Elegance and Top Quality : The Designer Outlet in Woodland Hills offers sophisticated women’s apparel from an unnamed catalogue.
If there is one word that speeds up the adrenaline of the bargain-hunter, it is outlet. Half the inventory of a true outlet should be from one manufac turer or source. In this case, that source is a women’s apparel catalogue, the name of which must remain a mystery.
Leon Max, Bill Blass, Scaasi, A.B.S., Kathryn Dianos, Cynthia Rowley, Dina Bar-El and Oleg Cassini are just some of the well-known designers who create the fashions shown in the catalogue but selling at The Designer Outlet in Woodland Hills for well below the retail prices.
When I spotted a beautifully tailored Bill Blass coat-dress, tastefully trimmed with soutache and beadwork, marked from $450 to $134, I knew I’d found a winner. For the upcoming holidays, a long- sleeved green cocktail dress with a slightly decollete neckline was a deal at $69, instead of the original $278. A heavily beaded evening vest from Oleg Cassini’s Black Tie collection for $89 (originally $350) would jazz up any outfit.
The inventory at The Designer Outlet has broad appeal but particularly fills the needs of the woman who is seeking a touch of elegance in her attire. This is not for the trendy, teeny-bopper crowd, but more for the sophisticated professional.
This “mystery” company issues four to six catalogues a year, and as soon as a new catalogue is issued, merchandise from the previous issue becomes available at the outlet. In stock are fashions from the fall catalogue, but the best deals here are from two or maybe three catalogues back. Right now, summer merchandise carries hefty markdowns, which pleases the cruise crowd. For instance, a charming two-piece cotton polka dot ensemble that was in the catalogue for $129.90 last spring is on the racks for $19.90. Swimwear is also available all year at half the original retail.
All garments are first-quality, with sizes from 4 to 14, and the spectrum of style covers sportswear to evening.
From Cynthia Rowley (one of Hillary Clinton’s favorite designers) were some charcoal-striped wool jumpers with classic white shirts, selling for $20; originally this two-piece outfit was $196. A few coats, left over from last year, offered some dazzling deals; one high-fashion red wool fitted coat with faux fur collar and cuffs was $124, a far cry from the original $850.
There are some splendid buys on shoes--not a large selection, but great markdowns. Some Joan & David short boots that carry a $265 tag were $50. Stuart Weitzman designs were 50% or more off the original price. A pair of champagne gold pumps once $165 were $79.90, and a pair of black suede pumps formerly $168 were $50.90.
These remainders are often the result of an unflattering photograph in the catalogue that hindered sales.
Where and When What: The Designer Outlet. Location: 6443 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, till 6 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa, check. Call: (818) 340-6992.
