Dear Readers,
I grew up enjoying window shopping at our local
Oakbrook Shopping Center. How I loved the whole outdoor experience, especially in the fall! Bonwit Teller, Marshall Field and Saks Fifth Avenue were at the top of my wish list. Outlet stores? Not a chance.
Not beautiful. Not fun. No thanks.
As an adult, however, I learned to appreciate the concept of discount shopping. So, a couple of years ago, I decided to research the outlet store/mall phenomenon. Wow. What an eye-opener!
Once upon a time, outlet stores carried exactly what one would expect: items from past seasons that didn't sell. Then came the explosion of outlets and the overnight creation of the Outlet Mall. Seeing a new opportunity, companies such as Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom's, Saks Fifth Avenue, et al, and designers like Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, etc., started manufacturing clothing specifically for the outlets. The design details, the textiles and even the sizes are different than their sister items in the brand stores, and far too often, the hallmarks of quality are sorely lacking [fine flat seams, linings that hang well, etc.]. Because the clothing is designed to the lowest price point possible, our price is low and we think we are getting a bargain, right? Well, my friends, as the song goes, "It Ain't Necessarily So".
If we think we are getting a $3500 Armani suit for $599, we may want to think again. The fabric and the style may look similar, but they're definitely NOT the same.
So, I ask you ... Deal or no deal?
Just a few weeks ago, Adam Glassman, head stylist for O magazine, appeared on Good Morning America. He talked at length about the dos and don'ts of outlet mall shopping. I have long admired his work, so, when he spoke, I listened [ and I took notes]. Very sharp guy, that Adam!
Here are his tips:
- Look good. Do your makeup and hair with care and dress well for this shopping excursion. Most dressing rooms provide poor and very unflattering light. In outlet malls, it's even worse! If you look grubby or a bit schleppy, not much is going to look good on you that day! [Excellent point.]
- If you've got time and money to burn, then by all means go to the mall with no plan and shop willy nilly. But, if you need to shop well and spend wisely, you should prepare a list and stick to it. [ I love this guy!]
- Focus on wardrobe staples such as black shoes and pants, white shirts, trench coats and purses. [Always smart!]
- Stay away from the items in the center of the store. They are usually the most trendy and the most expensive. Avert your eyes away from the middle and shop along the perimeters. [Who knew?]
- Do your homework and know your brands.
Thanks, Adam. I will try and remember all of this the next time I go shopping. But I would rather be in Saks.
Best regards,
Nancy
PS. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Chanel Makeup Master Class Event we held in September. We all learned a few things and had some fun in the process. We even scored some great little sample goodies from the Chanel team.
Hopefully, we will offer another session in the spring. I will keep you all posted!
