Another boxing week, another NYC shopping trip. Asian bus tour, yes yes, it's long, it's hardcore, bathroom breaks are timed for every two hours, but is it worth it? YES!

First of all, I am not a good driver. I have enough trouble driving in the straight-straight streets of Toronto. There is no way I can navigate my way to NYC, and I don't particularly want my brother to have to do it either. So, for the price of $129 per person, the asian bus tours offers return transportation from Toronto to NYC, PLUS two nights of hotel, and drop-off and pick-up in three different outlet malls. It's stress-free, and it's fun!!!!



Day 1 - 10 hour bus ride/Jersey Gardens
wake up at 4:45am, leave house at 5:40am, get on bus 6:15am. Pick-ups around the GTA, cross border by 10:45am. Nothing really much happens for the next hours until we arrive at Outlet mall #1 - Jersey Gardens. On the whole, this outlet mall is just okay. They don't really have high-end brands, but the plus side is that clothing and shoes are tax free here. So, this is a good place to pick up some low to medium priced clothing.

Purchas #1
Grey Vest
Banana Republic
$12 US



I like Banana Republic in the usual stores, but their outlet stuff is pretty bad. I am almost 100% sure BR makes different items for their outlet stores. Cheaper materal compared to their regular store. I believe this because 1) Last year I bought a knit shirt here that developed holes after two washes 2) I don't recognize anything in their outlet store and I go to their regular store quite often. But anyways, this vest was on sale for $12 and it is perfect for work. You can't go wrong with $12!


Purchase #2
Purple bubble skirt
BCBG
$27



It is actually size small and not x-small. However, I was encouraged Mum to pick it up anyways. It is cute, my main concern is I haven't yet figured out what to pair it with. Black seems easy enough, but it makes the outfit really dark. I'd like to pair it with something light, but white/beige/cream doesn't seem quite right. Thoughts?


Day 2 - Morning - Manhattan
Wake up at 5:00am, leave the hotel before daybreak to spend the morning in Manhattan. With a bit of research, was able to find out Century 21 opens earlier than any other shop in NYC at 7:45am. So of course, we headed there first. The store really lived up to its reputation. I didn't end up buying anything because I was in a bit of a rush, but there was Rock & Republic Victoria Beckham jeans for $79, Paul Smith shoes for $99, Chloe pumps for $129, and lots of other really really good discounts for normally high end items. I wish I was able to pick up some Theory or Velvet items, but alas, what they had on hand didn't really suit me.

Went to Uniqlo next. I've been looking forward to visiting Uniqlo ever since I heard they opened one in Soho. The last time I was in Uniqlo was when I was living in London, and it was one of my favourite stores! I think it has only gotten better with time. The Soho store is GORGEOUS! I love how all the displays are organized by colour. I was in heaven in the cream section. However, due to my determination to stop buying cream colour clothing, I only bought myself one item:

Purchase #3
Cream turtleneck
Uniqlo
$10.50



The picture just cannot describe how comfy and well fitting the turtleneck is. I've been looking for a light cream turtleneck ever since I saw this outfit at the Strenesse show:



Everything I have seen so far this season was either too big, too heavy...so it was great to finally find the perfect turtleneck.

Why didn't I buy more????


Day 2 - Afternoon - Woodbury

Woodbury is the highlight of the trip. Outlet shops for Chanel, Dior, Burberry, Miu Miu, Fendi, Ferragamo, Tods, CK...the list goes on and on.

Purchase #4
brown handbag
Celine
$420

I was in euphoria. I could not believe it. I've been looking for a brown handbag for two years and have yet to find the perfect one (I am a very patient shopper). We just came out of Coach outlet when I noticed the Celine store. I don't even remember the Celine store from last year, but ever since I've become acquainted with you-know-who's Celine purchase, of course I had to go. Voila! Fall '05 brown leather handbag. Originally $1400US, discounted to $840US, plus an additional 50% off. OMG. Could not believe it. Looked at it. Loved it. Held it up. Loved it even more. Walked to the mirror to try it on. I have to buy!!!! Finally, I got my brown handbag!!!!





I can use this work for work AND weekends!!!!!!

Now after that purchase, I was pretty much in total euphoria. I walked into stores, but really felt like I didn't have to buy anything anymore. And actually, I didn't manage to buy anything else at Woodbury after that! However, I did enjoy shopping with my Mom and picking out perfect items for her!!!

Mom purchase #1
Black/Blue Leather handbag
Coach
$170





The bag is really flat, and just fits so nicely under the arm. Even after you put a wallet, and lot of misc items in it, it still stays quite flat and beautiful. Yay Mom!


Mom Purchase #2
Olive seude boots
Geox
$112



They look sooooooo cute on her! If I had a light colour winter coat, I would have bought them for myself. However, my winter coat is black and it wouldn't have looked so nice with it. However, all of my Mom's winter outfits are in earthy tones, so the boots are perfect especially with the pants tucked in. Soooo cute!


Day 3 - Waterloo Outlet


On the return trip to TO, we made a short stop in the Waterloo Outlet, also operated by the same group as Woodbury, but much much smaller.

There wasn't a lot of store choices, so I ventured into Banana Republic to kill time, and actually managed to pick up these:

Purchase #5 & #6
Black and blue velvet ballerina flats
Banana Republic
$14.99 and $11.99 respectively



Kass, I couldn't get through to you at this point to ask if you wanted them. They are both in 6, and I think that is your size too? Let me know if you want one of them. :)

Okay, I think I need to stop blogging now. I might come back later to re-edit and add more to this post!