Outlets

Firstly, my sincere apologies for my unexplained absence. My cousins are in town and this week has just been SO hectic. I'm predicting a return to regular posting Monday.

But while I'm talking about my cousins...they are seriously so cute! The girl, J, is 9 (or as she always says, nine-and-a-half!) and the boy, N, is 7. We've been having so much fun this week going to the park, walking Lola (my maltipoo:) See my profile picture...what a cutie!), and yesterday involved a surprise trip to the Premium Outlets! Because of where I live I can easily get to the ones in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (it's right on the Illinois-Wisconsin border) and the ones in Aurora, Illinois. Yesterday I was at the ones in Aurora, which I actually like more. More stores and more savings make for a very happy North Shore Prep.

The first store our shopping militia (Mama, Titi B, J, N, and me) hit up was PacSun. I got this sweater, but in cream with navy stripes.

But what I really wanted to tell you guys about was my absolute HAUL at the J.Crew Factory Store. Which, oh my goodness, you can shop online. With FREE. SHIPPING. But anyway, I got so much stuff, it's crazy.

This tissue tee, which I love. I walked in, saw it, and knew I'd be walking out with it, no question.

This sweater, which I love. I almost got it in black and grey too. I'm totally obsessed with the combination of coral and navy right now, as well as orange with navy. You'll be seeing a lot more of it, not from this trip, but from future ones, I promise :)

Shorts. I already have these in navy, khaki, and peach. These were the only black pair left in my size (fate? Absolutely.) so I figured I'd get white another day.

There's not much to say about this shirt, other than that it's super comfy and Mama got it in grey. Stealworthy? You bet.

The Schoolboy Blazer. If you don't own one currently, get on that, stat. I think I might be accidentally quoting College Prepster when I say that this blazer is love, but it's so true. Normally retails for $188, but with my discount and it's reduction to factory prices, I got mine for about $130. This is possibly the best purchase I've ever made in my life. It looks great with everything, and I am totally predicting that I'll be throwing this on over absolutely everything.

Mama got some things too, which I will definitely be, ahem, borrowing. We also went to the True Religion outlet where I scored a $273 pair of dark wash straight leg jeans for $129.99, and then Mama shut me down for the day. But on my trip back, I'll be checking out Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, 7 for All Mankind, and Coach Factory Store.

When shopping the outlets, it's very important to make use of all your resources. Join the VIP Club and print out your online coupons and your voucher for a coupon book which you can pick up from the manager's office. Said book got me 10% off at J.Crew. In addition, most stores are running promotions all the time to increase savings. At J.Crew, my sweater was 40% off, the tissue tees were 20% off, and all shorts were 30% off. Can you say huge savings? Have a plan of action, and don't go to stores you haven't previously decided on before showing up. It's really easy to impulse buy at an outlet as it's easy to believe you're saving tons of money.

What are your favorite outlets and factory stores? And what are your tips for shopping the outlets?

XO

North Shore Prep