The only thing that makes me happier than shopping is getting super deals on designer clothes. No, I'm not talking about Winners. I'm referring to the wonderful world of outlets, where brand name stores carry clothes for a fraction of the price. Why pay regular price for a BCBG dress or Michael Kors purse when you can get them half off? Of course the best place to do some outlet shopping is in the States. I haven't visited Quebec's Mirabel outlet, but looking at their list of stores I know I won't be able to find some of the labels I crave. The latest outlet I visited is the Orlando International Premium Outlet. I considered it a belated birthday gift to myself and made purchases from BCBG, Michael Kors, Ted Baker, and Ugg.
My first stop was BCBG. If you haven't figured it out from my 121 different outfits in 121 days challenge, I LOVE BCBG! What I love about their dresses is that you can fold them and they won't wrinkle. They're amazing to take with you on business trips because they don't take up much room in your suitcase and you're ready to go the following day. I found a couple dresses, but the one item I tried on that I absolute had to get were over-the-knee suede boots. They're perfect with dresses and the fall weather. The boots were $118 and every woman knows it's impossible to find tall boots for that price!
Next stop was Michael Kors. Honestly, I was never much of a MK fan, but after purchasing my first MK purse a few years back I do check it out when I'm at the outlets. My sister was the one who found the item I had to buy which was a leather biker jacket. The jacket had an original price of $550 and it was on sale for $180. MK had an additional sale where it was 50% off their sale items. In the end the jacket cost me only $90!!
I had never shopped at Ted Baker and I don't believe the store is found at every Premium Outlet, but I decided to check it out this trip. I love the graphics on the clothes and the use of vibrant colours. I found a few dresses to try, but the one dress that I absolutely loved and had to purchase was a dress that reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Wearing this dress makes you channel your inner Audrey Hepburn.
Last stop was Ugg. I need to replace my black tall Uggs. The Montreal winters have not been kind to them. If I couldn't find a pair for a decent price I wouldn't buy them. Uggs may not be the most fashionable boot to wear, but they are the coziest. Wearing Ugg boots are like wrapping your feet in a warm hug. I found a pair of tall black Uggs, but they were $195. I was going to pass on them when I found another pair of tall black Uggs, but the interior was animal pattern. These boots were $130. At that price I was able to purchase the boots as well.
Guys, don't worry, I didn't forget about you. The stores I usually check out are Cole Haan and Hugo Boss. If you don't know Cole Haan, get to know it. Their shoes happen to be one of the most comfortable shoes to own. They incorporate Nike technology into their soles which makes walking around in formal shoes (or heels) a breeze! The Hugo Boss outlet has their signature jeans at a fraction of the cost. As you may know, Hugo Boss cuts a great suit and the rest of their clothes are also of the same amazing quality.
Canadian shoppers, the next time you head to States be sure to make a detour to your nearest Premium Outlet. I promise, you won't be disappointed.