Like conquering a sample sale and committing to buy the ultimate investment bag, shopping outlet stores can be a bit of an undertaking — requiring prep work, emotional resolve for the general public and good old fashioned critical thinking, or one may think! Really, outlet stores are shopping’s best kept secret with bargains completely overruling the misconceived thoughts of handbags at dawn! It’s all about being smart, informed and strategic, or you could just rock up to Scotland’s largest at Livingston Designer Outlet and start shopping!
Back in the day, these big designer outlets were known for irregular pieces and all the leftover stock no one wants, and yes some of this is still true in some places but Livingston Designer Outlet gets my two shopping thumbs up for one reason – ready to shop visual merchandising. It’s incredible what a little shop fit can do to get those shopping juices flowing! From easy to browse rails to interesting and clean displays, the Outlet knows how we want to shop. I mean just because we’re getting something discounted doesn’t mean we want to work for it, am I right?! This is why Livingston Designer Outlet prides itself in its high end stores with fittings to match. From GAP to Fred Perry, Adidas to Nike and even our favourite make up brands. Outlet shopping is changing for the better, and I’m not just talking about the products, I’m giving a shout out to the friendly knowledgeable staff too!
As a Glasgow girl, the Outlet was a bit more than a hop, skip and a jump away, taking around an hour to get there. Not long after arriving, I realise it was very much worth the ride as there was literally something for everyone. Pretty much acting as the perfect destination when you need that one stop shop! There were many things that caught my eye – most of which came home with me – but there were some discounts I had to double take and try not to pile high in a trolly, namely the £25 Levi trend 501’s or 2 for £99 on classics, that’s £6 cheaper than one single pair in the original store! Can you believe it? I barely could…
As you can tell from the last statement, the key to outlet shopping is not getting too carried away by how much you are saving, otherwise you may spend more than you originally wanted. Look as if you were buying it full price, would you still want it then? I had £100 to spend and let me tell you, it was really tough to narrow down what was needed and what was just too tempting! Here’s what made the cut…
I have been a huge fan of Smashbox cosmetics for some time and as an all year round chapped lips sufferer, I need my lippy with added moisture! Not only did the The Cosmetics Company Store have discounted classics from Estee Lauder Double Wear to Clinique’s 3 step skincare, but they also do great discontinued colours and collections from Mac, Bumble and Bumble and more. I grabbed two of my favourite Smashbox lippys – one a replacement after sooking it dry – for £10 off! The other was to add to my love for rich brown shades but really, it was a difficult choice from the fab collection they had on show.
Next up I visited both Clarks and Kurt Geiger, both housing some present season stock with discounts attached. I tried on a good few pairs but ended up coming home with these sleek silver pointed flats. I need some more closed toe flats in my life and Clarks shoes are so well made, I grabbed these ones for £25 down from £55.
I spotted this bright orange carry on suitcase almost immediately when I walked into the centre. I have been looking out for an orange one for some time but not been able to justify the meaty price tag you usually find on nice designer holdalls, until now. This is the baby sister of Antler and came in at just £42 from £89 and comes with a 5 year Guarantee and padlock!
Lastly, I visited French Connection. I’ve never been a huge shopper of the brand as – quite frankly – I’ve never been able to afford it, until now. Khaki is the colour of next season so I stocked up early with this gorge sheer shirt for just £12 down from £75!
What’s great about Livingston Designer Outlet (apart from the super cute interiors above) is that you don’t need to wait till sale time to make a saving. Open 7 days a week and discounting all year round so there’s no excuse to go and take a peek. Whether it’s stocking up on sportsgear, your make up bag or festive shopping, there’s nowhere else you’ll find such high quality pieces at pocket friendly prices, while keeping your sanity at least! Will you be trying Livingston Designer Outlet?
*with thanks to Livingston Designer Outlet
is this a sponsored post?
Yes, any * or thanks at the end are posts where brands get in touch with me to work together. Hope you enjoyed it! X