Secrets of the Lucky Shops Inbox: Head North

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Yesterday, we divulged a slew of readers' tips for vintage shopping, all culled from our Lucky Shops ticket giveaway. Today, we've got even more retail wisdom. Step one: Head to Harlem. Writes a tipster:

I have small feet—size 5 1/2. Only two brands really fit me: Manolo when I am rich (not since my company went bust), Nine West when I am not. Nobody seems to know there is a Nine West outlet at 125th Street just off the C train that almost always has the same stuff that is at the regular stores 60-75% off. I can get 5 pairs of shoes for $150 and feed my shoe need in this yucky economy. A life-saver, they have bags and evening shoes and boots in all sizes. Oh, the staff is great and it doesn't feel like discount shopping.

While you're there, stop in at K&G, yet another of the hidden troves of discount designer gear around the city. A reader writes:

Most people would never believe it, but often I find the latest tops and designer suits from Tahari, Ann Klein, and August Silk from K&G on E. 42nd Street or 125th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The pants are often lined, as are their fabulous sundresses. The last purchase I made came to $289.00 which included two pairs of lined pants by Kasper and Rafaella as well as two sweaters by Chaus! The tailor on site is cheaper than the cleaners so you can pick up your garmet the next day!

Of course, should you prefer to do your shopping from the comfort of your couch, there's always the developing field of Gilt-gaming:

Ever lose items in your Gilt Groupe shopping cart due to the strictly enforced 10 minute reserve time? Next thing you know, your item gets released because you're still deciding whether your budget can really manage a $600 dress—even if it is Herve Leger! Well, here's the secret to keeping your items in your shopping cart forever if need be—giving you more time to figure out what you really want and cut down on impulse shopping. Just click on CHECKOUT but don't click SUBMIT ORDER yet. Go back to any of the sales(or main page), and the reserve clock automatically resets itself! The time remaining goes back to 10 minutes. Keep doing this if you need more time—the clock will always reset. Now you'll have plenty of time to assess your buys! One of the best tricks for the Gilt shopper!

Our last item wins inclusion for its last sentence alone. Of the menwear shop Sean, a reader says:

The most personalized service in NYC. Just stop by and Sean Cassidy/Nick will make you look like a Parisian king for next to Banana Republic prices. Then when he has a sale, your phone rings and the most beautiful clothes in NYC, at around half-off retail, arrive at your desk a few days later. Not to mention the lovely holiday cards from Sam the lab. I have eight pair of his pants on my office chair at this moment.

Eight pairs! Of pants! From the same store! Anonymous tipster, we salute your dedication, though we are slightly worried about the state of your credit.
· Secrets of the Lucky Shops Inbox: Vintage Shopping [Racked]
· Racked Giveaways: Tell Us Your Shopping Secrets For Two Tickets to Lucky Shops [Racked]