When I get bored with the shopping scene in Lexington, I drive to Cincinnati to visit the Rockwood Commons & Pavillion to shop at the Nordstrom Rack and the Cincinnati Premium Outlets where I frequent the BR Factory Store, BCBG Outlet, J. Crew Outlet, and the Michael Kors Outlet.
Last Saturday, I drove to the Premium Outlets in Cincinnati. And, guess what? I left empty-handed. I get excited by the hunt for affordable treasures, but I am never afraid to return empty-handed, and actually do so on most of my shopping trips.
I usually only share the things that I am buying with you, but I will start checking in from time to time with non-hauls showcasing items that I decide not to buy. So, here’s my first non-haul.
Banana Republic Factory Store
1. This dress would look wonderful at any summer soirée. Unfortunately, it hugged my hips so closely that I probably couldn’t sit in it. Sizing up made the top too large. The price was also not low enough for me to even consider having it altered.
2. Black and white are such a wonderful combination. This dress, however, presented similar problems to the one above. In addition to issues with the fit, the dress was quite sheer, so I kept wondering, “what underwear would I wear with this?”
3. The striking color and cut on this next dress instantly attracted me. Since it flared on the bottom, I figured I could wear my usual size 4. Not quite. The size 4 made my mid-section look bigger than I would like it to (FYI: I am sucking it in for the pic). I am confident, though, that sizing up would have worked, but I was too tired to try on another dress at that point. I never buy anything without trying it on first.
BCBG Outlet
4. This next dress is the only one that I experienced slight regret over not purchasing. It was on sale for an unbelievable $29. It has a bold graphic of print, three-quarter length sleeves, and a how-low-can-you-go plunging v-neckline. Admittedly, I was overwhelmed by the print and the neckline. When I have doubts, I usually pass on purchasing an item. I have thought about this dress a few times since returning home though.
So, what have you NOT been buying?
Have you ever been to the GAP/Banana Repuplic/Old Navy outlet in Northen Kentucky off 275? Sometimes when I am home in Lexington I like to try to get up there. I haven't been in a year or two but typically the prices are MUCH better than the BR factory outlet. You have to dig sometimes, though – tons of merch but a lot of dreck.
@Kristin: Say what? I have been here for just under 3 years and I had never heard of this place, Kristin! When I saw your comment, I immediately looked it up. It is a distribution center too!?!. I will have lots of fun rummaging through that outlet! Thanks! I need to be rolling with you.
I was at the Banana Republic outlet the other weekend. I came to the conclusion that their clothing runs really small! LOVE your blog
http://ashtonscraftycreations.blogspot.com/
lol. You saw my post- I returned a bunch of stuff lkately! : )
That last dress is really stunning. It isn't particularly versatile, but still pretty! : )
@Ashh10: I concur!! Thanks for stopping by!
@Meli22: I sure did you see your post! So, you returned them huh…If I have even the slightest regret about a purchase, I return it without even blinking. When I show my hubbie my new buys, his first question is always, "are you gonna keep it?" Lol!
Not buying blouses or slacks. Really into easy dressing with bold dresses.
Sounds cool, @Sing! I have been steadily building a dress wardrobe too. I love the ease of a dress.
I actually really enjoy hearing the psychology of buying, it was really entertaining to hear why someone else walks away empty handed often!
I think we think alike, if I don't love love love it and envision several uses and occasions for wear, it stays!
Such cool dresses!!!
Love the first one.
Hope all is fine, darling
xoxo
Glad you found directions to the GAP outlet online! I really think when I was in college at UK ('90-'94) about 80% of my clothes came from there. It used to be in a smaller building, and we would go up at 8 am and get in line (they only let a certain number of people in at a time). But since they moved to the Hebron facility in 2000 you can get in with no wait. I hope it is as good now as it used to be – happy hunting! BTW, love your blog and your style. You had me rummaging my Durham, North Carolina TJ Maxx's and Marshalls for that MK straw bag (no luck yet.)
that orange dress is about to make me put milage no my car. lol! Loe the color and the style!!!
I love your blog! I am always looking for blogs that concentrate on dresses. Really wish you had bought that last dress :(.
@Camille: Yes, we are alike indeed! The decision to keep an item I bought is a major process too.
@Seeker: Yes, I am doing well!
@Kristin: Hey UK alum! I teach at UK. I really can't wait to get to that outlet. Thanks so much for hipping me to it. I hope you find the bag. I just saw them appear in the TJ Maxx on Nicholasville Rd now too. I also saw the Santorini in the Michael Kors Outlet. It was $20 more than in Marshalls.
@Anonymous: Talk like that makes me want to jump back in my car to try on the other size. This dress came in a few other colors too, but the orange one had the greatest markdown.
@Pat: Thanks! Definitely stop by again because I am usually wearing a dress. I am typically wearing works styles as well, but I am on vacation now.
Hey – with the last dress–you could always wear it over a tank top or non-lingerie slip…I've seen that done before. It really is stunning!