Hunting and Gathering

I'm a HUGE fan of the upscale discount store. Fortunately, I live close to Potomac Mills. It's a so called outlet mall. In most cases I truly doubt that many of the stores are true outlets. Outlet shopping has become such big business many brands are creating lines for their outlet stores that have their label but have a lower quality. The exception to this is the department store outlet. My three favorites are, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off 5th and Neiman Marcus Last Call.

These stores supply shoppers with overstocks and last season merchandise at great prices. Nordstrom Rack has a fantastic shoe selection, just like their stores. My closet is a testament to this. Saks Off 5th has clothes in all sizes and a great purse selection. Neiman Marcus Last Call is on the higher end of the price range but if you are looking for high end, their prices can't be beat. On a recent trip, I found Manolo Blahniks, originally $500 - $750 for $200 - $325. They also have a great bag and sunglasses collection as well as many designer buys. Saks Off 5th and Neiman Marcus Last Call offer additional discounts and coupons if you sign up through their websites.

I'm touting these stores because I just had a fantastic trip to Nordstrom Rack. I had been coveting a pair of Michael Kors McGraw slingback wedges. They were listed for $129.00.



At the time they were a bit high for me so I decided to wait. Then I saw them on sale. I was thrilled but unfortunately, they didn't have my size. I went hunting and of course, I couldn't find them anywhere. Yesterday I decided to do a little retail therapy. I went to Nordtrom Rack. Searching through the racks and the shelves for a great deal is a zen like experience for me. I was just about to leave empty handed when, on the bottom shelf I spied the Michael Kors wedges! They were camel suede but I didn't care. I looked at the price and I was even more thrilled. They were $36 with an additional 35% off! I searched the rack a little more and found another pair in black and cream snake skin with a black patent platform! I left the store with two pairs of the coveted Michael Kors wedges, for less than 1/2 of the original price.

If you'd like to indulge in some great bargains, all three stores have searches on their sites. Check to see if there is a store near you. If there isn't, maybe you could plan a trip to the DC area and hit Potomac Mills on your next vacation.

Search for Nordstrom Rack, click here.

Search for Saks Off 5th, click here.

and

Neiman Marcus Last Call, click here.

Happy Shopping!