Shelly's Modeling Agencies | Outlet Malls | Hot Topic

Shelly's Modeling Agencies hot topic is about getting prime deals for pennies at outlet malls. When money is tight, the hunt is on for the best deals at the lowest prices. We asked our team for their best outlet mall shopping experiences. I am a shopper. This passion can be costly, so I have learned to frequent various outlet malls in search or bargains on designer clothes and accessories. That way, I can fuel the fashion beast and stay out of the poorhouse. During a recent trip Shelly's Modeling Agencies took to the Rio Grande Premium Outlets in Mercedes, Texas, I found a Tory Burch all purpose black leather tote that retailed for $595; the outlet mall price was $275, a 53 percent savings. Other great finds; a pair of True Religion denim shorts, which retailed for $191-the outlet mall price $75; and a drop-dead-gorgeous classic party dress by Australian designers Easton Pearson that retailed for $1,450, a mere $101 at the Las Americans Premium OUtlets in San Ysidro, Calf. A couple of shopping caveats; Don't leave home without comfortable shoes, which are a must for the seasoned outlet mall shopper, as is an outfit ideal for trying on clothers, such as leggings and a T-shirt. You can put almost anything on over leggings and fitted T-shirt, important if you are a visitor to the area because returns will be difficult, so a good fit is a must. And the hunt for more bargains continues!

Last Chance is the best bargain store we at Shelly's Modeling Agencies frequent, but you definitely need stamina to dig for the gems hidden among the Nordstrom returns and defects. I am addicted to finding designer labels at bargain-basement prices, so I travel there a couple of times a year to hunt. My latest finds were a Tory Burch handbag for $69 (regularly $495); Tory Burch signature flats. $69 (regularly $195); Ellen Tracy pants for $11; and a Ralph Lauren dress for $10.

A recent trip yielded Adidas shell toes for $22.50 and Banana Republic had Michelle Obama-style dresses for $19.99 My teen cousin went crazy at Aeropostale, where three screen-printed T-shirts could be had for $30. My mother-in-law found the perfect white, church-choir scalloped suit at the Kasper store for $100. The hubby found $15 rugby and collared casual shirts at Polo Ralph Lauren and Nautica. The piece de resistance, however, was snagging an authentically old-school, 14-inch-deep, preburned, cast-iron Dutch oven from Carolina Pottery. It was $40, heavy, coal black and perfect for the Friday night fish fry. Upside? Great deals and light traffic. Downside? Our feet hurt!

I stumbled on this outlet while driving back to Chicago from Milwaukee and was pleasantly surprised with the variety-a St. John outlet, where I was able to grab a pair of knit slacks for $6 and some jeans at Jones New York for $10. Chefs will appreciate the Calphalon and Corningware Corelle Revere Factory Stores, while parents should be able to pick up some great back-to-school deals at the Stride Rite, Oshkosh, Nautica Kids and Gap Outlet stores.