Let’s be honest — shopping always sounds fun but can be overwhelming in the moment. A couple weekends ago, I had a girls’ day with one of my blogger besties, Tif, at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. If you missed my post from Tuesday on the event we hosted you can read it here & Tif’s recap here! Keep reading for my top tips for outlet shopping and some of my favorite outlet finds.
{See the full post of this work wear look from the Outlet Shoppes here!}
Top Tips for Outlet Shopping | Your Shopping Partner, Your List + Your Budget
Having the right partner in crime is so key. We all know the situation; you go shopping with your significant other and three stores in, he leans over and says, “So we’re done now, right?” While I’ve been spoiled by the fact that the Outlet Shoppes are a twenty minute drive from my house before the Bluegrass center opened, the closest outlet center was an hour and a half away. If you’re making the haul, be sure to choose a shopping partner that can hang with you.
Before our girls’ day, Tif and I each made a loose list of the kind of outfits we wanted to pick up during our shopping trip. While you will inevitably see an item you love that’s not on your list, knowing what you’re shopping for will make the trip easier. For those wondering, I said that I would for sure purchase pieces for three outfits: work wear, casual and Easter. While you’re shopping keep this list in mind so that the pieces you buy meet your objectives.
Finally, think about the money! So many people see the word ‘sale’ and lose their mind. If you know exactly how much you want to spend before you even park, you’ll save yourself from a lot of buyers’ remorse.
Top Tips for Outlet Shopping | Don’t Leave Money on the Table!
At the Bluegrass Outlets, you can purchase a coupon book for $5 {it’s free if you have AAA!}; while I only used mine at two stores, it saved me over $50. Most outlet centers offer similar coupon books that are worth purchasing if you plan to shop at several stores. While there are a ton of different couponing apps that you can download, I keep RetailMeNot on my phone so that I can quickly pull up in-store offers.
I also like RetailMeNot because it will show you the online offers; while not every store will offer their online promotions, it’s always good to ask. While we were shopping for our event, Tif had several different offers. The J. Crew Factory associates worked with both of us to make sure all discounts were honored and we each got a $20 cash card for each $100 we spent!
Top Tips for Outlet Shopping | Keep Those Eyes Peeled
As was previously mentioned, sticking to your overall list is key. While doing this, also keep your eyes open for items on your lust list — like the Rebecca Minkoff bag above! On our big shopping day, I did manage to complete all of my shopping objectives, but I also snagged some items that weren’t on my list like the bold purple bag and the blue gingham skirt.
Just as I was getting ready to breeze out of the handbag section of Saks Off Fifth, I spotted this pop of purple and had to rush over to see if it was the bag I’ve had my eye on for months. Sure enough, it was! No one wants to spend days and days sifting through racks, but be sure to scout out the stores you love.
Top Tips for Outlet Shopping | Check the Clearance Section
Now, speaking of sifting through racks — make sure you hit the clearance racks! So often, these marked down items are subject to even deeper discounts. While Tif was trying a dress on at Brooks Brothers, I paced around the store and eventually ended up grabbing the blue blouse with a contrasting collar.
Since it was a fall top, it had an additional 40% off the clearance price. Similarly, whenever I shop at the Express Factory, I make a point to browse their clearance. Usually, I can find the Portofino blouses that I love for about $15!
Top Tips for Outlet Shopping | The Follow Up
After your shopping trip, be sure to try on items at home if you didn’t get to in store & see if your new pieces go with items already in your closet. Be sure to keep your receipts on hand and check out any bounce back type coupons you may have gotten. Like I mentioned before, I received a “cash card” coupon from J. Crew Factory. When I stopped back in last weekend, I spotted the super cute polka dot shift and ended up only paying $1.29 for it since I had returned with my coupon.
If you need to exchange items for a different size or because you may have found damage to an item, be sure to keep track of how long the retailer gives you to return or exchange.
Happy shopping! I’d love to hear about your favorite outlet finds and any tips you may have in the comments below.
TOP TIPS FOR OUTLET SHOPPING | SHOP MY FAVORITE FINDS
Great tips! We have outlets opening this fall nearby and I’m so excited!
Ooo that’s so exciting!!
Nice tips for outlet shopping. Also, you got so many cute pieces showcased here!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Aww thank you so much Jessica! Hope you had a fab weekend 🙂