Is Outlet Shopping Really Worth It?

Michael Kors recently settled a lawsuit for $4.8 million for misleading its outlet customers by labeling its outlet merchandise as "discounted," when in fact, the outlet goods are made specifically for the outlet.

If you ever pay attention to the clothing tags from a brand's regular retail store at the mall vs. its outlet store, some of the labels have a different look—this is not accidental. Unless you know how your favorite brands handle their outlet or "factory" stores, it's easy to get duped by the illusion you're getting a deal.

Even though Michael Kors may not have labeled their merchandise appropriately, there are plenty of other retailers who manufacture cheaper versions of its products, price the products higher than they should, sell them at their outlet stores and then, as a result, reap higher profits. Racked and HuffPost Style go at length to explain this issue.

With that being said, some of the clothes are indeed from past seasons and from clearance racks at their regular retail stores... Just don't be surprised if you find out that your purchases at Neiman Marcus or Gap or Banana Republic or any other outlet wasn't the steal you thought it was.

Honestly, it's instances like these that remind me why I try to avoid shopping at large retailers and advocate for buying clothing at small businesses. If you're going to spend your money on clothes, you may as well invest in quality and in your community.

Find of the Week | 27

Now that the snow is finally melting, it's time to stock up on spring clothes!

I ran to Gap last week and found some great clearance items that can be worn now and through the spring. I really did try to buy some more color, but the only pieces that really grabbed me were navy, white and grey. 

Supersoft striped boatneck tee in midnight

(I also bought this in solid navy, not available online)

Ribbed raglan sweater in light gray heather

Find of the Week | 23

I didn't go out on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but I made up for it on Sunday...

Shopping on Sunday actually works out, because most businesses end up extending their sales from Black Friday or Small Business Saturday through the weekend and the craziness dies down. I shopped small at The Apothecary Newport, Kristina Richards Studio, and Maison DNA, then went to Gap and Jack Wills for chain stores. Here are the goodies I scored on my mini shopping spree...

I needed a new laptop case--there's actually a cute strapless dress in the same print. 

Thornaby 13-inch Laptop Case, available at Jack Wills

I've been looking for new heels to wear to do double-duty at the office and after-hours. Now that Kristina Richards Studio has turned her Newport location as an outlet store for the winter, I had to stop in and see what shoes were on sale...

Cynthia Vincent Leopard Pointed-Toe Pumps, available at Kristina Richards Studio

The Apothecary Newport had a lot of great deals going on throughout the weekend, including discounts on a several popular skincare and makeup lines, as well as specials on gift cards. I picked up a new perfume and took advantage of two gift card offers.

Tocca "Florence" Travel Fragrance, available at The Apothecary Newport

I had intended to only pick up one pair of pants at Gap, but I ended up stocking up on dress socks and also bought a scarf. I bought a similar scarf last year and wore it death--I plan on doing the same with the new one.

Cozy Plaid Stripe Scarf in Vintage Navy, available at Gap

Slim Cropped Pants in Cast Iron, available at Gap

My two favorite things that I bought today are from Maison DNA, the vintage shop on Spring Street. I bought a vintage Pierre Cardin wallet and a vintage navy cable knit sweater that was made in Ireland for Deauville, France. A picture of the sweater on the ground doesn't do it justice, so I found a picture of a new cardigan that follows a similar concept... 

Pierre Cardin vintage wallet (1970s)

Photo Credit: Jennifer Skog (Three Bird Nest)

Find of the Week | 17 and a Few Thoughts

My mom and I were out running errands yesterday when I suggested we check out the shops in Westport. It was a gorgeous spring day and well worth taking advantage of the warmer weather. We stopped into several shops, including Theory and Calypso St. Barth's, but we found some great deals at Loft and Gap.

While my mom was at an appointment, I camped out at Starbucks and worked on my thesis research.

Theory

I would be more than happy to have most of my career clothing to be completely from Theory...

As far as Calypso St. Barth's, I would shop here for my island-hopping and warm weather travels... 

I am still amazed at the bargains I scored: Marisa Straight Leg pants by Loft (originally $69.50, bought on sale for $14.88); GBalance yoga pants by GapFit (originally $39.50, bought on sale for $7.69)

Faux leather bow bracelet by Gap (originally $14.95, bought on sale for $5.58)

On a personal note, as much as I admire higher-end fashion brands, I don't think you need a million dollars to achieve the million-dollar look. If you don't have the budget to buy a Hermes handbag or a Theory suit, why devote so much of your resources--not just your money, but also your time--to obtain it when there are so many other lines that can probably give off the same look? Unless you wear your clothes inside out so everyone can see the label, you're the only one who really knows the difference.

If you have the spending money to buy the Birkin, then that's awesome--you probably deserve it. Otherwise, bargain hunt, thrift shop, or clothes swap with your friends--save your money for the trip you've always wanted to go on or your rent for next month.

You know what they say: money can't buy style. 

Narragansett: Keeping Busy

This is the moment when having three weeks left till the spring semester starts to settle in. I am getting fairly bored... Thankfully I have been good at finding ways to keep myself occupied besides work, like selling back textbooks on Amazon's Trade-In Store, organizing the beauty drawer, or watching documentaries on HuluPlus.

I just hope I don't run out of things to do. #firstworldproblems

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Today's Outfit: Sweater, Old Navy; Shirt, Gap; Jeans, Martin + Osa; Boots, Dolce Vita

Newport/Narragansett: Justin's Peanut Butter Cup and

I'm not sure if it was the slow internet connection or sleeping in a little late, but the second day at work dragged on a bit. Once it was over, I became more energized while out running errands to put gas in the car and buy green tea at Food for Thought in Wakefield.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

I always find myself buying Justin's Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups before leaving Food for Thought--it's a habit that I will proudly indulge in 2013. Justin's is a better alternative for several reasons:

1. It's gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, kosher, and vegan friendly.
2. It's Rainforest Alliance certified.
3. It's a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
4. Most importantly, it really does taste a thousand times better than Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, and that's saying something.

There are also Justin's peanut butter cups available in milk chocolate, but dark chocolate would be the healthier choice.

Season 2 of All on the Line with Joe Zee was incredible. My favorite episode would have to be the final episode of the season with Nicole Miller at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. It was great getting a behind-the-scenes look at an established designer's studio and see that even renowned designers need help from time to time to keep their brand fresh.

I tried out my curling iron today was happy to find that it was easy to use for everyday, my hair came out looking great.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Today's Outfit: Sweater, vintage; Leggings, Gap; Boots, Dolce Vita

Wilton/Narragansett: Last, Last Minute Prep for the Holidays

My boyfriend and I did not end up going to New York City on Friday--there was a terrible storm in the morning. We could have gone later, but if we waited through the storm and went in the afternoon, being in the city days before Christmas would be crazy.

Instead, my boyfriend and I went to the mall and I unloaded my disappointment on some retail therapy at Forever 21.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Black Ankle Boots, $34.40

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Black Lace Dress with Long Sleeves, $15.50 (no longer available on the website)

Yesterday, my boyfriend took me to breakfast at Orem's before my family and I went back to Rhode Island. He also took me to Starbucks and helped me run a few errands for my family, including picking up a Christmas wreath--he is an absolute saint.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Saturday's Outfit: Jacket, Express; Jeans, Express; Boots, Forever 21; Scarf, Forever 21; Bag, (from Madison Avenue street vendor)

Don't mind my boyfriend in the glare of the glass door :)

Narragansett/Wickford: Gossip

The second half of finals begins tomorrow (by tomorrow, I mean later today), but I have been in no mood to study let alone stay still. I am more worried about finishing up Christmas shopping and already trying to figure out winter break plans and internship forms for next semester.

Yesterday, my dad and I went to Gossip Boutique in Wickford to pick out a Christmas gift for my mom. We got her two beautiful "somethings" that she will love--I don't want to post what it is in case my mom reads it! 

While we were there, I asked the owner, Janelle Feigley, if she was accepting applications for spring 2013 interns.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

I had assembled a few "resume packages" earlier this week to give to potential internship sites. Gossip Boutique was one, as was Isoude in Newport and KC Shoes at the Pier in Narragansett. The "package", which included a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and information on the blog, was printed on resume paper, a Damask watermark, and tied with matching Damask ribbon. 

Upon handing Janelle the resume package, she seemed really impressed by the gesture and said that she would be happy to have me as an intern! It's not technically official until I have the paperwork filled out, but it looks like I will be interning at Gossip next semester--can't wait!

Later in the afternoon, we saw The Hobbit. I didn't read the books, so I can't give a fair assessment of it, but the film was enjoyable. As a Lord of the Rings fan, it's nice to have a return of Tolkein in theaters. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

One of Mom's holiday treats--candy pretzels!

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

Friday's Outfit: Sweater, Gap; Tank, To the Max; Pants, Gap; Boots, Wild Diva

I slept in this morning and helped my mom bake Christmas cookies before making an attempt to study. Of course, I fell asleep instead... 

I just want finals to be over already...

Newport/Narragansett/New York: The Big Weekend Recap; PGC 2012 Days 18-21

I haven't blogged in a few days, and a lot has happened.

First of all, I got my first PGC 2012 prize in the mail! As of today, I have five more prizes coming. It's like Christmas, except Santa is tossing out organic, non GMO foods and riding a Hybrid sled instead of unethically traded, processed candy and a BigRedSled450.

Thank you Teens Turning Green! 

Thursday's PGC 2012 Day 18 challenge focused on technology. One component of the challenge was to take a picture of all the electronics in your possession. When I got out all of my electronics and put them together, at least two of them were faulty or dead. My iPod Nano, for example, has been rendered obsolete, because I have an iPhone. It's weird thinking about how we are constantly shelling out a lot of money for technology that keeps changing every 18 months.

 I could buy the iPhone 5, but I am waiting as long as possible to buy a new phone.

Thursday's Outfit: Cardigan, Old Navy; Shirt, Forever 21; Jeans, Gap; Booties, Report; Bracelets, Primark

All my electronics

 Friday's PGC 2012 Day 19 Challenge was organic cotton. I made a Pinterest board of organic cotton products--I wish I could buy them in real life.

Friday's Outfit: Sweater, Gap; Leggings, Gap; Boots, Coach

Saturday morning, my friend and I volunteered at the Newport Food Truck Festival at the Yachting Center. My boyfriend and I tried to go to the Food Truck Throwdown in Boston (I was told there's a difference between the two events), but it was really crowded. I was happy to volunteer for a little while before I went home to celebrate my grandfather's birthday, but it was so misty and cold standing outside! Of course by the time I left, the sun was shining brightly like a late summer afternoon. After such a busy day, I found it ironic that the PGC 2012 Day 20 Challenge focused on wellness and less stress.

Chocolate cupcake--and if you must know, it really was a "Kick*ss" cupcake

Izze had a booth at the Food Truck Festival and were giving out tasting samples. I asked if they had the Pomegranate flavor, my favorite, and they were kind enough to give me the bottle for free. That made my morning.

I went to New York City yesterday with member of the student newspaper and the student literary magazine. Aside from the fact I woke up late and sped over to Newport at 5:50 am to catch a 6:30 am bus, it was so much fun.

My roommate from Oxford went on the trip and we hung out most of the time. When we all got dropped off at Rockefeller Plaza, she and I went to H&M, Starbucks, Alice's Tea Cup on 42nd St., Laduree, and Central Park. After spending way too much money than we should have, we ate at Subway for lunch. From there, she went to the New York Public library for a tour, and I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Andy Warhol exhibit. Afterwards, we walked through the city one more time to get to our bus to leave. 

Needless to say, I did not get any homework completed while I was in the city, so I stayed up late last night studying and finishing up the PGC 2012 Day 21 Challenge, sharing and collaborative consumption. 

Those are indeed $900 shoes in a fish tank.

After going to the Laduree teahouse in Harrod's I have been wanting to come  here. I want to come here every time I'm in the city...

The only thing holding me back is that this small box--6 macarons--is $21.00. That's French imports for you.

Sunday's Outfit: Jacket, Bebe; Pants, Gap; Belt, vinage; Tank Top, (from Oxford); Bag, (from a NYC vendor); Flats, Nomad