NYC Style Makers: Bespoke Bargains

We're thrilled to introduce Kristyn, the fashion and shopping guru behind @BespokeBargains! With her keen eye for style and deep knowledge of New York City’s shopping scene, Kristyn has been inspiring her community since 2015 with her tips on snagging the best designer deals and sample sales. We've asked Kristyn to curate a few of her fall favorites for us. From stunning tops, and shoes to chic outerwear, each piece reflects Kristyn’s signature blend of timeless style and everyday wearability. Dive into Bespoke Bargains fall favorites and discover how to shop smarter, with confidence and style.

Who are your favorite designers or fashion brands?

I have stalwart favorites, like J.Crew for button down shirts, Khaite for denim, and vintage Oscar de la Renta for statement outerwear. I prefer pieces that are special and not super ubiquitous, and I’m always looking for new talent . Currently, I’m loving Liberowe for structured separates; Mimi Prober, for upcycled, antique fabric dusters; and Margret Solow for everyday, understated demi-fine jewelry.

Who are your style icons, or where do you draw your fashion inspiration from?

I love Lauren Santo Domingo and Amal Clooney—their looks are modern and timeless. But I also get the feeling that they dress foremost for themselves, and that sense of confidence really adds to their allure. Recently, I’ve been a huge fan of Anne Hathaway. She slays every red carpet. And, historically, Kate Middleton for black tie and eveningwear.

What are your best tips for finding bargains or designer deals?

In NYC, we’re super lucky to have hundreds of sample sales throughout the year. Subscribe to mailing lists and keep your own calendar of events. When it comes to retail sales—particularly in the luxury sector—markdowns are fairly formulaic. You’ll find the deepest discounts in July/August and January/February. If you regularly shop discount and thrift stores, my best pieces of advice are don’t be rushed, sift through all the racks (not just what’s marked as your size) and to always check the go-backs by the fitting rooms.

Can you share where your love for fashion originated? When did you start seeking more quality,
affordable clothing options, and what drew you to it?

I grew up in South Florida, and my earliest and most precious shopping memories are at Loehmann’s with my mom. I still can’t believe they went bankrupt; I miss them often! I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I discover something beautiful or valuable—or both—that is hidden or overlooked. No matter how much she could or couldn’t spend, my mom knew how to shop and was always impeccably put together. That innate sense of style and, frankly, resourcefulness, is embedded in me.

What are five of your New York City Favorites?

Zitomer is one of those places you can’t walk out of without spending at least $100, but they truly have everything. I mean, as a mom, where else can you pick up a Chanel lipstick and the newest Transformer toy in the same go?

La Delice Pastry Shop has been around for almost 90 years! They’re an old school Italian bakery that sells the cutest (and most delicious!) iced cookies by the pound. I also order all our birthday cakes from them.

El Parador is a Spanish restaurant I’ve loved since I moved to New York in 2010. It’s casual, but the atmosphere is sultry and romantic, with tin lamps casting speckled shadows across the ceiling. It also doesn’t hurt they make what’s widely considered to be the best Margarita in the city. Make sure to order yours on the rocks with salt!

Vintage Thrift in Gramercy is hands-down my favorite thrift store in the city. They sell everything from clothing to jewelry to shoes, but homeware and collectibles is where they really stand out! I once saw a New York City phone booth (yes, the entire booth!) as well as original subway signs from the 1970’s. The craziest thing I ever bought was a vintage gumball machine for $60—and yes, it works!

As a book lover, there’s no place like The Strand. Despite its’ extensive inventory and deeply passionate staff, it often feels like a treasure hunt in the best way possible. I recently finished Small Things Like These by Claire Keegen and am currently reading Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.