The Time is Now For Midtown Drunk Shopping

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Welcome to Drunk Shopping, our feature celebrating the time-honored tradition of getting totally wasted while the sun's still shining before buying a bunch of debatably useful stuff that the sober you would be too timid or too restrained to take home. Each Friday we'll cobble together a new itinerary starting you off with a boozy Saturday or Sunday brunch before meandering through a few neighboring retailers and happy hours notable for seasonal specials, limited time availability, fantastic deals, recent openings, or new shipments.

It's quarter of February. That means it's just about the best time all year to pillage the big department stores and finally get all those holiday gifts you really wanted but never got because none of the shops near grandma's house stock Dries van Noten. (That's the only reason you didn't receive any Dries). Why? The sales! So many big, crazy sales! So: a Midtown Drunk Shopping it is!

Get your start at La Bonne Soup, a bistro with an extensive menu of French classics and a pretty wallet-friendly brunch special: $18.95 gets you an omelet, quiche or a croque monsieur, a morning cocktail and a coffee. Note: There are no rules stating you can't order a second drink.

As for shopping, all the usual suspects apply. Barneys New York is a must-stop—they just took their final pre-Barneys Warehouse Sale markdowns and covetables are up to 70% off. Bergdorf Goodman just hit 75% off; check our look at the best deals to bone up. At Saks Fifth Avenue clearance merchandise is loaded down with additional discounts. Though deals are sprinkled throughout the store, the glut of clearance items are condensed to specific areas on higher floors. Save yourself some time—ask someone.

Similar deals are happening at Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf-Goodman, so make your own way. And don't forget to stop into the various brand boutiques along the way—they're all on sale as well. Ralph Lauren's reduced racks are bursting, Tommy Hilfiger's glut of sale stock is an additional 50% off, and we've heard buzzings of big discounts from brands ranging from Gant to Escada. Madison Avenue Spy always has the intel on that stuff—check her out!

Finally, we recommend quenching your thirst with many very cheap, very cold beers. Jimmy's Corner is almost dangerously close to Times Square—but the tourist quotient is refreshingly low. And so are the prices. So grab a dark corner amongst all that boxing paraphernalia and wish yourself a belated but deserved Merry Merry—your Christmas list cravings have finally been quelled. (And it's the perfect time to start your summer sale wish list!)

Enjoy! And please do share your Drunk Shopping tips, tales, and war stories in the comments!

· What You'll Find at Bergdorf Goodman's 75% Off Sale [Racked NY]
· Drunk Shopping archives [Racked NY]