The Quadrangle

Issue date: 10/6/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Have you ever walked through Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman's, and then sheepishly counted the money in your wallet wondering why you cannot afford anything you see? This is especially true in the case of shoes. Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos, Pradas-all within sight, but far, far from reach. When do we fashion starving, fund-lacking college students get our chance to own a pair of high fashion kicks? Ladies, quit holding your breath!

Gabay's is a small store, but what is held inside is grand. From seeing the simple storefront, you would never guess what coveted fashion gems are inside. There is, however, a small stand-up chalkboard displayed on the sidewalk that boasts what can be found inside: "Gabay's Shoe Alert! Manolos, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Marc Jabobs-Up to 65% off retail price."

Upon entering the store, you are greeted by two walls covered with boxes of shoes and a large table filled with the best shoes available. Since Gabay's gets their inventory from surpluses in high scale department stores, such as Barney's and Neiman Marcus, each shoe box has on it the logo of the store from which it was retrieved. After receiving their shipment, Gabay's then slashes the prices up to 65% and offers the shoes to extremely happy bargain hunters.

Some of the best bargains this week come from some of the most popular (and not to mention, most expensive, designers):
Manolo Blahnik:
pink suede ballerina flats (retail: $310; Gabay's: $158)
black strappy 4" hell open-toe sandal (retail: $445; Gabay's: $180)
beige closed, pointed-toe sling-backs (retail: $400; Gabay's: $140)
Burberry:
black closed, pointed-toe sandals (retail: $575; Gabay's: $200)
Chanel:
beige closed-toe sandals with bow (retail: $650; Gabay's: $260)
beige open-toe sling-backs with bow (retail: $495; Gabay's: $200)
Gucci:
Black pointed-toe sandals with silver heel (retail: $429; Gabay's: $170)
That is not even mentioning the dozens of other designers that can be found at
Gabay's. Yves Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo, Oscar de la Renta, and the occasional Christian Louboutin are all stacked high, in no particular order on the walls of shoes. Though it takes some patience and digging to find the style, designer, and size you are looking for, it is worth the work.

The only flaw found in the store (and it is a very minor flaw) is that they have a small selection of discounted clothing, jeans, belts, bags, and sunglasses. The selection is not good and it takes away from the shoes. It would be better if they got rid of the clothing section and made more room for shoes, shoes, and more shoes. But for those of you who disagree, here are some examples of the other products they offer: the belts are mainly from Calvin Klein, at a discount of up to 80%; the clothing section includes designers such as Armani, Gucci, and Polo; and the jeans are mostly Hamnett brand, but there is the occasional Seven For All Mankind.

This haven is perfect for any fashion hound desperate for their favorite designers, but who is short on the cash to dish out. If you want to be the first in the store on shipment days to get first dibs on your favorites, check out their website (gabaysoutlet.com) and get yourself on their mailing list. You will be notified when shipments arrive and what special discounts are taking place, so that all you budget fashionistas can snag your favorites before anyone else can even see them. Gabay's can be found at 225 First Avenue between 13th and 14th street.

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