Shopping Guide: Luxury for Less in “The Valley”

Mel: Where are you?

Cher: I’m just having a snack at my girlfriend’s.

Mel: Where, in Kuwait?

Cher: Is that in the valley?

The Valley, gets such a bad reputation. It’s hot, it’s far, and it’s not much to look at … but for me The Valley is gold. I venture off into the hot, hot heat to get the best deals ever.

The deals I find out this way are so good that I rarely spill my secrets. Today I am feeling generous. So here it goes ….

Nordstrom Rack in Topanga: I’ve kept this spot a secret for years! It’s literally the best Nordstrom Rack ever created. The designer section is off the charts! If there is a big name designer, they have it. Chanel, Drie van Noten, Marni, Dior, Celine, Balenciaga … need I go on?

Come here for the clothes! The shoes aren’t too shabby but the clothes are where it’s at. Twice a year they have a designer event where women camp out and line up around the store.

This store doesn’t play!!

Saks OFF 5th at the Camarillo Outlets: Most people think the outlets are only reserved for long trips but the Camarillo outlets aren’t very far away. A 45 minute drive can un-earth all sorts of treasures.

The Saks OFF 5th is always good for a decent selection of Marni, Peter Som, Oscar de la Renta, Maison Martin Margiela, and Valentino. You will also find amazing shoes from Brian Atwood, Versace, Nicolas Kirkwood, and Prada.

Get a MORE card to save even, well, more.

Last Call Neiman Marcus at Camarillo: Get on this stores mailing list because they have some killer designer events. Just recently their shoe event “made” me come home with three pairs of Louboutin’s.

Also, Chanel bags. Yes, an outlet that has Chanel bags actually exists.

The designer clothing section is pretty massive too and they often have clearance sales for the good stuff.

Barneys Outlet at Camarillo: As a die-hard Barneys fan, the outlet is always a good time. Now that the Warhouse Sale in Los Angeles is no more, you can find the unwanted sale merchandise here.

What you’ll find are the great brands you’d find at Barneys department stores. They also have amazing deals on jewelry, shoes, and sunglasses.