT SHOPPING
It’s a sale every day at these stores—with all your favorite brands for less.
HOME & ENTERTAINING
Home Goods Store
Palmer Square Shopping Center, Petersville Rd. and Palmer Ave., New Rochelle (914) 235-9821; The Mall at Cross County, 750 Central Ave, Yonkers (914) 476-4033; Crossroads Shopping Center, 449 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains (914) 644-8157; homegoods.com
You might have to hunt to find that sterling-silver serving set in this store. But this is where sophisticated, savvy shoppers stock up on gourmet gadgets, crystal, seasonal décor, and so much more. Everyday brand-name housewares are discounted 20 to 60 percent. Merchandise changes daily, so check back frequently.
Tuesday Morning
2500 Central Ave, Yonkers
(914) 337-7456; tuesdaymorning.com
This is a gem of a home goods shop. And on the first Tuesday of every month, there’s a huge sale on linens, towels, and housewares. High-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheet sets—some as low as $50 for queen or king sizes. One great deal: king-size down/feather pillows, retail $125 each; Tuesday Morning price: $12.50 each.
Wine Enthusiast
333 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco (800) 356-8466 wineenthusiast.com
Stock up on wine glasses (name brands include Riedel, Spiegelau, Schott Zwiesel, Stolzle) and accessories (e.g., personalized coasters, cork kits) at seriously discountedprices.
DISCOUNT APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
If you love the thrill of the hunt—finding the perfect designer dress and at a discount—check these out:
Annie Sez
3 Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 244-1385;
925 Central Ave, Scarsdale (914) 472-2447
Long a mainstay of ladies’ discounted sports- and business-wear, Annie Sez also has a wide selection of sleepwear, lingerie, and workout clothes, as well as shoes, accessories, and gift items.
Daffy’s
Westchester Pavilion, 60 S Broadway,
White Plains, (914) 761-4477
Devotees of discounted designer duds (say Moschino, Dolce & Gabana, Chanel, Prada) no longer have to trek into Manhattan or Jersey for a Daffy’s fix. Find European and American fashions for men, women, and children, as well as housewares and accessories at up to 80 percent off regular retail prices. Find a LuLu Bravo cashmere sweater for $79, retail $198; Spanish skin shearlings from $399 for a jacket (retail $795) to $895 for a coat (retail $1,950).
DSW
Port Chester Plaza at Westchester and S Main St, (914) 690-2841; 13 City Pl, White Plains (914) 285-1290; 2490 Central Ave, Yonkers (914) 771-8001
Shoes, shoes, and more shoes (and, of course, boots, sandals, and sneakers, too). And DSW doesn’t offer last season’s misses, but the current one’s hits, at 50 percent less than you’d pay in the department stores. The shop doesn’t carry the highest-end designers, but a good selection of mid-level names like Vanelli and Vittradini. New stock comes in weekly.
Empire State Flea Market Mall & Jewelry Exchange
Boston Post Rd, in the Kohl’s Shopping Center, Port Chester (914) 939-1800
Established in 1976, this flea market features dozens of jewelers along with the standard flea market fare of handbags, socks, and gift baskets. It is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the year; open seven days a week from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Fox’s
440 White Plains Rd, Eastchester (914) 793-1573
Designer fashions for women at a discount—selection changes daily, so visit often.
H&M
650 Lee Blvd, Yorktown Heights, (914) 962-6660; The Galleria, 100 Main St, White Plains (914) 422-3777; hm.com
Trend alert: check here first for fashion and quality clothing and accessories for women, men, teens, children.
Loehmann’s
29 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains (914) 948-8090; Loehmanns.com
There’s no shame in shopping at Loehmann’s (the most fashionably dressed who drive Bimmers and Benzes can be spotted poking through the racks). But be warned: you will need a killer fashion instinct and nerves of steel to shop in this no-frills discount store. In a nod to Westchester modesty, there are some private dressing rooms next to the communal one. Be patient: the racks are jam-packed with designer dresses, suits, and tops with their labels cut out. Is that a Calvin Klein jacket? Could that be a Bill Blass skirt? Perhaps. What’s certain is the low price.
Marshalls
Westchester Square Shopping Center, 221 N Central Ave, Hartsdale (914) 997-7904 Waterfront at Port Plaza, 20 Waterfront Pl Port Chester (914) 690-9380
Save 20 to 60 percent off department store prices on men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel and accessories as well as household items.
Nine West Outlets
527 Boston Post Rd, Kohl’s Shopping Center Port Chester (914) 937-2470; 2492 Central Ave Yonkers (914) 779-0013
Recessionistas know it’s all in the details, so smart ones visit the Nine West Outlet for leather shoes and boots, plus an assortment of handbags, belts, hats, wallets, and some outerwear, all priced at $20 less than regular retail prices. And its “buy one pair, get another half off” promotion makes it a breeze for Imelda-wannabes to expand their footwear wardrobes.
Nordstrom Rack City Center
7 City Pl, White Plains (914) 614-6400
Just opened this past fall, Nordstrom’s off-price retail spinoff offers 30 to 75 percent off clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children.
Syms
295 Tarrytown Rd, Elmsford (914) 592-2447
The Syms ads say an educated consumer is its best consumer. We agree. One lucky shopper recently snagged three dresses and a pair of dress pants for $110. She once found an Ellen Tracey dress for $50. Other names to look for are Donna Ricco, Calvin Klien, Donna Karen, Marc Jacobs, Missoni. Great selection of men’s suits and formalwear.
Target
195 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, (914) 602-0004; 500 E Sanford Blvd, Mount Vernon (914) 530-3000; 9 City Pl, White Plains
(914) 821-0012
With designers like Alex McQueen, Isaac Mizrahi, and Richard Chai having their own Target lines, you’d be crazy not to shop here for chic and cheap fashions and housewares along with great prices on everyday necessities.
TJ Maxx
425 Central Ave, Hartsdale (914) 682-5969
750 Central Ave, Yonkers (914) 966-3601; 600 E Sandford Blvd, Mount Vernon (914) 665-8212; 506 Main St, Mount Kisco (914) 241-3292; 10 Triangle Shopping Cntr, Yorktown Heights (914) 245-4745
Another venerable discount house, TJ Maxx is a one-stop shop for women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and outerware. It also sells shoes, housewares, cookware, linens, toys, jewelry, fragrances, and more. High-end designer handbags and luggage can be had for ridiculous discounts.
3 OUTLET CENTERS
Not for the faint of heart, outlet centers demand stamina and enough knowledge of what currently is in the full-price stores to be able to spot a real bargain, not the lower-priced merchandise created specifically for the outlets—or worse, yesterday’s fashions. But for those with a good eye, here are three favorites:
1. Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets
20-A Killingworth Tpke, Clinton, CT (860) 664-0700; premiumoutlets.com
Feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of acres of shopping bargains? Visit this outlet center, one of our secret sources for savings. The list of stores has been edited down to a more manageable 70, including Barneys New York, Brooks Brothers (find a classic blue blazer for $250), Polo Ralph Lauren, Izod, Cole Haan, Coach, Banana Republic, and Calvin Klein, and everyday prices are still 25 to 65 percent off. Yes, it’s a bit far, but there’s no 287 or Tappan Zee Bridge traffic and, because it’s in Connecticut, there’s no tax on purchases under $50 each.
2. Tanger Outlets
314 Flat Rock Pl, Westbrook, CT
(860) 399-8656; tangeroutlet.com/westbrook
And while you’re up at Clinton Crossing, drive just four miles farther along 1-95 to hit this outlet center featuring an additional 65 brand-name designer stores including Eddie Bauer, Timberland, Wilsons Leather, Samsonite, J. Crew, Waterford Wedgwood, Hush Puppies, etc. And still no tax for items under $50—so take your savings and tired tootsies over to the on-site, 12-screen cinema multiplex for some post-retail relaxation.
3. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY (845) 928-4000
premiumoutlets.com/woodburycommon
The motherlode of discount shopping, bargain-hunters from all over the planet come here to check out this sprawling outlet heaven featuring such crème de la crème luxury brand-name outlet stores as Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Armani, Gucci, etc., at prices of 25 to 65 percent off, every day. So lucky us—we only have to travel across the Tappan Zee (or Newburgh Bridge for northerners) and we’re almost there. Advice: research a plan of attack on the website before your excursions; even the most dedicated shopaholic can’t hit all 220 stores in one day. And write down your parking location before you go in to do damage.
CLEARANCE CENTERS & WAREHOUSE STORES
ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Outlet
1055 Bronx River Ave, Bronx (718) 842-8772 abchome.com
This 300,000-square-foot tri-level home emporium features an endless assortment of home furnishings and (duh) carpeting discounted up to 75 percent off, including traditional to contemporary-styled rugs, broadloom carpet, pillows, bedding, chairs, curtains, dressers, beds, sofas, and everything in between. While the area is iffy, the store is located right off the Bronx River Parkway. Plus, treasures like reproduction furniture pieces (lots of mission and farmhouse styles), and some exceptional one-of-a-kind items will make your trek more than worthwhile. One of our intrepid shoppers scored an oversized microfiber chaise, retail $3,000, for $700. Delivery to Westchester is available with price dependent upon item(s).
Bloomingdale’s Furniture & Rug Outlet
2 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne (914) 592-0413
One of the county’s best-kept secrets, the Bloomingdale’s outlet offers amazing alternatives to this retailer’s traditionally high price tags for furnishings, with 66,000 square feet of floor samples, as-is, and discontinued items, returns, cancellations, and closeouts. You’ll find luxurious leather and upholstered sectionals, sofas, loveseats, chairs, and ottomans, as well as rugs, and bedroom and dining furniture. Prices are at least 50 percent less than they are in the retail stores, with couches typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 and chairs from $199 to $1,000; rugs are up to 75 percent off original prices. And if you want sweet dreams at a really sweet price, this is the place to snap up mattresses at up to 80 percent off in-store prices. The secret to its deep mattress discounts? Never having been used, some are “soiled” with marks (usually nothing that a
little OxiClean can’t remove) incurred on the selling floor or in shipping. Delivery is available at $125 for the first piece and $25 for each additional one. The outlet is closed Monday (except for holidays) and Tuesday.
Lillian August Clearance Center
85 Water St, South Norwalk, CT (203) 838-0153 lillianaugust.com
Lillian August stores are known for gorgeous, high-end home furnishings, especially cozy overstuffed couches and chairs, and chic farmhouse pine tables and entertainment centers. Don’t do retail? Head here to its clearance center and find discounts of up to 75 percent off retail prices on floor samples, returned and discontinued merchandise including living-, dining-, and bedroom furniture, rugs, antiques, and accessories.
Two’s Company
500 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, (914) 664-2277 twoscompany.com
You could go to Saks or Crate & Barrel and pay full price for Two’s Company’s trendy-chic giftware and accessories like jewel-encrusted or enameled clocks, frames, and bookmarks, plus women’s jewelry, home décor, and seasonal items. Or, you can visit its Elmsford warehouse on Thursday and Friday, from noon to 3 pm, for discounts of 5 to 10 percent off wholesale prices on an ever-changing selection of merchandise. (Is that even a choice?)
CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
Buy gently used items at a fraction of the new cost; sell your cast offs for cash! Whatever doesn’t sell goes to charity if you wish, so it’s a win, win, win deal.
Upscale Antiques and Collectibles
Accents on Antiques
125 Wolfs Ln, Pelham (914) 637-1195; ssmc.org
Accents on Antiques is a hybrid thrift and consignment shop and a do-good store: your purchases will benefit the Sound Shore Medical Center. Staffed entirely by volunteers, this retail shop offers a fresh mix of consigned, donated, and dealer merchandise. Here you’ll find sofas, dining room sets, chairs, and tables and lamps,
as well as sterling silver, Depression-era glass, high-end crystal (think Waterford), and china.
On Consignment
117 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville (914) 337-6668
Consign It
115 Mason St, Greenwich, CT
(203) 869-9836; consignitinc.com
This is the place to go for Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheridan-style furniture, or excellent high-quality country-French antique and pine pieces. Also, sterling silver, and framed oil paintings, botanicals, and upper-end prints. Not to be overlooked are the chandeliers, carpets, oriental lamps, bronzes, and porcelain figurines from Dresden and Tiffany. Owner Randi Conway knows quality, recognizes authenticity, and understands fair pricing. With more than 12,000 consignors between both stores, there is constant turnover so, if you see something you like, grab it. Most prices go down by 10 percent every 30 days for the first two months, if they last that long.
Suburban Renewal
1 Main St, Hastings-on-Hudson (914) 478-9421
Quality home furnishings, antiques, and collectibles without the high-end prices.
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Photo by Cathy Pinsky; Model: Carole Rozanski; Hair by Dawn DeTrinca; Makeup by Valerie Guglielmo, both of Shine Salon & Spa, Ossining. On Carole: Chanel jacket, Chanel skirt, Fendi blouse, Jimmy Choo boots courtesy of Elegance II; Cole Haan men’s shoes, Ben Sherman tie, Caroline Grace green cashmere scarf courtesy of Syms; steer hide Ottoman, W/A Studios oval link necklace, Hermès gloves, Hermès silk scarf, Chanel bag, Hermès bag, Titti Dell’Acqua alligator pumps courtesy of Penny Pincher |
Forever Elegant Consignment Shoppe
212 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry (914) 674-5920
Find original works of art ranging in price from $40 (for a signed and numbered litho) to $1,000 for an original Michael Garmin
cityscape (3 dimensional); Lalique, Steuben, and Waterford crystal pieces, ranging in price from $60 for a Waterford vase to $400 for a rare signed bowl from Tiffany & Co. There’s a full selection of tabletop gifts and accessories, collectable figurines, Persian rugs, small furnishings (end tables, lamps, chairs, etc), priced from $40 to $375. Jewelry includes vintage Bakelite (starting at $40), sterling silver (from $15), David Yurman (cuff links at $350), Tiffany (from $100), and 14-K gold and diamond pieces as well. Also find designer suits (fur-collar Fendi for $225), shoes (Farragamo starting at $35), handbags (Gucci starting at $60), and a full line of fur coats (mink starting at $400).
Penny Pincher Boutique
184 Rte 117, Bypass Rd, Bedford Hills (914) 241-2134
Owner Melinda Arkin says this 6,000-square-foot shop is one of the largest consignment shops in Westchester and it is chock full of antiques and designer home furnishings, including crystal, china, lamps, framed prints, rugs, and mirrors, along with women’s designer clothing (Armani, Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, and Prada), plus children’s clothing (French designers only), and specialty and formalwear in sizes 2 to 14. There’s a huge selection of short-haired furs and a recent expansion in the jewelry department. The store gets a lot of Manolo shoes, and Chanel bags come and go fast along with clothing from the likes of 7 For All Mankind and True Religion. You may not be able to bargain on price, but there’s always a sale (be sure to ask which color ticket indicates an additional discount). Get on the mailing list for word on storewide sales.
Elena’s Boutique & Consignments
1807 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights (914) 962-3730
This lovely store is an interesting mix of vintage and new. “Everything,” owner Elena Malchevsky says, “is fun, clean, and unusual.” There is a nice array of vintage furs, some beautiful new beaded bags, vintage home accessories, and even some antique furniture.
Retrovado
36 N Division St, Peekskill (914) 734-2750
Sue DeGregorie’s Retrovato is bursting with treasures: cases of vintage jewelry, racks of antique furs, tulle prom dresses, sequined and beaded tops, jeweled ’50s basket bags, vintage linens, and handkerchiefs, plus funky lamps, bric-a-brac, and a whole lot more.
Designer Clothing and Accessories
Consigned Couture
134 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT
(203) 869-7795
Clothes here are arranged by style, then size, and the shop has the largest collection of shoes around. The usual Italian suspects, including Prada and Gucci, as well as other designers like Chanel and Hermès, are here.
Dejà Vu
107 N Broadway, Tarrytown (914) 366-4657
How about a new pair of Manolo’s (retail: $485) for $160? Or a Hermès Kelly bag (retail $7,000) for $2,800? Clothing styles vary from casual and formal to vintage, and some of the merchandise is brand new, arriving from the shopping bags of wealthy women who just never got around to wearing that $500 cashmere sweater; sizes 0 to 26W. Go for it, dahling.
Elegance II
75 S Greeley Ave, Chappaqua (914) 238-3341
It’s all about the designer bags at Elegance II. These must-haves for the status-conscious come and go quickly, and it’s little wonder why. “We don’t talk about the price,” the owner says, but we spied a Birkin, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton among the collection. This small, elegant shop also stocks lots of great clothes, both new and consigned—little tops, cashmere sweaters, shoes, suits by Chanel, Valentino, Prada, Versace, and Dolce and Gabanna (sizes 2 to 12). Both Versace and D&B suits were available on our visist for $400.
Juleigh’s Resale Couture
67 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge (914) 764-4297
“If its sold at Barney’s, Bergdorf’s, Neiman’s, Saks, Bloomingdale’s, or any specialty boutique, then you can find it here,” promises owner Joanna Nevins, who recently relocated the store to more spacious quarters. Known for its stock of high-end denim (True Religion, 7 For All Mankind, Lucky, Diesel), Juliegh’s also has handbags, jewelry, sweaters, boots, and shoes from the likes of Jimmy Choo, Prada, Hermès, Chanel, Miu Miu, and Costume National.
The Maizie Consignment Boutique
511 Central Ave, Scarsdale (914) 723-8354
Hundreds of designer items arrive daily from European and American designers, from True Religion jeans and Juicy Couture tees to Armani jackets and Versace dresses. Everything is either new with tags on or very gently used.
Vintage
297 Bedford Rd, Bedford Hills (914) 242-9846
Owner Laura Herlihy has a secret source in Beverly Hills for her regular shipments of designer couture from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ‘80s (and not the big-shouldered Dynasty suits of that unfortunate decade either, but say, a Dolce and Gabanna black vinyl fitted cocktail dress for $1,200 regularly $3,000). The store carries Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Hermès, Donna Karan, Dolce and Gabanna, Gucci, Valentino, and other designers. “Everything we sell is out of the L.A. celebrity closets,” Herlihy says, “from the clothing to the antiques to the bags.” The priciest item in the store is a Hermès 28 CM Rigide crocodile bag at $15,000—half of the orginal price. Another cool item is an original 1969 Woodstock brown fringed jacket, priced at only $228.
Vintage with a Twist
By appointment only, antiquelaney@aol.com or (914) 924-5006
One look at Elaine Klausman’s well-edited collection of vintage finery and it’s obvious she has a discerning and practiced eye. She lives in Bedford and sells by appointment, as well as at shows throughout the area. Designer clothes and furs are her specialty, but she carries everyday pieces as long as they have that special something, either in the cut or the fabrication. Klausman also deals in shoes, hats, handbags, and jewelry. Set up an appointment or drop her an email and she’ll notify you of all her shows.
Vintage by Stacey Lee
By appointment only, vintageSL@aol.com or (914) 328-0788
Stacey Lee Winnick’s wide-ranging racks of vintage treasures are so perfect that they’re often used as inspiration for other designers (Donna Karan, Vivian Tam, and Ralph Lauren to name a few) or purchased as wardrobe for period films (Julia Roberts wore some of her finds in Mona Lisa Smile). Luckily for us, Winnick’s 10,000-piece collection is available for our perusal—by appointment only—at her White Plains showroom. “There is something here for everyone and at every price range,” she promises. Since Winnick has watched famous designers take inspiration from her vintage pieces, she likes the fact that her customers are the ones wearing the true originals, while the department stores carry the copies.
Savings Alert!
Click before you shop: check out dealcatcher.com and retailmenot.com for discount coupons at thousands of stores. Or sign up at shopittome.com. Pick out your favorite designers, from JLo and Levis to Armani, Fendi, D&G, and that gang, select your sizes, sit back and wait for the sales to come to you. With sites like CouponWinner.com and PromotionalCodes.com, you can save 30-50 percent on travel, drug-store products, clothing, groceries, and more.[BARGAINING!] Hey, it never hurts to ask for a discount. Just as you’d never pay sticker price for cars, carpets, or mattresses, it’s okay to ask if there is any flexibility with price when you’re buying any big ticket item. If they can’t lower the price, perhaps you can get an extended warranty or delivery for free.
NOTE: When you sign up for store newsletters and notices, they will inundate your inbox with coupons; it’s a good idea to set up a separate bargain notice email account to manage your savings.
[BARGAINING!] Hey, it never hurts to ask for a discount. Just as you’d never pay sticker price for cars, carpets, or mattresses, it’s okay to ask if there is any flexibility with price when you’re buying any big ticket item. If they can’t lower the price, perhaps you can get an extended warranty or delivery for free.
[ONLINE OUTLET] Overstock.com offers 75 percent savings off retail on just about everything you can imagine for your home and family. Sign up for O-Mail for exclusive discounts, coupons, and promotions.
[YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE] When you see a bargain, snap it up…or someone else will. It’s a jungle out there in the Land of Bargains.
Coming in February
bargain dining
With all of the post-holiday, harsh-time belt-tightening, it only makes sense to cut spending on dinners out. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be living on bagels and canned tuna—you can still have sumptuous breakfasts, hearty lunches, and, yes, even truffles, all while staying on budget. Here, we see what county restaurants have to offer—with the checks coming in at less than $20.09.
Winging It
Of all bar foods, is there any more beloved than the chicken wing? Just in time for the Super Bowl, we’ll let you know who runs with the unmistakable blend of spices, blue cheese, and celery and scores a touchdown.
Westchester U
We all know what it’s like to ship off college students and send them away from Westchester—but what about those who stay, or who come from out-of-town to go to college here? We meet six local students, from around the block and around the world.
Drug Abuse
What happens when the professionals you rely on, like your lawyer—or even your doctor—are addicted to drugs.
