Looking for designer wear but want to shop smart?
The new Fashion Outlets of Chicago has everyone from practical moms to fashionistas buzzing.
Getting There
Construction and confusing signs mean you should pre-map the route (we took an impromptu tour of O’Hare). Once the roads are complete, it should be easy-on, easy-off, but not quite yet. Happily, the parking garage is a thing of wonder. If you plan to shop all day, pay $10 for valet parking. Otherwise, head to the third floor of the garage, which equates to the second floor of the mall. Follow the green lights, and park in indoor comfort. The first two hours are free, and it’s $2 an hour after that.
Choose Your Strategy
Go on a Thursday or Friday. You’ll avoid the weekend crowds, and the stores will be fully stocked. The first floor of the mall is pretty standard outlet fare, where you’ll find a lot of teens and moms with kids in tow. The second floor is where to shop for you!
Big Designers
Brunello Cucinelli, Burberry (finally open), Gucci and Prada all have stores, but the quality and savings vary greatly. Brunello had an amazing sale, but the other luxury stores were less exciting. We found an abundance of over-logo’d pieces—many made in China or Turkey—which seemed geared toward the O’Hare tourist. Be sure to ask what is made for the outlet and what is discounted brand merchandise.
Stores We Loved
Youngish fashion, but some pieces work for almost anyone. Clothes are six to eight weeks behind the Chicago store, but all were on sale, plus an extra 30 percent off.
Shop for: embellished tanks, photo-realistic prints and shoes.
This outlet probably has as much merchandise as the Oak Street store, but in a fraction of the space. You won’t mind when you see the discounts.
Shop for: men’s and women’s designer wear, like 3.1 Phillip Lim and L’Wren Scott.
They had just gotten 50 boxes direct from the DVF Las Vegas store, but still offered to call us if there was something specific we wanted but didn’t see. Nice!
Shop for: iconic wrap dresses, but also gorgeous blouses and skirts.
Not everything is on sale all the time, but if you need a Dutch oven and aren’t fussy about your color, you’ll definitely save 25-30 percent.
Shop for: cast-iron classics and small kitchen tools.
Have a job that requires some nice-looking basics in black, gray or navy? Start here. The clothes are six to eight weeks behind, but with a sheath dress, does it matter?
Shop for: great-fitting, office-appropriate, stylish separates.
Current-season clothes and accessories aren’t discounted, but those made for the outlet or past season are at a savings. If you love this brand, it’s a must stop.
Shop for: tunics, and if you like the logo, you’ll have plenty of accessories to choose from.
This newer addition to the mall—and the beloved brand’s only outlet—carries about 50 percent past-season merchandise and 50 percent made for the outlet. They also have a limited selection of home goods and a few men’s items.
Shop for: signature prints, bikinis and cover-ups.
While still expensive, these classic, preppy swim trunks cost $117 instead of $250. My husband thought it was outrageous, but I’m happy he’ll look stylish on the beach.
Shop for: three styles for men—young guy (shorter), suburban guy (longer) and board short (very long and no lining).
Delicious Lunch Options
All that shopping means you’ve earned your lunch. Head to Prasino for food that bears absolutely no resemblance to the dreary offerings of mall food courts. We started with the Kale and Spinach salad, bright with lemon and gilded with Parmesan. Crunchy flatbreads and fresh sushi rolls round out the lighter lunch choices, but if you’re there with kids or a guy (so sorry!), they’ll find plenty to choose from.
Photo by Kevin Prudencio.
Or check out the myriad restaurant choices at MB Financial Park, just across from the Fashion Outlets, including Park Tavern, Chicago Hofbrauhaus and the Five Roses Pub.
All photos courtesy of store. Top photo: Courtesy Tory Burch.
