I love a good outlet shopping spree. I feel like a trip to the outlets is totally different than a trip to the mall. The drive is farther, return policies are less friendly, and you never quite know what you are going to find. On a good day, you’ll come home with bags full of designer goods for way less than you’d pay elsewhere. On a bad day, well, it may feel like a glorified garage sale. Since the holiday shopping season is right around the corner, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite stores for your next trip to the outlets.
Now here’s the thing. I’m trying to keep my list to stores available at most outlet malls. While we all would enjoy shopping at some of the big-name designer outlets, those aren’t readily available, or for the most part, practical. In the meantime, I’ll continue dreaming of the day when I will make it to a Tory Burch outlet store…
The Best:
J. Crew Factory – My absolute favorite store available at most outlet centers is J. Crew Factory. The factory line is totally different than the J. Crew retail store and I’m totally ok with that. I find that they take their best styles and patterns from the full-price store and make it much, much affordable. I’ll say it, sometimes I even like the factory stuff better. Last year I spotted a plaid shirt at the mall store for $88 (ouch). A couple days later, I found one shockingly similar at the factory store for only $25. Sometimes I’ll make the drive to the outlets just to visit J. Crew Factory. They also have a factory website (click here) so you can always check that out if you don’t have one nearby.
Kate Spade – If you are in the market for a new handbag or other adorable accessories, find your closest Kate Spade outlet. While some people prefer Michael Kors or Coach, Kate Spade is more my style. Kate does have a separate outlet line, which is often the same stuff you’ll see featured on the Kate Spade Surprise Sales. Similar to J. Crew, Kate will take the best and cutest styles and makes them much more affordable at their outlet stores. You may not see as many fancy details as what you’d find in the malls, but I’ll sacrifice a designer zipper for overall style.
Lululemon – I tried to keep my list to stores available everywhere (oops), but I couldn’t resist including Lululemon. I absolutely love the Lululemon outlet. The outlet features the exact same products as the retail store, but at much lower prices. I find a lot of the stuff that ends up on the We Made Too Much page online is typically available at the outlet store. Some of the markdowns aren’t the greatest, but they regularly have daily promos making it much more budget-friendly. Yes, I did say that Lululemon can be budget-friendly. They even occasionally have a $9 rack!! Click here to find your closest Lululemon outlet store.
Hit or Miss:
Banana Republic – Back in the day when I worked in an office setting, I’d say the Banana outlet would be on the top of my “best” list. Black pants, silky tops and conservative dresses galore. But since I haven’t put on a pair of black pants (other than leggings #momlife) since I turned in my resignation letter, I find their stuff slightly less practical for my daily life. If I’m looking for a cute dress for a wedding, a new pair of boots or an inexpensive scarf, I might wander in and get lucky. It is definitely hit or miss for me. I do find the outlet store (which again features an outlet-specific line) uses somewhat cheaper fabrics than the full-price retail store, but again, replicates the Banana style. You can check out the factory line here.
GAP – The GAP Factory Store is a big hit or miss for me. Generally, I’d say I like their kids clothes, but dislike the women’s clothing. The exceptions to that rule are shoes and the occasional dress. The GAP outlet is amazing at replicating shoe styles that are very popular for wayyyy cheaper (remember this splurge or steal?). I’ve also been lucky finding the occasional holiday or comfy cotton dress there. If I have extra time, I stop in the GAP outlet. If I’m in a hurry, I usually skip it. Check out the Gap Factory collection here.
Are you a fan of outlet shopping? What are you favorite stores?
Outlet malls ?? definitely a hit and miss ! You said it all ! Jcrew factory and banana republic are my favs too ! Jcrew factory has a lot more casual stuff than BR. Gap sadly has never been my favorite their factory stuff has a strange fit and their clothes fall apart after a few washes ?. The mall I went to had a coach outlet and you could tell the difference in the products between the real coach and the outlet ones immediately . Loved reading this ?
Thanks so much for checking out my post. Yes, totally hit or miss. I don’t know why GAP’s outlet clothing is so terrible. Drastically different than the full price store. Same thing with Coach, as you said. Have a great day!
I Love the outdoor Outlet Mall concept. So many great shops in one location and hopefully lots of deals to be had. Is that the new Tanger Outlet you’re at? I’ve only been to the New River Outlet in recent visits. Looking forward to exploring the outlets in a couple weeks.
Ohhh YES, a Tory Outlet please!
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I’m a big fan of the outlet malls, I prefer them over the mall honestly. The Kate Spade outlet store is a great one to go too, I stumbled upon an amazing deal on a bag there! I also like the Coach Outlet & The Ralph Lauren Store.
Yes, I love both! I always find great items on the Ralph Lauren clearance rack for dirt cheap!
I’m a sucker for outlet malls too! Love this post, I absolutely love Lululemon too…my favorite!
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
Yes, I love the lulu outlet. I have a hard time buying anything for full price at the regular lululemon store anymore since they put an outlet near me.
We always hit the outlet stores. There is one just down from the mall ten miles away. Amazing the savings by shopping at the outlet mall over regular stores.
It is such a great way to save some $$!
I had no idea lulu had an outlet!! I need to find one asap
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
There aren’t too many of them, but totally worth a stop if you happen to be near one. Such great deals!
Oh I love outlet malls! I didn’t know Kate Spade had a store! I need to go find one now! 🙂
I adore the Kate Spade outlet. Such amazing prices and everything is always SO cute!! Worth checking out.
I Love the outdoor Outlet Mall concept. So many great shops in one location and hopefully lots of deals to be had. Is that the new Tanger Outlet you’re at? I’ve only been to the New River Outlet in recent visits. Looking forward to exploring the outlets in a couple weeks.
Ohhh YES, a Tory Outlet please!
I was actually at the one in Anthem. The Tanger Outlets are in Glendale, and there is a great outlet mall down in Chandler, too. I need to plan a trip to Vegas or Palm Springs to visit the Tory Burch outlet!
Oh my gosh, this is the outlet at Anthem! Many years ago I spent LOTS of time shopping there. It seemed like it kinda lost it’s appeal for a few years. I’m glad to see it back to what it once was. I’d love to see how it looks now. Although, live in the South Anthem and we are about a
1 1/2 hour drive from the North Anthem. Tory Outlet visit would be amazing. I did take a trip to my local boutique this morning…Opps I did it again! 🙂
The Anthem outlets are my least favorite, but they are the closest to me. Hope you got a few goodies during your Tory visit today!
Gosh I can’t even remember the last time I was at the Anthem Outlets, it’s gotta be over 10 years.
I did just fine at the TB boutique. “Another” pair of TB Minnie travel flats. I should send you a picture of them.
Yes, I’d love to see them!!!
My favorite Outlet Stores are Ann Taylor Factory, Columbia OuterWear, and Tommy Hilfiger. They sell clothing that is the same quality as what’s in their stores and there is ALWAYS a coupon or a sale. Ann Taylor for me, Tommy for the hubby and the kids.
All great choices. Isn’t it amazing how much money you can save there?!
I love outlet stores, I used to shop them all of the time when I lived in CA. I am not sure where they have them here in WA.
My mom loves to shop at Outlet Malls. I will have to tell her about this list in case she doesn’t know about all of them.
Thanks for sharing. Have a good day!
I have an outlet mall in my small town of Williamsburg, Iowa, but the stores aren’t that great. My favorite Outlet Mall would have to be the San Marcos Mall near San Antonio, Texas.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Yes, not all outlet malls are created equal. I’ve never been to the one in Texas but I’m sure I’d love it!