Seattle Premium Outlets

Because shopping in Canada is ridiculous, we go across the border to shop in Washington state. The nearest outlet mall is in Burlington, WA at The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington. I think the main drawing factor there is the Lululemon outlet, where they sell gym bags for just $75, apart from the usual yoga wear. Hate to disappoint you though, prices aren't that far off from the store. Like hoodies are $80 versus $98 retail. Other than that, it has the usual outlet staples, Carter's Gap, Van Heusen, Nike, etc. Then there's Nordstrom Rack in Lynnwood where I recall seeing these sick silver Sperry Top-siders back in 2005. If it's the Apple Store we have to go to, then we head out to Alderwood Mall.

A little farther off is Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA - from the same folks who brought us the Disneyland of outlet shopping: Woodbury Premium Outlets. It's not as huge, and the selection of stores? Not as impressive. But if you live in Washington or Vancouver where most people (not all, but most) dress up in North Face/Columbia jackets, hoodies & sweatshirts most of the time, I guess this is as good as it can get.

The photos make the place look dreary, but hey, this is Washington, land of Twilight, ahehehe:

Unlike Woodbury which is an outdoor outlet mall in the purest sense, Seattle Premium Outlets is canopied throughout...

It has the following stores that would suitably make the average shopper happy:

But none of the mind blowing ones that Woodbury has aka - Chanel, YSL, Marni, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Frette, Loro Piana etc. Ah, there was a Burberry there, and they had this amazing army green raincoat for little boys that would fit me, about $200. But I have way too many military jackets already and at $200, nice, but no thanks.

I did buy a wallet for my sister at Kate Spade. A pretty leather one that was less than $75. Seriously. I think Kate Spade here has the best deals. Bags were on sale, and then up to an additional 60% off. I think you could already buy a bag for $100 or so. Canvas pouches starting at $30, nice pasalubong or you can hoard it to give as gifts when an occasion pops up.

Then there are the usual stores for the kiddos:

And the guys would have these:

Dada was disappointed with the Brooks Brothers here. He wanted to buy a couple of suits but they didn't have his size. I think Brooks Brothers at Jersey Gardens & Woodbury would still have the best selection of styles and sizes.

Dada and I only shopped here at J.Crew, we got a lot of shorts to gear up for Singapore's summer:

And of course, I had to take an outfit shot inside J.Crew, heeheehee:

Isabel Marant sweatshirt dress & scarf, Wolford tights, cardigan from Splendid, Hoss Intropia leather jacket, clog booties from No.6

Vancouver 2011

Ok, I've become so acclimated to Singapore's tropical weather, I am back to getting cold faster than I can say, Brrrr! Not that I am complaining. The cool 10°C weather was a welcome respite from the heat. Plus, that meant I could wear my cold weather gear, after investing on some nice ones back when we were living in the US. Ahihihi!

Hoss Intropia leather jacket, H&M scarf, Sunday shirt from Blackmarket No. 2,

$10 skirt from H&M, tiangge tights, clog booties from No.6, Celine luggage tote

It's hard to justify my old purchases you know, so cold weather destinations are always a good excuse to say, "See, so glad I have these!" But this was a travel light kind of trip, had no choice because traveling with a toddler and her things is no joke.

So guess what I packed:

1 pair of booties

1 pair of wedge sandals

2 pairs of flats

5 shirts

2 pairs of jeans

2 pairs of tights

1 pair of pleather shorts

2 jackets

plus unmentionables.

Oh! And one tote bag. That's it. I have never traveled so light in my life. Another reason was, we were traveling from LA to YVR, and US Airlines charge by the suitcase, so pffft. Such a shopping downer.

Not that I could shop much in Vancouver too. The tax is a killer! Where do Canadians shop? (Well, I know the answer - across the border! I have one post on that - Seattle Premium Outlets! Watch out for it! Was planning a trip to tax free Portland, but too long of a drive, hehehe!) So, my next couple of posts on Canada will be more of where we ate, what I observed, and the new friends Berry & I made (Hi Kaye & Florence! Hello Cherie! Wonderful seeing you after so many years Gracci!)

Oh, and I managed to check out a beauty fair at the Vancouver Convention Center in downtown Vancouver, where they mostly featured salon supplies and products. This place is amazing! Such a green, modern, cavernous venue for trade shows and events: 

Of course, had to stop by Holt Renfrew, the Canadian version of Barneys:

Holt Renfrew is home to contemporary labels like 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.P.C., Alexander Wang,  Opening Ceremony and Rag & Bone, plus luxury labels of course - you know, the usual: Balenciaga, Celine, Marni, Prada, YSL...

I love their window display. Their play with prints (check out that Banana Print skirt from Prada on the left) is just so inspiring. I am not a print person, but this makes me want to wear prints all the more.

Holt Renfrew
737 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1E4, Canada
(604) 681-3121