Outlet Stores
Fashion Advice: Designer Discounts at Outlet Malls
Kristine Asks: I’ve heard a lot about the Woodbury Commons Outlets located outside of New York City and it is suppose to be a designer mecca. Do you think I could find a deal on a high-end designer bag, like Chanel?
Kathryn Answers: It really depends on what you consider a deal. The Chanel outlet does carry handbags at a discount, but your chances of finding an “it” bag is pretty slim and in my experience, the bags available are usually without the iconic interlocking “CC”.
But all is not lost at Woodbury… The Last Call Neiman Marcus outlet often sells designer bags- like Marc Jacobs, Prada, etc for up too 50% off retail price, there’s a pretty good Kate Spade and a Bottega Veneta outlet. The Gucci outlet carries handbags as well.
To increase your chances of scoring a great deal on a designer bag, shop during the week (avoid, if you can, the weekends) and make sure to head to Chelsea Premium Outlets (http://www.chelseapremiumoutlets.com), sign up for their VIP club, print out a coupon for a coupon book as well as print out exclusive VIP coupon deals.
Eco-Friendly Banana Republic Line On Sale Now
What: Banana Republic has just launched a green/eco-friendly/(insert buzz word here) line at its factory stores. The collection features cardigans, tank tops, polo shirts, graphic tees, and other apparel - all made with “sustainable fibers,” or organic and recycled cotton, and all featuring a new Green Elephant logo.
What We Say: We’re not terribly impressed with the BR’s first take at this. The tanks pictured here will go for about $16.99 each (ouch) and they’re as simple as it gets. Like, Wal-Mart been doing an organic/eco friendly line for years now. There are some other slightly more interesting options, especially for guys who like pictures of random stuff on their shirts. But really, this is for the hardcore tree huggers - no problem with that - and for those who want to be able to literally point to evidence that they care about the environment ( “Look at me; I’m wearing a Green Elephant logo!”). We hope it takes off, though, because we’d love to see a major retailer like BR get really creative about eco-friendly clothes. And hey, one step at a time, right? If you’re using fashion to promote good old Mother Earth, you’re probably on the right track.
If you’ve been to a Banana Republic factory store of late, let us know your thoughts on this new line.
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