When the Fashion Outlets of Chicago first opened I thought it would be the perfect place for an all day shopping trip with the girls. But don’t wait to plan a big trip – get out there yourself have your own shopping excursion. Do a little research (selfish shopping) and bring your friends back another time! Now is the perfect time to shop, with fall merchandise getting cleared out and new spring offerings coming in. Recently I visited the Fashion Outlets of Chicago for a private bloggers event to celebrate some recently opened shops including Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Trina Turk, Moncler and Zegna. We met at Gibson’s Wine Bar smack dab in the center of the shopping center. It’s a great way to start your shopping (not too much or your judgement will be impaired) or sit back and review and relish your hoist: with a glass of wine!
This outlet center is beautiful and you will forget that it is an outlet, until you see at least 30% off in most of the stores. The mall is minutes from O’Hare Airport in Rosemont and I found driving to be a breeze and there is extremely reasonable parking (enclosed, too, so you can ditch your coat or bring heavy bags back to your car) for only a dollar an hour. Don’t have a car? Simply take the CTA Blue Line to O’Hare and free shuttles continually bring people to Fashion Outlets of Chicago. I learned they offer baggage check and many travelers visit the outlets. This mall blows away duty free!
First I stopped at Burberry. Don’t be intimidated by the security guards or that the shop feels like you are on Michigan Avenue. The staff is very friendly and you will find amazing pieces. Get that handbag you love for 30% off.
Bloomingdale’s had plenty of inventory and an extra 40% off on shoes! I found the department stores to have some of the best deals. At Neiman Marcus Last Call I was eying a $500 B&D handbag that was $125!
Prada had amazing apparel pieces that were reduced 50% – 70% right now! On their handbags and most pieces you can always expect 30% off.
The newly opened Trina Turk outet shop offers great discounts and is ready for spring!
This minibag at L.K.Bennett is adorable! They offered discount on top of reductions so you can save 50-60%!
Time for a candy break, er … to bring back to my nephews! That’s right! Well they’ll never know it was gobbled up on the car ride home! I had to test it out. Every treat you can imagine including all time favorite wrapped candy and chocolates is available at Lolli And Pops.
Looking for diamonds? Check out Kay Jewelers, they had some spectacular pieces, and save 30% on your ring (so you can spend more on your dress!). They offer beautiful “just because” diamonds, too. Skip the wedding!
Oops! What’s this? A wild print pair of pants made their way home with me! These $450 Prada pants for $75 were too fun to pass up.
Visit Fashion Outlets of Chicago soon!
5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL 60018
– Carol Calacci
Photos: Second City Style