As my ten-year high school reunion approaches (well, it’s next year but the planning starts now!), I started to think about all the things I loved about that period of my life. Playing sports, skipping class (sorry, mom), weekend trips to the mall.
Remember how important the mall was to us back then? My friends and I would hit up the mall most weekends - very Mean Girls style - except without the mean and without the cute clothes. We’d spend hours, HOURS, popping into our favorite shops, trying on everything in our size, buying as much as we could carry.
Somewhere after high school, online shopping became a THING. We were all wary at first (is it SAFE to buy online?) but after a short time, it became the only way we shopped. So fun - so convenient - so many shops at our fingertips!
But just as fashion in cyclical al, so are shopping trends. Now, after years of receiving ill-fitting pieces and being too lazy to return them, I often prefer to shop in person! I love being able to feel the fabrics and see how the fit flatters my figure (or vice versa!)
So when Potomac Mills invited me to visit this past weekend and participate in their Work the Shirt challenge, I couldn’t say no. In case you haven’t heard of them they’re the largest outlet mall in Virginia and located just outside the DC area. And until May 31, they’re having a month-long Accessorize Your Spring Sale. As I always like to say, you can never, ever save too much money. ;)
First stop was the Bloomingdale’s Outlet Store (which I didn’t even know existed!) The first thing I spotted were the super popular Vince mules that all the bloggers seem to have - after that, I knew it was going to be a productive trip. I ended up purchasing these Ray-bans (that I’ve been wanting ever since wearing Cheralee’s pair in New York last year!) and a pair of J.Brand high-waisted jeans. Because in DC, spring can mean a jeans/sweater combo in the AM and a skirt/tee combo by evening.
Next stop - Nordstrom Rack. I tried on ALL THE THINGS here and walked away with the sickest pair of Adidas white sneakers. We’re seeing these everywhere and I was so excited to get my hands on a pair (for next to nothing!)
Here’s the thing, friends - being on a budget and shopping affordably doesn’t mean you always need to spend an arm and a leg. And shopping at an outlet doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing trends - I saw so many pieces that are on-trend now: off-the-shoulder tops, boyfriend blazers, mules, lace-up sandals…just goes to show you, you really CAN have your cake and eat it to.
A few stores I didn’t make it around to (but I wish I had?) Lucky Brand Outlet, TJMAXX, Levi’s Outlet, LOFT outlet (where my top is from!), J.Crew outlet and Saks Off Fifth.
Also - word of advice - never shop hungry. The end of my shopping excursion was spent in a grumpy daze as my blood sugar dipped to an all-time low. Be sure to swing by Starbucks or Auntie Anne’s Pretzels before you get hangry.
NOW to the outfit - I was excited to style this particular top for a number of reasons - 1. Denim separates are everywhere this season. 2. I love that this chambray top was more of a boyfriend fit, enabling me to wear it tons of different ways. I paired it with the grey, 90’s style mid-rise denim I snagged at the Bloomie’s outlet and the white ADIAS you’ll be seeing on my feet all Spring. I finished off the look with my new favorite pair of black-on-black Ray-bans.
I’ll admit - I’m a bit overexcited about my Potomac Mills finds. How do you think I did?! If you’re looking to check out they have to offer, check our their website and visit them at: 2700 Potomac Mills Cir, Woodbridge, VA 22192.
Wearing LOFT chambray top, J.Brand denim, Ray-ban sunnies and ADIDAS sneakers from Potomac Mills c/o. Urban Outfitters belt, JOA tank, Sophie Blake bracelet, Kylie Cosmetics lips in “Candy K”
