If there were something like Batman’s bat signal for bargain hunters, it would be up in the sky over the Kate Spade outlet store in Vacaville, California, right now.
There’s a HUGE outlet mall in Vacaville, which is about an hour north of the Bay Area, and it’s like an oasis of awesomeness in the Central Valley (between San Francisco and Sacramento).
Vacaville Premium Outlets: List of Stores
We stopped by on our way home yesterday from Redding, and I kid you not — it took us 30 minutes to actually find the Kate Spade store. That’s how big the mall is. We just kept driving around the giant parking lots.
But we did eventually find it. It’s a big one, too, with a wide selection of bags, purses, clothes, jewelry and accessories like belts, iPhone and iPad cases and scarves — no shoes, though (boo!).
Last weekend was the store’s grand opening, and everything was 40% off. On top of that, the sales associates were giving out coupons for an additional 20% off, so yeah.
I saw so many things I’ve recently drooled over on the Kate Spade website, which was a good sign, but the prices weren’t earth-shatteringly lower than the sale prices I’ve seen on katespade.com.
But I get the feeling they’ll have some great sales at the outlet store from time to time.
I tried on a few dresses and cardigans but didn’t leave with any clothing.
Well, I mean… I didn’t leave with any NEW clothing.
You know what I meant. 🙂
Incidentally, every piece of Kate Spade clothing I’ve tried on in the past has always fit like a glove, but everything I tried on at the outlet store was a little off. Either the fit was wonky in certain places, or the clothing had details that didn’t seem quite right, like plastic zippers that looked less-than-luxe.
I’ve read that some outlet stores carry things that are specifically made for the outlets, and sometimes those pieces aren’t of the same construction as the things carried in the regular stores.
I don’t know if that was the case here, but I’m just saying… If you go, try everything on first, and give it a good once-over before you buy.
Even though I didn’t flip for the clothes, I didn’t walk away empty-handed. I did pick up some jewelry, which seemed up to par with the quality I’ve seen at my local Kate Spade store.
With the 60% discount (or thereabouts), it was a pretty good deal. The round Gumdrop Stud earrings pictured here usually go for $28, but I got ’em for $13. Not bad!
Do you live near an outlet mall? What do you think about them? Are there usually good deals?
I used to live in Fairfield, right by Vacaville, and remember how exciting it was when the Outlet stores open. I sure wish they had exciting stores like Kate Spade when I lived closer to there!
My family and I used to live in Vacaville! Waaaay back, from 1989-1994, my dad was stationed at the Air Force base there. I was 10 when we left to move back to my mom’s home state of Texas. We used to go to the outlet, although I’m sure it was smaller then. Anyway, there’s a big outlet mall about 45 minutes north of San Antonio (where I am now) in a little city called San Marcus, which is also where I went to college (Texas State!). It’s got a Kate Spade, Off 5th, Neiman’s Off the Rack and a lot of other high end stores. I think I need to make a visit!
Oooh man, it was early when I commented. I can’t be a Texas State Alumna and spell the name of the town wrong! It’s San Marcos and it has Tanger and Prime outlets. They are two separate outlet malls, but built right next to each other so it’s extra big!
I absolutely adore Kate Spade jewelry! If you check out the store online and read the product descriptions you’ll notice that they say if the item is made specifically for the outlet. A majority of the stuff they sell for their surprise sales are made for outlet items. 🙂
I went. The 60% off was such a good deal that I couldn’t resist!
Oh those popsicles, how cute 🙂 If had an outlet close to me I’d definitely go there trying to score nice deals!
I went for the first time on Memorial Day Weekend. They were located in a smaller store across from Burburry. Overheard the associate say they were moving across to a bigger store where Juicy used to be. Guess this is their grand opening? Anyway waited in line as they were having a 50% sale as well as additional 20% on handbags. Ended up buying my first Kate Spade bag. Heard a rumor a store could be opening at the Gilroy Outlets… Bad for me as I tend to go when I visit my parents. Hope these don’t spring up like the Coach outlet… Kind of enjoying the exclusivity
Oh, my gosh .. those are the cutest jewelry pieces!
Monica.
I splurged at the Orlando Premium outlet Kate Spade store just two days ago!!! I’m holidaying in the US from Australia, so cannot resist!
I’ve gotta try to find a Kate Spade Outlet around here. I’m obsessed with everything Kate! Love your haul
I love the J.Crew outlet, I tend to order online since I don’t have an outlet near me. Saw a really cute Kate Spade handbag at TJMaxx, but it was a little to structured for me, I like more of a slouchy/hobo look. I also love the cosmetics company outlet, such a good deal on MAC, among other brands.
I love Kate Spade. Her pieces are so cute! Too bad I don’t have a store near me.
The little chomped popsicles are crazy cute 🙂
We have an outlet mall here, but I’m not personally super enthusiastic about the brand selection. Still, it’s nice that there’s an outdoor store, as that stuff really is expensive at full price!
Those are some cute finds! A Kate Spade store is opening in my city and I can’t wait. We don’t have an outlet of any kind yet but they say they are opening one in a nearby city.
I did go to ones in Vegas and really liked them. I wish I could have stayed for longer but the open air concept for the one I really liked made it difficult to shop. It was far too warm. I did find some great deals, though.
Loved your picks Karen.. that bow neckpiece is so cutte.. <3
and yummy ice cream for ears.. sounds delicious.. 😉
OH! I did not know Tanger Outlet in San Antonio had a Kate Spade! I always went to the cooking stores (WIlliam Sonoma) for dish towel and other kitchen stuff. I only have to convince the husband to brave the crowds…
Outlet shopping is awesome. Here in MD, we have quite a few options. The Hagerstown, MD outlets are about 30 minutes from me. I’ve gotten great deals from there in the Under Armour Outlet, Columbia Outlet, and Banana Republic Outlet. There is a Coach outlet, too, where you can get Coach purses for $200 or less (though I haven’t bought one yet).
Then there is the Arundel Mills Mall, which is an outlet mall. This one is about 45 minutes east of me, in Anne Arundel County by the Chesapeake Bay. Lots of shopping options, plus we have the restaurant Medieval Times, which is where you eat dinner watching live jousting. They also just opened up the Maryland Live! Casino there, too, so Arundel Mills is very busy. We go there more often than Hagerstown because Bass Pro Shops is there for the hubby.
Down in VA, about an hour south of me, is the Potomac Mills Mall in Occoquan. This one is even bigger than Arundel Mills and has more shopping than you know what to do with. In MD and VA, you still get taxed, though. If you want tax-free outlet shopping, the Rehoboth Beach Outlets in Rehoboth Beach, DE (just about 20 minutes north of Ocean City, MD) are the way to go. They also have pretty much everything you could think of or want to shop at.
I love the bow necklace!