To Outlet? Or Not to Outlet?

The Practical Prep here! I have gone on quite a few post-Christmas shopping trips. Recently Drew and I headed down to Williamsburg to the Williamsburg Prime Outlets to do some shopping. While I was there I was thinking to myself.. Are outlets really worth all the hubub?

My Answer. Kinda

I usually find one or two things when I go down there, I usually take a trip after thanksgiving to look at possible Christmas gifts. Last year, I bought all of my friends Kate Spade socks and bangles from the Kate Spade Outlet. However, When I ventured to Marshalls I found the same socks for about 4 dollars less. And Kate Spade Bangles, you can find for the same price at your local Nordstrom Rack. This is the same for Ralph  Lauren shirts.

Now I did buy one Ralph Lauren Pink V-neck tee when I went on the most current trip. And Drew racked up on sweaters, long-sleeve tees- and v-necks. But I honestly think you can find most of those things at Marshalls and Tjmaxx..

However, My best find was at.... Jcrew Factory Outlet. I do believe that Jcrew has one of the best outlet stores. On top of most of their sales I can add my 20% student discount by showing my ID so that makes it even more fantastic of a deal. When I went to Jcrew Factory Outlet this time they were having a 50% off clearance for the entire store. can someone say HALLELUJAH!!! I found two awesome basic shirts for 5 dollars.... did you catch that... 5 dollars.. I could have spent hours in the store but Drew and I had limited time so I just bought a couple basic tees and departed.

Jcrew's clothes are not the easiest to find other than at consignment stores, so I think this outlet store is worth the travel, especially when they are having a store sale or clearance event.

Another advantage I personally have at these outlet stores are the GAP brands. With my employee discount I get an additional 30% off at  GAP, Old Navy, or Banana Republic. So when things are already marked down 80% off I feel like I'm stealing it!!! I bought a really cute sweater for around 10 bucks and its already become my new favorite.

All in all I say outlet stores are only sometimes worth the trek. I am an avid shopper at stores such as Marshalls and TJ Maxx who usually carry many of the brands I like to wear at cheaper prices than the outlets. The only downfall is that they do not have as large of a variety nor do they have as many size options. So my advice...Look at the stores before hand and see if they have a additional promotion going on then take the trek and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

 This is my new fav sweater! styled with my Jcrew Bangle, Jcrew Scarf, black jeans, and new Boots!

And these were the 5 dollar basic tees, originally 30 dollars! I got one in white and one in a tan color.