Sold on steals

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It is end-of-season sale time now. My friend claims she bought a Christian Dior python skin jacket which was originally priced at US $30,000 for US $900. Now that’s what I call a steal. I saw it. It is a soft beige short jacket which I think she will wear forever. It is a classic piece which can never date. I love it.

She headed I believe for the designer outlet near Florence called The Mall. It is honestly the place to go with Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bodega Veneto, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hogan, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod’s,Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent all under one roof. A lovely day out with Tuscan cuisine and shopping. What more can a girl ask for? Check it out on www.themall.it [3].
If you are looking for high street brands then the place to go is the Berberino Mall, a few kilometres from Florence (http://www.mcarthurglen.it/barberino/ [4]). Your other half may not grumble as it has electronic shops such as Bose and some very fine wine stores as well.
While in London head straight to Bicester village (www.bicestervillage.com [5]). An hour from Central London, it is very conveniently connected by public transport. The only problem is that if you decide to shop till you drop, the journey back in the train, tube or bus may actually make you drop.
Bicester Village is nestled in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside and it is a pretty drive. It is massive and difficult to cover in one day however enthusiastic you are, even if you go there with the zeal of a marathon runner — Asics shoes and all. The list of designers reads like a who’s who of the fashion world. What is interesting also is the home and lifestyle shops such as Ralph Lauren Home and Wedgewood. Bodum is good if your kitchen is your temple.
In France they are called magasins d’usine (factory shops). There are some in Paris suburbs, but the largest stores are in Troyes. There are more than 200 shops with 450 different brands.
There is of course the idea of buying things very very cheap even if you will never ever need them. My strong advice — do not fall prey to such desires. Be focused and buy just a few high ticket items which are exorbitant in the designer stores. Just like my friend did.

The writer owns a fashion brand based in Europe. She can be reached on info@amishi.eu [6]