When I was younger, I often spent my summers in NYC visiting family. Back then, I lived in St. Kitts, and clothing was extremely expensive there because most of it was imported. So, these trips to NYC largely entailed lots of shopping on a limited budget.
Daffy’s was one of the first off-price retailers that I knew. I shopped its juniors’ section throughout the 1990s, always maximizing my small spending allowances. So, on this recent trip to the city, I definitely had to visit Daffy’s to see what affordable surprises were in store.
Daffy’s Stores Visited
I visited a couple locations—Herald Sq. and W 57th St. The store on W 57th St. emerged as a clear favorite because of a very notable higher quality of customer service (cashiers, fitting room attendants, and the floor associates). Both stores, however, had stylish, designer selections at reasonable prices.
What I Bought
I decided to purchase a Claude Brown dress. It was $69.99 (retail: $268). It has a classic, sexy silhouette and fabulous print. The dress was splurge-worthy because I envision myself reaching for it often for any occasion from work to dinner.
 |
| Dress—Claude Brown via Daffy’s |
 |
| Exposed zipper at back of dress |
What I Didn’t Buy
The items below were serious contenders, but didn’t make the final cut for one or more reasons—size availability/fit, fit with my existing wardrobe, suitability for my lifestyle, and/or price.
 |
| Dress—Marc New York via Daffy’s |
 |
| Dress—Rachel Roy via Daffy’s I actually planned to return to buy this dress, but didn’t get a chance. It was only $39.99 too. |
 |
| Dress—Michael Kors via Daffy’s |
 |
| Top—Rachel Roy via Daffy’s, Skirt-Daffy’s |
 |
| Dress—Ellen Tracy via Daffy’s |
 |
| This dress was either by Claude Brown or Marc New York |
Recap
Since I had not visited Daffy’s for a few years, I had to become reacquainted with its floor plan. Some of the higher-end clothing (particularly the European designers) were isolated making them easy to find. But, items by Michael Kors, Rachel Roy, and Ellen Tracy took some effort to locate.
But for some customer service snafus at the Herald Sq. store, my visits to Daffy’s stores were successful. I left with a fabulous dress that I will wear for years. Come back to see how I style the new Claude Brown dress.
Disclosure: I received a $50 gift card to shop at Daffy’s. No monetary compensation was received for writing this post. As always, all the ideas and opinions expressed are my own.
I love the dress you purchased, but all of the ones you tried on I love. I need to visit that store.
Cute picks! The dress you purchased and the green dress were my favorite looks.
Wow, I have never heard of Daffy's! pretty cool. I love the dress you purchased-so versatile and that orange Michael Kors dress was kind of perfection on you!
The first thing that caught my attention about this post was your mention of St. Kitts! My family is from the Virgin Islands and that's close to home!
Secondly, the dress the you purchased is gorgeous. Do you plan on belting it?
Lastly, all of the other options looked great on you, but my favorite was the Rachel Roy dress. Maybe you can have someone go back, purchase it for you and mail it…? I can see you styling that dress creatively and rocking it!
You know I love Daffy's. I think you can find more unique purchases than you can in some of the other bargain department stores. I wish you had the chance to get the Rachel Roy dress! It's divine!
I think you made a great choice! The green sleeveless shirt dress would have been another top contender as well as the M. Kors cocktail dress! You look great in citrus shades!
http://www.bravoerunway.com
oh yea I love the first one you bought ;p
Very cute!
Yay, out of all the looks, I think you made the best pick with the dress you left with. I do this all the time. I go into the fitting room with a gazillion items, and I'm lucky if I leave with 2!
Shasie
Live Life in Style
I love anything black and white, so I just love this!! Also, love the orange M.Kors! And the last one with the roses!!…Capis.
@Sing: Yes, you definitely have to check out Daffy's. There is a lot of cheap-looking clothing to sift through and the floor plan could use some reorganizing, but there are some gems to be found there.
@Jane Squared: Thanks! That green dress was a fave too. It was too pricey for a simple lightweight shirt dress though (even at the Daffy's price). There was nothing notable about the quality of the dress, so I would clearly be paying for the label only.
@Andi: Daffy's doesn't seem to get the same attention as some of the more well-known off-price stores. Perhaps its marketing strategy is low-key? That MK dress was so hot. I passed because I couldn't imagine where I would wear it :p
@Kish: For sure! The USVI is practically our neighbor! How cool! I will definitely belt the dress I bought. The styling possibilities are endless too. It is funny you said that about the Rachel Roy dress…I considered doing just that. I was so mad I didn't get to return…
@Peacheslcg: Agreed. Its collection of European designer items was extensive and some of those items were far out!
@B.Inspired. You identified my top contenders! Sometimes the budget and the possibilities of wearing the item supersede.
@Catherine Au Jong: It is a beauty, right? The silhouette is perfect for my body type and the back is so sexy but subtle.
@Mad1ktT: Thanks!
@Shasie: And we are comfortable doing that too. Ha.
@Capis: Ha! Yes, you do love your black and white. You wear it well too.