Hidden Treasures at the MET

New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art is not a place I usually think of when it comes to bargain hunting, but last week when I was there to see the current Charles James exhibit at the Costume Institute my friends and I stumbled upon a "hidden" treasure in the MET's basement:  a clearance shop! The shop sells merchandise from the Museum store and from the exhibit shops when the exhibits close.  The clearance shop is small, but they did have a lot of fashion accessories like scarves, jewelry and tote bags.  Most items seemed to be 50%, but I saw one for 75% off and if you happen to be a member of the MET you get an additional 10% off.  If you've been to the MET stores, or even perused their catalogs, you know that can be a significant savings.

I picked up this pin at 50% off, plus an additional 10% off because I'm a Museum member.  It was the last one in stock and I liked it because the outer petals have a very Art Deco look.  The photo doesn't do it justice, it's shiny and well made.  It's very striking and I think it will look amazing pinned to a crisp black suit or cocktail dress.

Pin from the MET clearance shop

And, don't forget to check out the new installation and the beautiful view from the MET's roof.  The Museum is open late on Fridays and Saturdays and there is a bar on the roof top.  One of my friends took this incredible shot of the Manhattan skyline when we were up there last Friday evening.  

Manhattan as seen from the MET roof top

(photo courtesy of Kara Dober)