Filene’s Basement

Whaa wha what??? They CLOSED the basement? Gasp! I guess I got out of Boston with good timing. I guess that second Basement a mile and a half away was a strategic opening.
I referenced the basement in another review, and so thought I ought review it. Ought I not?
The basement is all things glorious, nay emblematic, nay precedent-​setting about bargain shopping. If Filene’s Basement didn’t start it all, it may as well have. Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, they will neeeevvvvvvvverrrrrrr live up to the selection, quality, and frenetic madness that is Filenes. I have wasted more time and brain cells here than anyone should, and it’s because they have the most unique stuff, the best prices (once one consider’s automatic markdowns) and the hugest inventory. I have yet to find a better place to buy underwear or rain boots or winter coats or sweaters or… on the West Coast.
RIP, FB.

Oh God, I hope you reopen soon… So far not looking good though. I walk by every day in hopes it will be back… My Wallet is glad its not, but for crying out loud, Boylston and the Mall versions are just not even close to comparing…
I’d say 30−40% of my wardrobe has been purchased here; seven for mankind, dolce, louis boston, barney’s, vineyard vines, OH MY! Armani, marcjacobs… oh I miss you FB so bad! (thats Filenes basement, not fuck buddy btw).
Seriously though, I bought an 1899 valentino suit here once for 130 bucks (oh wait, it was 112 after the coupon!) A 900 dollar korrs jacket for 149 $). Seven for mankind jeans for 49 $? Gawd I miss you FB-​dtx!
Boylston store is OK for a fix in the interim, but don’t bother going any other locations. Watertown and Braintree stores are worse than marshalls/​tjmaxx.

As a former basement employee, you’re probably wondering why i would give this place 5 stars. Or maybe not since you didn’t know I was an employee… but anyway. I was part of LP, so i didn’t have to deal with annoying customers =) just the thieves, which is fine by me.
I was very sad to leave, and very sad that it had to close. I loved this place before I worked here and i continue too. Where else can you find true religion jeans for $ 70 or 7 for all mankind for $ 10.00? So what that it was from 2 seasons ago and there might be 3 or 4 holes in them, or maybe some missing buttons. Nobody’s perfect! Yes this place is DIRTY and i would never advise any male to go into the men’s bathroom, but hopefully the renovation will make it all better. Nothing relieves stress better than digging through huge bins and finding something for 75% off.
And if they don’t bring back the automatic markdown, there will be death.

Shopping here is kind of like being on a secret mission, because you want to find what you like without calling too much attention to yourself so that nobody else gets their hands on what you’ve been eyeing.
It’s either hit or miss. Sometimes you find something really great that you love and other times you leave empty handed shaking your head. Either way, it’s kind of fun to look around because there is so much STUFF everywhere…

This particular filene’s reminds me of the crazy aunt that everyone has who smells funny and buys the whole family tacky matching sweaters for Christmas and you absolutely hate her until you parents go on a «business trip» and leave you with her for the weekend and she becomes the cool crazy aunt who lets you eat junk food, watch scary movies, and stay up three hours past your bedtime. So you end up loving aunt filene until next Christmas when you are forced to wear the fuzzy pink jumpsuit she gave you. And it makes you wonder if she’s doing it on purpose, or if she’s really that crazy.
So it’s a toss up when it comes to aunt filene, sometimes you can find some really good deals sometimes not. But i hear this one’s closed (closing?!) for renovations and that makes me soo sad.

Someday I’ll get to say:
Children, come here. Sit on granny’s lap and let me tell you a story. Once a long time ago at a place called college where people actually read real paper books, I was sitting in my dormitory when my roommate burst through the door and starts dumping out three bags of goodies. «FREE!» she announced as sweaters, cologne, brassieres, boots, sunglasses and loads of other gifts for the upcoming winter holiday tumbled onto the bed. I sat agape, and fingered the fine embroidery on the sweater, sniffed the parfum. «How? I don’t get it.»
She smiled broadly and let my naïve, goodie two shoes self in on a local teenagers’ secret: Filene’s has no sensors. I shook my head in disapproval. Then thought of all the things that I could procure for my family that would make the holiday bright. And I nodded in understanding.
Three of us started upstairs, swiping Chanel testers for practice. I was inexperienced and clumsy and moreover am a bit of a germaphobe so they wouldn’t have gone to use anyway. We wandered to the basement with our Urban Outfitter and Gap shopping bags and split up. I perused several racks, dug around in some leather goods and browsed a few shelves of scents, sliding a wallet for my pops in my pocket, perfume for ma and some hair gel for my bed head in a bag.
Just then I looked up and saw my friend being marched towards the back. To the left, on the other side of the glass doors the other frantically beckoned me out the store. I dashed, but not fast enough. A plainclothes police officer grabbed my wrist and spun me around. The aisles seemed narrow, closing in on me, the lights garish. I still remember what coat I was wearing when they emptied my pockets. A Polaroid of me circa 2000 now hangs on a tack board in the basement. Good thing they’re closing.
I went back today and came out with a cheap assortment of Calvin Klein super comfy undergarments. I paid this time. Moral of the story, dearies: always *buy* quality panties.

I don’t know what I’m going to do when they close this location for renovations. Go through two long years of withdrawal, I suppose, because none of the other locations have anything on this one. Confession: in my apartment, I have a large closet, two dressers, several crates full of jeans, and a double-​tiered clothing rack, and I still have to keep all my off-​season stuff at my parents’ house in NH. Filene’s Basement is chiefly responsible.
When I was in college, I worked at the Clinique counter upstairs at Filene’s, so I was able to keep an eye on the good stuff and wait for it to get to 75% off. My all-​time Hall of Fame includes a pair of leopard print silk Bottega Veneta stilettos for $ 37.50, brown leather Coach ankle boots for $ 17.50, and an eggplant-​colored jersey backless BCBG evening gown for $ 25. I’ve also accumulated such a cache of designer jeans that past roommates have accused me of having some sort of weird denim fetish (which, okay, that’s true), and I’ve had especially good luck finding freakishly cheap Marc by Marc Jacobs, Liquid, and Generra, among other brands.
The Vault is the bomb. If I only have a few minutes, I’ll spend them there, since that’s where all the really killer stuff is. I usually stick with the contemporary brands, because much of the couture RTW stuff looks dated (although you should still keep an eye out… I once left a Proenza Schouler pencil skirt on the rack and it has haunted my dreams ever since). The juniors department also has a great selection of Free People and BCBG’s various diffusion brands, plus my secret guilty pleasure, American Eagle.
A note: they totally change the date stickers on a lot of the good items, the designer jeans in particular. I know this because I had my suspicions and so I marked some tags that were close to being 75% off and then went back a few days later to check. So… not to go encouraging people to hide stuff that’s about to be marked down, because that’s obviously illegal, but… you know, if you like to live dangerously, that’d be one way to do it. Just saying.

Good ‘olé Filenes Basement. Let me put in my two-​cents like everyone else.
Let’s see… well, the selection can be a bit spotty, but when they have fresh inventory it can be good — not great — but very good. Also, it can get quite crowded so when I go I like to stop by closer to closing time (it’s less crowded then… that’s a tip btw, from me to you. I know, genius isn’t it?).
But here’s my issue with Filene’s…it takes work.
I have neither the time, nor the inclination to sort through all those damn bins. Plus returns are something of a b*tch…you have like what, a week to get back there, wait in line, and return something that doesn’t fit (and invariably things won’t fit unless you are comfortable changing in front of loads of strangers).
So because of this, combined with my inherent laziness, I go to Filene’s for just shoes, bags, umbrellas, scarves, hats, jewelry, and whatever else doesn’t need trying-​on. And because of this, I give it 4 stars.

This is the ever-​classic Filene’s Basement at Downtown Crossing.
I went here with my roommates on a shopping excursion to waste time and buy sheets. We walked in and my roommate Esther, who is from Amsterdam, said «Are you serious?! Is this a real store?»
Basically, things are strewn everywhere. You can have a rack of $ 150 Joseph Abboud shirts next to a rack of $ 10 Sunglasses. It doesn’t make sense, and it’s barely organized. There are regions, but they are regions in former-​British-​colony sense; they aren’t divided sensibly.
I found a set of great sheets, as did Esther, but it took a great deal of hunting. This the precise nature of this store, because you can find great things at reasonable prices, but you have to be jostled and bumped, and spend forever looking for what you want.
It’s being renovated, so hopefully they will figure out some sort of new schematic.
(check out a photo of me at Filene’s in my «local photos» section!)

My heart broke a little the other day. The Basement is to be closed in the fall and the bottom floor was all clearance items. I thought it was over. Thankfully it has just expanded onto the 1^st floor of the now gone Filenes.
The Basement Downtown has been good to me, as it has to all determined shoppers. Shoppers who are willing to work hard to pull a rare gem from piles of barely organized much handled merchandise. It has never been easy to shop there,(the brides require security at the annual sale) and the shopping is of the hit or miss variety (if you want it, buy it, it won’t be there tomorrow). There is however, the feeling of power and glee of getting something great that you normally would not be able to afford. It can not be beat and I strongly suggest visiting before it is gone possible forever.

Great prices, great values, loads to choose from if you have patience and time. I was overwhelmed with the options and prices. Its hard to shop anywhere else after visiting this mega-​store!
Fitting room lines were eternal and to my surprise, it was an open floor plan (so dont where any thongs or embarrasing undergarments)!

IF TJ MAXX AND A CALCUTTA BUS STATION HAD A BABY, IT WOULD BE FILENE’S BASEMENT
Filene’s is basically a musty dungeon of couture congested with throngs of bargain-​seeking humanity. In many ways I would equate shopping at Filene’s to eating snow crab legs… lots of effort, little reward. That said, this place is heaven for die-​hard bargain hunters. Personally I’d rather go to the nearby H&M.

It’s like the Thunderdome of shopping when there’s a big sale going on. Avoid these days unless you are hardcore. Be prepared to elbow it out with anyone and everyone for your bargains. Eye of the Tiger. This is shopping as sport. No one is your friend down here.
You have to devote some real time to finding good bargains down here. If you are in a rush then forget it. Filenes is best experienced as at least an hour long trip. Know your prices. You can go upstairs if you are not sure what something ‘normally’ costs.
Best strategy?
If you just want avoid crowds and look around, go after 9am and before noon on a weekday. Avoid Mondays to be safe, that’s when the big sales start.
If you are looking for something in particular then scan the Sunday papers for their ads then be prepared to do battle first thing Monday morning.
If you can chat up one of the sales associates down there you can get the inside scoop on when a sale is coming up. Auto markdowns are great and are usually buried so dig deep.
For the claustrophobic, there are a number of exits that lead directly to the outside world or the T stations so you can skip the main escalator meat grinder. Ask a sale person where these are. I can’t describe them any better.
Good Hunting.

A fun way to spend your afternoon with out being in the sun haha. I never stay in Filene’s Basement for less than an hour. You can find great deals here if you have the patience.
My only gripe with this place is the fitting room, the first time i walked in there I was flabbergasted. No walls, no doors, nothing to hide yourself from other shoppers. so be prepared and wear your nice undie!

I have been frequenting this location since 2000 and continue to be a loyal fan. For locals and vistors alike, I wholeheartedly recommend this place if you have patience for places like Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, etc. You may not find something *every* time you go, but your efforts will be rewarded at some point. It’s one of those places you go when you need to get some shopping therapy at a discount. Keep in mind — some of the prices are still steep — I recently saw designer jeans for $ 100 and up. I don’t consider that a real discount, when I found my Seven’s at Marshall’s for $ 60. Nevertheless, I have found numerous formal dresses, coats, t-​shirts, skirts, shoes, swimsuits, etc. here and continue to visit as much as possible.
My only word of advice — if you’re shopping with a friend, remember that you lose cell signal when you’re there. It sucks big time but still not enough of a deterrent.

I like the FB in theory, but hate it in practice. The deals are okay– but I’ve never been flabbergasted by the prices. And, I just can’t get behind the communal dressing rooms. When sober I’m a very shy girl. I don’t like people to see my cellulite except my doctor and kitties. And, since I gain and lose weight in the weirdest of ways I have to try clothes on. I’m going to have to stick to things ilke shoes and bags in the future.
I did, however, go the February Running of the Brides. That’s the only thing that saved Filene’s from getting a two-​star review. I found the dress of my dreams for about $ 3,000 less than I would have paid in a bridal salon. That can’t be beat. And, I didn’t even have to go deal with all the bridezillas– I went at two in the afternoon after I finished classes. All the dresses were back on the racks and easier to sift through– and trust, me, there were still tons and tons of dresses to sift through. Just make sure you were appropriate undergarments– no one wants to see you in your thong.

Want a pair of Versace pants for a million percent off? Or just something you saw at Anthropologie, Kitson, or in some trendy catalog for exactly how much it cost them to pay the Malaysian 8-​year-​old the company had make it? Then this is your place.
My home is full of $ 20 dresses (once $ 300) $ 4 vintage tees (once $ 30) AND designer jeans, $ 30 (once $ 200) from here. Not to mention all the fancy $ 3 underwear and $ 6 bras… and accessories, and marked down salon products.
Avoid weekends. Avoid/​ignore the disgruntled workers (rightfully pissed, but bitch, don’t ruin my bargain hunt.) Learn the automatic markdown system (if you dont get it you can come tap me on the shoulder, I live under a dress rack there.) And yeah, they’re serious about don’t shop the put-​back rack by the dressing room while youre in line.
Speaking of, it’s also good to go try clothes on here on those days when you think you have a fat ass. The dressing room has no doors or curtains. All you have to do is look around the room and you’ll see at least one ass fatter than yours.
I tell you, this place is good for the soul on all levels.

Great fun! The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that too many people (and tourists) now know about this place so the deals aren’t as good anymore. Yes — you might still be able to find huge discounts based on the «automatic markdown» — but more often than not these days, they are always on stuff you couldn’t imagine anyone (especially yourself) wearing.
I still shop the regular basement outlets (with no automatic markdown), but as the years have passed, the deals don’t seem quite as good any longer. Marshalls/​TJ Maxx often have better deals/​brands on their clearance racks these days.

My first clothing store review here.
I like Filene’s and Filene’s Basement is OK, it’s kind of a trip and seems scummy, but…
At Filene’s regular stores, I buy a lot of dress shirts, ties, belts, shoes, from and never end up spending too much.
I just went into the Basement yesterday and bought a really nice laptop/​carry bag that I desperately needed (I convinced myself that I «desperately needed» it)
and it was only $ 60 (they claim it’s retail value is $ 140 but I don’t care about that)

I honestly adore this place, yet it hasn’t always been this sunny. I visit as frequently as my mind lapses from my previous experience, which can be every two months. Yes, it can be crowded; yes, it is extremely messy; yes, you’re waiting for 20 minutes for a coveted mirror in the boundary-​less fitting room.
However, what has me always returning are the most unbelievable deals. Dana Buchman blue cropped sweater: $ 25. Via Spiga black cashmere/​wool blend extra long peacoat with leather trim: $ 91 (originally $ 700). Citizens of Humanity 7– jeans cropped pencil leg: $ 20. Cable & Gauge sweater jackets, long sleeve work tops: $ 3.50
I luckily found all of these purchases soon after the discounted 75% off. You can too, if you have the mindset to search and the afternoon to do it. Happy pickings!
steals:
*skip the shoes & vacation & purses
*head for the lingerie (CK & wonderbra selection around $ 10)
*automatic discount racks in women’s or in junior’s department (if you’re small enough)
*watches, coats & dresses — strong selection

I LIVE for the basement – the Vault specifically. While tons of stuff in Filene’s (basement – who goes to the store? it’s so bad it’s bankrupt) is pretty cheap-​o to begin with (Nautica, Calvin Klein, Jones New York) there are plenty of real designer bargains to make it worth your while.
Head straight for the vault in the back of the lower basement – this is where they keep the half price D&G, Prada, etc. Stopping by about once a month ensures you can catch any big shipments from a particular designer. This is the only way a normal income person like me could own most of this stuff, and any dressing room or crowd inconvenience is totally worth it.
I can’t figure out why the vault isn’t more picked over – it’s really pretty good as compared to somewhere like Century 21 in New York, where the women’s department is useless. Apparently, either the women of Boston who care about designer stuff don’t need to get it for cheap or the women of Boston interested in affordable clothes don’t care about designer fashion. Either way, that leaves more Filene’s for us!

Hands down my favorite place to shop in the city. You can get anything here, cheaper than you can find it anywhere else.
The only reason the Basement doesn’t get 5 stars is because of the open, communal dressing room – be prepared to see lots of women you wouldn’t want to see in their underwear (or less!).