YOU DON'T have to drive 200 miles for great outlet shopping. Sure, Cabazon and Camarillo have their mallish charms. But Trina Turk, Kitson and half a dozen more outlets dwell right here in our neighborhoods, offering the same steep discounts and something closer to a boutique experience. Some of these outlets are in old warehouses and factory spaces, now filled with scores of reasonable designer dresses, shoes and bags. Other storefronts looked so much like regular boutiques -- one even had a Robertson Boulevard address -- that it felt like we'd have to pay full price. Until we saw the price tag, that is. The best discovery of all -- Trina Turk -- turned up in an industrial park in Alhambra, hidden behind a barred iron gate (no photographers allowed inside), where the merch was half-off wholesale. Nice. And think of how much we saved on gas.
The outlets next door
SHOPPING / THE LIST
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ALHAMBRA
Trina Turk Outlet
*****
You wouldn't expect to find Turk's colorful, midcentury-inspired offerings in the middle of an industrial park. But this small store, attached to the company headquarters, is a serious style score. The pretty, modern space houses dresses, tops, blazers and pants from Resort 2007 and earlier collections at an astounding 50% off wholesale. Some pieces are simple -- lots of plain structured suiting separates for $60. But Turk's trademark pop prints are still abundant. We found a blue and white floral halter dress for $60. Original prices aren't listed, but fans of Turk know her wares can run up to $400. Another score was a vintage turquoise maxi dress with geometric cutouts, a mere $50. Boxes of even cheaper gear littered the aisles, including pink-and-brown sheer chiffon flutter tops for $25 and, inexplicably, a crate of men's Haviana flip-flops for $5 each and Delman flats for $60. A range of sizes is featured, fitting rooms are comfortable and all sales are final. But you may want to keep this outlet on the down-low -- Turk and her minions aren't big on publicizing the stellar deals to be found here. 3025 W. Mission Road. (626) 458-7768, Ext. 25. Noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and second Saturday of each month.
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Maria's Fashion
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