If you're foolish enough, like me, to head to frigid New York City on a winter holiday, at least visit the many holiday markets the city has to offer.

I went to the one at Union Square where I found painted cooper earrings by Bora from Greece for only $20 and a lovely silk-strewn necklace with a cascade of small gems for $47. You'll also find Christmas decor, unique leather goods and lots of fun gifts for children at the Holiday Market.

Similar markets can be found at Bryant Park, where you also can ice skate, Grand Central and Columbus Circle. So, wherever you land in the city, there is a holiday market to shop.

The markets feature booths from stores around Manhattan as well as the outreaches and independent vendors. While I wouldn't count on a return policy, I found the shopping experience more fun and interesting than the overcrowded department stores with faux sales (20 percent off and only $800!).

South Florida retailers might do well to copy this NYC idea. After all, our weather is much more conducive to outside shopping. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Mizner Park kicks off a month of holiday shopping events with a fashion show on Thurs., Dec. 4.

The "Holiday Nights on the Town" also features live jazz, wine and food tastings, and the chance at a $2,000 shopping spree at Mizner Park.

A special shopping pass with discounts and specials is available at shops. Go to Mizner Park.com for details and other incentives. I found, for example, 15 percent off at Ann Taylor Loft on Friday, Nov. 28, aka Black Friday. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I just moved to a new office location and I'm already missing my neighborhood Starbucks. But I will seek out new Starbucks to continue my addiction. I can work anywhere as long a I can find a Starbucks. At right is their new hazelnut hot chocolate. Haven't tried it yet, but it looks good.

To ease the financial pain of my coffee habit, I bought a Starbucks Gold Card. The $25 card gives me 10 percent off all purchases for a year. As much a I frequent the coffee hangout, I thought it was worth the price.

I've had a similar card with Barnes & Noble and find it useful for the holidays when I buy books, CDs or DVDs for many friends and family.

It's similar in concept to buying a membership to Costco or BJ's, but I've avoided these. While there are good deals, I know I would buy way more than I should. So I mooch off friends with cards. Now I can repay them with a discounted coffee. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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My friend E. from North Carolina was visiting this weekend for a special event. We had some time to kill so we headed to the Sawgrass outlet mall, of course.

We checked out the 50 percent sale at Coach and then Michael Kors outlet store. Coach has some great buys right now, but even at 50 percent off, their handbags are at least $100 -- too much for sensible girls like us who grew up in the Midwest.

But we soon found our bargain at nearby Michael Kors: The French rosebud dress in cream or red, for only $49.99. We liked the red version -- so we both bought it.

This may be the perfect dress. It fits like a dream and it does not wrinkle. It was wrapped up in a tiny Michael Kors bag and unrolled in perfect form -- great for travel.

Two friends shopping together can rack up deals at Sawgrass. We needed black stockings to go with the dress so we headed to Saks Off 5th. We found Donna Karan "invigorating" stockings for only $4.99. Since we bought them together, we even got half off one pair!

Now a diehard Floridian, I rarely don a pair of stockings. It's just too darn hot. But these were fantastic: I've got to go back for more.

All in all, a successful shopping day. Bring a friend with you: it can pay off in savings and laughs. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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It's my 39th birthday again and all week long I've been getting cards from my favorite retailers, or at least those I signed up for discounts by mail.

White House/Black Market sent me $10 off any purchase; I just have to use it by the end of the month. Same offer with Victoria's Secret.

Loehmann's sent me a birthday postcard with a 15 percent discount valid anytime during my birthday month. And DSW sent me a $5 off postcard, but the purchase has to be $19.95 or more -- a little cheaper but I do get discounts from them all the time.

If you're concerned about giving out your birthday when signing up for these offers, use the first day of your birthday month. My friend J does that and then gets a full month to use the birthday discounts. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I had to go to the place "where bargains were born," Filene's Basement, now that it has opened in Aventura.

It's nothing like the flagship store in Boston. I remember going there with my friend Lynn. It was a mess but a fun mess. Clothes on racks all over the place. I found a slinky black dress for some ridiculously low price.

Aventura is a bit more tame. Clothes are nicely organized on racks sporting designer names. The prices? A bit more steep than I remember in Boston.

Still, there are bargains to be found. The biggest is probably Filene's choice of designer jeans, many for less than $40. A variety of earrings and necklaces are easy pickups as well and designer sunglasses such as a pair of Oscar de la Renta's for $12.99.

Fantastic prices on women's and men's suits, if you're in the market for that.

I fell in love with a wrap dress from Barney's New York, but it was still too pricey for this bargain hunter at $130. But I'll be back. It's worth the drive. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Put on your running shoes and sprint to DSW. The shoe store's sales racks are full of designer shoes -- Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Ann Marino and many, many more.

Most are dress-up heels and sandals -- great for holiday events. Get this: I bought two pairs of gorgeous shoes: a marbled shiny brownish black Ann Marino and sexy black pumps from Rampage for $35. OK, I had two $10 coupons DSW had sent me for being a loyal customer -- but still!

So don't wait until you need those satin with rhinestone pumps for the holiday party, go while you can get them el cheapo. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Whether it's Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, Crate & Barrel Outlet at the Sawgrass Mills mall is bound to get you in the holiday mood.

I stopped there on Saturday and found a beautiful table runner 50 percent off, only $19.95. I chose the Alexandra red design, but there's also one with autumn colors (see at right).

Then I found an irrestible item for $6.95: fanciful salt and pepper shakers in the design of snowmen. My friend M collects those for her friend M, so I may pass them on to her. If not, one of my sisters' is getting snowmen as part of her Christmas present.

The snowmen design also is available in a sugar and creamer for $12.95, appetizer plates for $14.95, and tapered candles - snowmen with tall winter hats, 2 for $5.95.

What a fun tabletop for the children in us during the holidays! And at a bargain price, of course. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Sam's Club announced today (Thursday, Oct. 16) that it's offering a $10 membership good for 10 weeks for families and businesses not currently members.

Consumers can sign up for Sam shopping privileges on two weekends, Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Sam's Club stores are in West Palm Beach, Lantana, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Miramar and Miami.

Sam's Club, Costco and other discount shopping stores are likely to be busy places this holiday season when most of us are trying to S-T-R-E-TCH that dollar. Check it out. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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No doubt responding to the less-than-cheery retail season expected, Sawgrass Mills outlet mall in Sunrise will open its doors at midnight on Thanksgiving (that's really Friday, Nov. 28).

Sawgrass will have "door busters" and other specials for its midnight opening event.

So if you've had your fill of turkey and pumpkin pie and you need to "walk" it off, try middle-of-the-night shopping at Sawgrass. It will be interesting to see who turns up. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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If you have an overwelming appetite for accessories, For Love 21 is your destination.

The sister store to Forever XXI is at the Dolphin Mall in Miami. As my shopping sister Kathy recently wrote, we had a great time picking up jewelry, belts and other items -- mostly under $10 -- at For Love 21.

I tried on a cute hat and bought some belts, but passed on some really fun boots (why didn't I get those! Only $36.) What's great is that anything in this store won't do too much damage to your wallet.

Great place to find holiday gifts for the young fashionistas in your life. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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My friend and shopping diva Kathy told you about Filene's Basement opening Oct. 15 in Aventura. The other important date she left out is Jan. 16: The annual "running of the brides" sales event at Filene's Basement, this time in Aventura.

Many a movie and TV show have captured the scene: Brides-to-be wading through yards of white to find their dream wedding dress at a bargain Filene's Basement price. It's the only day of the year Filene's has bridal dresses, on sale for $249 to $699. (Yeah, guys, they do cost that much -- usually much more!)

Me? I wouldn't be caught dead there. But, knock yourselves out, ladies. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I've heard so much about Filene's Basement. Never been there. I am really excited....I'm finally going to get to shop at Filene's Basement! It feels so...so...what's the word...so very cosmopolitan!!

I saw it on Biscayne Blvd the other day as I drove down to Bal Harbor Shops. Wow, my heart jumped...it looked open...too bad...not yet. A freestanding building on the east side of Biscayne. (17651 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura.)

I live and work in Fort Lauderdale, but it seems there are a few reasons to drive south for discount shopping. Loehmann's is down there, and now Filene's.

What do you think? Is Filene's Basement worth getting excited about? Is it all it's cracked up to be? Have any of you shopped there? Is there a good selection? What kind of things do they sell...Designer dresses...Casual clothes? Which do you like better, Loehmanns or Filene's?

What are your favorite stores for finding bargain clothes in South Florida?

Filene's Basement

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Last week I promised to let you know about the Miami mall a cute hip young fashion writer recommended. We thought we'd check it out first. It's an easy drive if you follow the Homestead signs driving south on the Turnpike. We didn't...don't ask.

Hardly an undiscovered gem, the huge parking lot was full, full, full. But, wow, well worth the drive. It's huge....and doesn't seem as picked over as local Sawgrass Mills.

It has some of the same big flagship stores as Sawgrass: Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off Fifth Saks Outlet, Burlington Coat Factory, T J Maxx, Marshalls, Bed Bath and Beyond. In total there are over 240 stores and restaurants.

Fellow blogger Marcia and I only had a few hours...we could have spent the whole day! Heck, you could spend a week there! We happened to walk in the entrance that took us to For Love 21, the Forever 21 accessory store. Huge selection, amazing prices. I bought a beaded necklace with a cheap charm on it, intending to replace their charm with an old locket I've had. Marked $4.95...scanned in at $1. Like a treasure hunt!

We ran out of time after Neiman Marcus Last Call...walking out for a previous engagement was sheer torture. The store signs were like the mythical sirens summoning us: Michael Kors, Coach, Calvin Klein, DKNY, DSW, Ann Taylor.....

But we'll certainly go back. And soon!

Dolphin Mall

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OK, I've got my appointment along with my bf "E."

But you gotta run to the phone (can't make an appointment online) and sign up for the Spa Week $50 specials at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa.

You have the choice of a facial, body melt (shea butter wrap and then a massage) or a manicure/pedicure special for only $50.

These treatments, at the luxurious Red Door, are usually $100 plus! Facials were already sold out at the Red Door location at the Bonaventure resort in Weston, but still available at The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale as of Saturday.

We chose the Bonaventure because after pampering, you can hang out for the day at the hotel's beautiful waterfall pool.

Spa week special is only for Oct. 13 to 17. Get your bf, like I did, and go for it. Life is short. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Meet my shop-a-holic friend, Indy, a UF friend (she now lives in LA) who I’ve been shopping with more than half a lifetime and all over the world. Indy’s idea of bargain hunting is buying her Louis Vuitton suitcase in Hawaii because the sales tax is lower than in LA. But she can spot and grab the best dress on the rack while I’m still fumbling for my glasses!

Here we are in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We were supposed to be chaperoning her daughter's spring break trip....a scary thought. If you haven't chaperoned a gaggle of gorgeous college girls on spring break in Mexico, you haven't lived! After a hard day in ‘las tiendas,’ we cured our aching feet with a margarita (or two or three) at Cabo Wabo.

Next weekend, a mutual UF friend’s son is marrying the daughter of a UNLV coach in Las Vegas. We are staying a couple of days after the wedding festivities to explore the sights and hit the stores. I'll be shopping vicariously through Indy, most likely.

I’ve never been to Las Vegas, have you? Anyone have any first hand tips about where to go? Other than the hotel stores? I’ve heard there’s a huge outlet mall, but it’s a long drive and not worth the effort. Suggestions, please.

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I promised another blog on my Shanghai shopping experiences.

This woman, Lee, worked in the 'Shanghai Fabric Market.' "Lee, we might not speak the same language, but we sure have a common bond!." Hint: did you read her t-shirt?

So this was the 'Fabric Market,' i.e. 'Shanghai South Bund Soft-Spinning Material Market,' where folks go to get clothes made. A 20 minute cab ride from the center of town, but cabs are cheap cheap cheap in China. Twenty minutes in a cab was between $4-5.

None of the cab drivers speak English, so make sure you get the name of your destination written in Chinese before you leave your hotel.

After ten days alone in town, I was feeling like a deaf mute, silently holding up small slips of paper with Chinese letters, in order to communicate.

The Shanghai Fabric Market was 4 floors of crowded stalls, loaded with rolls of fabric and sample clothing. No dressing rooms, no English. But I was psyched, thought I would come home with a few fun and original dresses.

Armed with magazine clippings of designer clothes, I dragged out bolt after bolt of silk fabrics. Geeez, could the prints get more loud or garish?! Nothing like the beautiful Italian print in the Vogue ad. Oh well.

Next strategy: I have a classic dress with me, I'll pick a nice plain fabric and have it copied. Can you make it just a bit bigger, this dress is a bit tight?

After measuring me EVERYWHERE, arms, thighs, knees, you name it, I thought WOW this dress is really going to fit!!

What do you think?

Next day, I feel like Houdini trying to get into the dress without flashing the masses sans dressing room.

Oh goodness, you must have gotten my measurements mixed up with those of Queen Latifah.

If I go back to Shanghai, which I would, don't let my whining discourage you... I would try a different strategy in the Fabric Market.

1) Pack pants or dress that fit perfectly to copy.

2) Pick fabrics from the beautiful mens suit fabrics in the ground floor stalls.

3) Wear a body suit or bicycle shorts and tank top (under your sack dress) on measuring and fitting day.

4) Ask, in your best Chinese, to have a second day fitting, pre-finished product.

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I just got back from a 10 day visit to Shanghai China on what I imagined would be the ultimate shopping experience. I just knew I was going to have sooo much to blog about when I got back!! Everyone always raves about their shopping experiences in China!

Twenty five years ago I did a whirlwind tour of China, the last stop was Shanghai. Enchanted with the city, three days were not nearly enough. I left with that nagging feeling that I'd only scratched the surface of a very exciting city. I’ve been following Shanghai’s explosive growth through the media, I read voraciously about the wonderful restored neighborhoods, new architecture, restaurants and museums. I was haunted with the desire to return.

Shanghai is still an exciting city, barely recognizable from the Shanghai I visited in 1984, but it was fun to explore just the same. As for shopping, it’s not a tax free haven like Hong Kong, which is a shoppers paradise. Even the Shanghianese make regular shopping trips across the border to Hong Kong. In Mainland China there is a 33% tax on imported goods. The big shopping streets in Shanghai, Nanjing Road and HauiHai Road are bustling with designer stores, but there are no deals there. For example, a pair of Nine West shoes was $150. Shopping in beautiful stores that are way more expensive than home is not fun for this bargain hunter!!

So I avoided the malls, and hit the markets. The huge black market for fake designer goods keeps these markets bustling, even with supposed police crackdowns. There are aggressive hawkers everywhere shoving purse pictures in your face as they yell the only three words they know in English “Watch bag lady.” I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a real $20 Target purse than a fake Louis Vuitton for the same price.

Displays of fake Tiffany silver, and every imaginable brand of watch abound. I left my good watch at home, scared by the string of Rolex robberies in South Florida…I didn’t want to get mugged in a country where the police don’t speak my language. I was lost without my timepiece, so when I got there I bought a $15 'Georgio Armani' watch (I hope the cops don't read my blog) which quit working before I got back to my hotel. Kind of proves the old adage "you get what you pay for."

I don't give up easily, and I did manage to buy enough goodies that I had to buy an extra suitcase to get it all home. I have work to do right now, have to get the newspaper out, but I'll tell you in my next blog about my China purchases.

Maybe you have some China shopping tips, in case any of our readers are going!

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Where: Hibiscus Place, 1406 East Las Olas Boulevard, Ft Lauderdale. (954) 463-6688

When you're born-to-shop, even a short fix is good one. If I happen to be at the post office on Las Olas (between the Dairy Queen and the Floridian,) there's a consignment shop right next door, on the east side. I can't be within feet of a consignment store and not run though it, can you? They get things in daily, they are one of a kind, so if you don't get there while it's there, you missed your chance. How many times have you asked in a shop for something specific, only to hear,"Oh, we had a really nice one last week." When its followed by some really low unbelievable selling price, that is even worse.

Manny and Paul, the owners of Hibiscus Place, stock lots of ready-to-hang framed art, a very eclectic mix. But they don't buy just any old print. Their things are mostly original or, if a print, they are signed and numbered, like the Richard B Williams 'Regatta' print pictured here. It's marked $200. There are 2 Richard Williams signed sailing prints in stock right now.

If something has been in stock for awhile, they will mark it down, so be sure to ask about that. You are taking a chance, if you wait for the price to come down, but that's all part of the thrill of bargain hunting. I bought a beautiful Baker table here last year because I could finally afford it after the third markdown.

Did I mention eclectic? They had loads of these Bali masks from a customer who collected them, before they downsized to a condominium. I'm not sure where I would go to find a Bali mask if I was in need of one? But it's all part of the surprise of consignment store shopping. These are marked $35 each, and as of this writing there are 7 left.

There are a few other interesting looking consignment stores on Las Olas west of Hibiscus Place, toward downtown, but I'm usually on my lunch hour when I stop by, so there isn't time to do them all. Why don't you stop by and let us know if they have anything we can't live without.

Hey, the latest dirt on saving money at Hibiscus Place: Go to Valpac.com/coupons, type in your zipcode and you'll find a Hibiscus Place coupon for 20% off. You can print it yourself.

Kathy (Born to Shop) Haines

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Where: DECADES, 2661 N Federal Highway, Ft Lauderdale 954 564-0454 7 Days 10am-5pm

I'm not sure I should share one of my favorite shops.....I don't relish the competition from fellow bargain hunters!! Should I just keep it as my little secret?

Obviously not a secret, 'Decades' has grown from one store width to four in the years I've been shopping there. Located at the Crossroads Shopping Center, better known as the 'Egg and You' Plaza, this shop is part consignment, part close-outs, (sale items from expensive retail stores), some imports, an eclectic mix of inventory all priced to sell quickly.

Lots of their items are one of a kind, so you never know when they will get something you can't live without! Things move quickly, so you have to stop in often.

If you are changing your decor or downsizing, Jerry and Chaffi, the owners, might take your things on consignment, or buy them outright, but don't expect top dollar, they price to sell.

The carved mahogany table, right, is handy for the small foyers or halls found in South Florida condos. A friend bought one for her apartment's narrow entryway, was thrilled to find a nice piece of furniture for $59.

They usually have the below decorative magnifying glasses in stock. Made to look like antique silver, these are pretty enough to be left out on display, but handy for reading the fine print.

A nice gift item for $19.

Decades is open on Sundays, for those of us who work Monday though Friday and run errands all day Saturday.

See you there......

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Looking back at your retail shopping experiences, are there highlights?

First time winding yourself through the rooms at Ikea? Ever been to a Trader Joe’s? Or what about the Gap back in the day when they sold classically cut, moderately priced, decent quality clothing?

Last weekend, I had another “important” retail experience. And not because I left with bags full of clothing.

I finally made it to the low-priced fashion outlet known as Steve & Barry’s on 163rd Street in North Miami Beach, which opened last December. Right now, everything in the store is $8.98 or less.

The fully lined navy blue pea coat is $8.98. The Ben Wallace sneakers are $8.98. The message T-shirts emblazoned with everything from the Ford Motor Company logo to the University of Miami are $8.98. The all-cotton button-down collar shirts are $8.98. The EleVen line by Venus Williams is $8.98.

Obviously, we’re not talking top quality, but has anyone noticed that quality is more or less a thing of the past when it comes to clothing? Put this place on your list of retail field trips if you’re outfitting teenagers. Heck, moms might even leave with a piece from the Sarah Jessica Parker designed BITTEN line. I left with a pair of black pants and a shirt.

All for less than $20. Unbelievable.

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If you're like me, shopping is a big part of your vacation plans. One of the coolest ways to make a vacation last is to look around your house and see the items you bought that bring back the memories of some faraway place.

Going to Aruba on a cruise on by plane? Check out this video. You will find a shopper's dream -- with everything from skin care products made from aloe to gold and designer fashions. It's also a good place to find native crafts and paintings.

Yes, it is by the tourism folks, but it is still a great preview of what you can find. And it has great advice -- such as many shops are closed from noon to 2 p.m.

XOXO--- Shopper Girl

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Imagine driving up to a valet in Tony Soprano’s 2003 white Cadillac Escalade. Or what about the 2003 champagne CTS driven by Paulie Walnuts?

Admittedly, you’ve got be a fan of HBO’s The Sopranos. But these and six other vehicles go on the auction block March 26 through 30 at the sixth annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Event at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.

All of the cars will be auctioned without a reserve price. Net proceeds will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Two Town Cars, used by rival gangster Phil Leotardo, will be sold as a pair. There are also two 1993 Cadillacs driven by Patsy Parisi. Complete information at barrett-jackson.com.

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As you're holiday shopping at Aventura Mall, be sure and check out the new Miss Katie's Charm School. After several years as first a store and then a kiosk at the Galleria mall in Fort Lauderdale, the girly girl's boutique has brought its adorable merch to a much bigger space (two times larger than its previous space) and, as owner Katie Adler says, it's "packed with gorgeous new magical items for girls of all ages." (Alert: Don't miss the new shoe department!) You can also still find stuff at the website.

K.V.W.

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This week's Divine Find, as featured in today's Sun-Sentinel Sunday Lifestyle section

British Marketplace and Let’s Have Tea English tea room

6919 Stirling Road., Shops at Stirling Place, Davie, 954-584-8888. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon- 5 p.m. Sunday. Tea room hours are 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday. www.britishmarketplace.com

Owner: David Williams

Wow factor: The floor-to-ceiling walls of British food — candy bars, tea bags, jam, sauces, and potato chips — strike first. Then you realize that this 750-square-foot shop and the adjoining 750-square-foot tea room are also stocked with football (aka soccer) jerseys, tea kettles, cups and saucers and other oh-so-British items.

Editor’s picks: A David Beckham Real Madrid soccer jersey ($75; pricey, considering he now plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy) or similar shirts (starting at $65) from such premiere clubs as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Tea pots, which start at $19.99 for inexpensive pottery and rise to $180 for collectible bone china.

English for less: Tea pot-shaped tea bag holders ($4.99); Walkers steak and onion or cheese and onion chips (99 cents); Cadbury Flake candy bars ($1.99); Bistro gravy ($4.99); Ty-phoo English tea ($9.99 for 80 bags); McVities chocolate digestives ($3.99) and Sherwood’s korma or tikka masala jarred sauces ($6.99).

The tea room: Call one day ahead to be sure the 28-seat tea room hasn’t been