THE BIGGEST BRANDS WITH HUGE DISCOUNTS

Last Wednesday, my alarm clock went off at 04:30, my favourite time. But with a good reason because I went on a press trip to London and Paris. A shop press trip, to be precise. I rolled my Rimowa suitcase which was packed with military precision (I didn’t pack four pairs of shoes, really I didn’t. I was only going away for 48 hours, are you mad) on the platform at Amsterdam Central Station at half past five to board the train to Schiphol, where, an hour later, I took to the skies and was en route to Heathrow Airport.

Maasmechelen Village had invited me. It’s an outlet near Brussels and one of the many Villages spread across the world, from China to Barcelona and London to Paris. The company connecting all these villages is Chic Outlet Shopping, and that’s exactly what it is. A small hour outside of big cities are some kind of mini villages where you can shop really well with massive discounts. Brands always keep a supply and sell these in the Villages so you can find clothing from preceding seasons with discounts ranging between 30% and 75%. I’ll be honest with you, when I received the invitation to this trip I was medium enthused. I don’t particularly like ‘outlet shopping.’ Huge, badly lit halls stuffed with racks and hysteric situations with endless queues — no thanks. It starts to sound like a bad sale’s pitch, but the Villages have nothing, nothing to do with this.

In London, the shopping village is calles Bicester Village and you can find about 120 stores. The village looks incredibly cosy, small houses in bright colours with the nicest brand names on the facades. Alexander McQueen, Céline, Chloé, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Kenzo, L.K. Bennett, Max Mara, Sandro, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Rupert Sanderson, La Perla – and I can go on and on. No C brands, only the best of the best awaits you. Everything revolves around service and the shopping experience at Chic Outlet. Every store looks as pretty as the ‘real’ boutiques on Rue du Saint Honoré in Paris, Regent Street in London and the P.C. Hooftstraat in Amsterdam.

Though being a good reporter, I had to other choice than to research this Village thoroughly. So I hopped from one store to the next. Don’t think everything’s available for ten euros, a Prada dress is still pricey. But I saw a gorgeous copy for only 290 euro whereas it used to be over 700. My Chloé Paraty Bag was looking pretty for only 900 euro, leather totes from Prada for 500 euro, Céline shoppers for 400, L.K. Bennet shoes for about 100 — honestly, I was so happy. I bought a t-shirt and amazing colourful trousers at Kenzo with a 60% discount, two pairs of shoes at L.K. Bennet (oops), and a leather bag at Temperley London.

After Bicester Village, it was time to leave, take the train, and head to Paris. It’s almost half past ten when we arrive and — after presenting myself with all my recent purchases — I quickly went to bed. The next day we had to get up early to go to Village number two, La Vallée Village, right next to Disney land. And here too there were amazing brands with a lot more French brands like Givenchy, Carven, Joseph, Paule Ka, The Kooples, Vanessa Bruno (the only outlet of the brand in the world) and Zadig & Voltaire. We were received in a VIP room, got an extra VIP discount, and walked through the Village, though in my case mostly through the Céline store and hesitating rather I should buy THE shopper before deciding against it and saving up for the Proenza Schouler PS11, my dream bag.

I concluded the trip in the heart of Paris, on Café Le Ruc’s terrace, the café where everyone goes to during fashion week. I quickly decide to forget the Detox and order a glass of white wine. There and then I couldn’t help but just feel happy. Paris, white wine, sun, and a bag filled with new clothing make me emotional. You’ve got, I repeat, you’ve got to visit it. Honestly. When you’re in London or Paris, definitely go to the Villages for an hour. There’s a special Shopping Express leaving from the centre and taking you (and picking you up). Nothing’s holding you back. And perhaps, just perhaps, I might join you. To take one more look at that Céline bag.