Los Angeles is known for its shopping, from the pristine thoroughfares of Rodeo Drive, to the crowded corridors of the Beverly Center mall and the artsy boutiques of Melrose Avenue. But serious shoppers head to two outlet malls, where the deals are plentiful and the variety vast. And because I went in the middle of the week, parking wasn't an issue.
About an hour by car north of Los Angeles is Camarillo Premium Outlets, off the 101 Freeway. With more than 160 stores, it is sprawling but organised, so it's easy to navigate.
At one end is the Fashion Court - Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Tory Burch, St John. At the other end, the Promenade, with Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and Last Call by Neiman Marcus. In the centre, the Main Court, are popular brand names, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Timberland, J Crew, and a smattering of prestigious non-fashion brands - Le Creuset, Waterford Wedgwood, Sony, Bose; the deals are everywhere.
At Last Call, a Diane von Furstenberg coat dress was marked down from US$500 to US$150. A fully sequined Tory Burch jacket was half price, while Calvin Klein jeans went for US$40, and his sleek, streamlined day dresses for US$60. Coach bags down to US$178 from close to US$500, another 30 per cent being taken off at the register.
Some shoppers have been insanely lucky: one stylist blogged about finding a Proenza Schouler bubble dress at Last Call, originally priced at almost US$5,000, for less than US$300. And it's not just stuff from seasons past. The feminine offerings at White House Black Market, a member of the sales staff told me, were from current collections, sexy swimwear slashed from US$80 to US$30.
The catering options were limited, although Panera Bread offers plenty of light dining, and we had just about the best nachos ever at the award-winning Los Arroyos.