B Smart: Fashion outlet shopping

What women will do during a sample sale is unspeakable. How often we will click the refresh button waiting for the online sale to start is ridiculous. And the distance we will go out of our way to check out the outlet malls is embarrassing.

Outlet malls are the destination of merchandise that wasn't sold in original retail stores. Some may view this as a bad thing. Why would you want to buy it if no one else wanted it? This is sometimes true but also a facade keeping you away to the secrets of outlet shopping.

Outlets are filled with the classics that cycle throughout the store all year round. This is the best time to buy off-season merchandise and find classics for less. Denim is a great find at outlets because denim will never go out of style and will be a constant in your wardrobe. If you're shopping at the outlet malls in the spring then don't shy away from leather boots and coats that you could wear in the upcoming Fall season.

At the peak of the Spring season I took a road trip to Los Angeles and had to stop by the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. This center is filled with outlets by 7 For All Mankind, Barneys New York, Dolce & Gabbana, J Crew and William Rast. Diane Von Furstenberg also added an outlet to these stores and was the first on my destination list.

DVF is known for her wrap dresses so while the print may be last season's, this is a classic silhouette that will last years. Remember, no one knows what time you bought it, even if they know which season it is from. My lucky find from my trip was the DVF maxi dress. The print is bold and with great colors and the classic silhouette has been perfect for hot summer days. Did I mention it has pockets? Everyone loves a dress with pockets.

Chances are there are some outlet malls right outside your city that are waiting for a day trip. Grab your girlfriends and have a road trip. Find all the locations of the Premium Outlets here. Find the fall classics before they return to stores full price. Because while we know how we act in a sale, you may have forgotten how women act when hot new merchandise comes in and leaves quick. Brace yourselves.