Labor Day Outlet Shopping Post-Mortem

I don't outlet shop on a regular basis. I consider myself an omnivoric-shopper -- one who shops in boutiques like Olive&Bettes, specialty stores like Verve, department stores like Bloomies, and discount stores like Loehmanns, and of course--online, at my favorite stops listed to the left. But there's something to be said for hauling ones-self to an outlet mall where multiple brands both designer and everyday, abut one another in an outdoor, modern-day agora-like setting.

This past weekend hundreds of thousands of people (mostly women) participated in a shopping holiday frenzy that must be second only to the Christmas holiday season, in terms of volume and spending. Myself, sister, niece, and best friend and co-shopper-in-crime made our pilgrimage to an outlet center to take advantage of deep discounts and sales happening for the Labor Day weekend. Our shopping mecca destination--Wrentham, Massachusetts.

It was a very good day. And a little advanced planning completely paid off. We were fed and hydrated, and arrived at our destination within the first two hours of the stores opening. The evening before, we scanned the list of brands and stores at Wrentham, so when we got there we had a plan of attack--JCrew, the Gap, Ugg, Michael Kors, Banana Republic, Williams&Sonoma, were among the top stores to hit. There was no strolling, no chit chat. And once in a store, we systematically worked the floor, scanning wracks, and checking price tags. When the occasion called for it, we split up, but never for long. We stayed together for moments of approval "that looks adorable on you," moments of disapproval "not crazy about that cut on you, and the fabric feels cheap," and moments of unbridled joy and unconditional support: "OH MY GOD that bag is gorgeous!" Me, "But it's $279..." "Yes, but how much was it originally?" Me, "$389. And I've had my eye on it for weeks." "It is so you. You have to get it." Me--Done.

The trick to outlet shopping is to go in without expectation or low expectations. Keep an open mind. Do not go in looking for that ONE item you saw in the most recent JCrew catalog. There's a good chance you won't find it. Most outlets operate weeks, months, and even seasons behind.

We came, we saw, and we all left with some killer deals. My two finds--a Michael Kors black leather handbag with gold hardware accent that is to-die-for, and a new pair of scrumptious shearling lined leather UGGs that will keep me warm on the many shopping excursions I'll find myself on in the city this winter.