Suggestions for Must-Buy items in US stores?

[ruttzy]

Hi Girls,

I'm a Canadian lurker(Southern Ontario) who loves all of you and reads this board daily. I am going on a road trip through New York, Massachusetts and Maine next month on our way to Nova Scotia, and plan on doing some shopping at the outlets and stores that we don't have here in Canada while in the States.

Can you recommend any S&B items that you think are must-buys? A J.Crew Pencil Skirt is already on the list, believe me! I will be doing most of my shopping at Kittery Premium Outlets, if that helps TIA girls!

[melaniesc]

ahh, outlets. love! i'd say check out the Gap and Old Navy outlets for basics. Gap usually has pretty decent deals on jeans as well if you need those. Since it's summer Columbia Sportswear may still be running good deals on their jackets. My DH picked up a new ski jacket from them at the Woodbury outlets in NY this past winter. Definitely stop by Banana Republic for work wear. They may also be marking down their summer stuff too.
If you like Sperry Topsider they have good deals on shoes. I picked up a pair super cheap on clearance during the winter at Woodbury. Sometimes you can hit good deals on boots at Timberland.

[315bride]

I always love to get basic items at the outlets: tank tops, work blouses, etc. But I have gotten great deals on housewares, jewelry/watches, luggage, and things like that.

Some of my favorite found at most outlets: Cole Haan and J.Crew.

Woodbury has some great higher end or more specific brand outlets: AG, Calvin Klein, Theory, Kenneth Cole, Lululemon, and even brands like Versace and Diane von Furstenterg. It is by far the best outlet mall I have even been to (and I've been to all the ones in New England). The only nice thing about the ones in Maine, etc. is that there is no sales tax there.

[honeydew1894]

I was at the Kittery outlets on Tuesday. We had limited time, but we hot JCrew, Gap, and Banana. I wanted to go to Aldo, but didn't have time.

[house]

I agree with PPs. Make sure you pack light so you have room in the suitcase to bring your shopping haul home!