C-21 or Filenes??

[deaddog]

I may be in mid-town Manhattan this Sunday with no more than two hours of free time. If I'm looking for the biggest selection of high-end stuff at the best price (for example, Brioni or Belvest suits and jackets, Zegna Couture or Sutor Mantellasi shoes) would you hit C21 or Filenes (which one) or somewhere else? And, if anybody has been there in the past few days, how is the selection looking at either place?
Thanks

 

[seok]

with the sales going on, i'd actually recommend the department stores (saks/barney's/bg/bloomie's) factoring in convenience, condition of goods, and after-purchase service.

 

[deaddog]

Thanks - but given that I'm in and out of there in a couple of hours (and I have access to all the big stores other than Bergdorf) I won't need after-purchase service. I'm just looking to score big!

 

[Master Shake]

I agree with seok. Century 21 does not have that great of an inventory of "high-end" clothing or shoes. Definitely hit up the department stores, which will have a lot of great clothing at great prices.

Also, Century 21 is a god damned rat cage, and if I only had two hours in Manhattan, I wouldn't want to spend it in that environment.

 

[deaddog]

I'll be in Manhattan for longer but otherwise occupied. And I don't mind the rat cage. This isn't pleasure shopping - its a quick hit at a discounter that I can't find at home. I was at C21 about 8 months ago and they had a couple of racks of borellis, brionis and isaia in nice colors for nice prices. Also, tons of Zanella slacks (obviously not as high end but pretty nice at 90 bucks).

So - the question remains -- C21 or Filenes. I have a Filene's at home but the decent stuff is very, very rare there. Perhaps NY is better

EDIT - I don't mean to speak too quickly here - are we talking 50-75% off sales at the big boys. I was at a Chicago Nieman's last week and saw nothing better than about 25-33%.

 

[AndOne]

I agree, go to Barneys. Overall, C21 has a larger selection than Filene's, although I prefer Filene's for the overall experience (and if you go to one, it has to be the Union Square location). However, C21's prices are no better than Barneys right now and the selection in the quality you are looking for is superior at Barneys IMHO. For instance, Canali's and Zegna's are 50% off, marked down to $700-800. Battistoni and Isaia are even further marked down and can be had for $1000-1100. The sizes are more plentiful at Barneys, as is the variety.

 

[chas]

I spent an hour at C21 on Sunday and have been to the Filene's in Union Square and at 79th Street in the last week. I hate to beat a dead horse but you are better off at one of the department stores. C21 has some pantherella's and ties you might find interesting - but the suit selection is VERY hit or miss. With regard to Filene's, 79th Street is not worth the time at all. The Union Square store does have some Oxxford and Hickey suits but no solids and very limited sizes.

If it must be one or the other I would take your chances at the Filene's at Union Square. Only because if you are in midtown and have only a few hours you will spend an extra hour commuting to C21.

 

[waljo88]

What deals did you guys see for dress shirts
Anything below $80 at Barneys/Saks/NM/Nordstroms or even C21 or Filenes

How about for suits?


I would appreciate any detailed input