Premium Seconds
The glitz of names like Geoffrey Beene, Donna Karan, Versace, St. John, Cole-Haan and Emmanuel Ungaro may be the guiding light for some shoppers to visit the Camarillo Premium Outlet Mall. For me, the dangling carrot was the J. Peterman Company Store.
For anyone who loves almost anything from the ‘40s, the Peterman outlet is a kid-in-a-candy-store experience. Of course, if you’re familiar with the catalog it won’t be such a surprise, but it’s still likely to give you that great feeling that comes from finding some of your favorites at real bargain prices.
First look for the green tag items. These are seconds or irregulars, 50% less than the outlet price and the flaws are minute. The J. Peterman coat that started the business is a classic horseman’s duster, in the catalog at $184. But there’s a green tag on the sleeve, so deduct half from the outlet price of $130 for a dazzling $64.50.
A safari hat or pith helmet at $134 in the catalog has a slight flaw, so is marked at $39.50. The green tag merchandise is limited, and who knows what will be left by the time you get there? Management expects the inventory to last through Saturday.
But even if the green tags are gone, not to worry--the regular outlet prices are excellent. The Otalvo mountain shirts move fast in the catalog for $29 and even faster at the outlet for $23.
The Japanese caftan was a wonderful buy at $29.99 (catalog price $55), T-shirts that have the weathered look are two for $30, and other apparel and accessory items are reduced a minimum of 20% from catalog prices. Household items are scattered throughout the store, and what recluse wouldn’t want the Hick French beach chair at $800 (catalog, $1,500)?
This outlet mall is probably the easiest one to shop of all I’ve visited in Southern California. You can park right outside the store of your choice, of which there are loads, and ocean breezes prevail. Coming soon: Rockport, Flapdoodles, Black & Decker and Movado, among others.
The J. Peterman Company Store, Camarillo Premium Outlets, Exit the 101 at Las Posas Road, 950 Camarillo Center Drive, Camarillo. (805) 445-9336.
*
Weekend Super Sale: Friday and Saturday, it’s Midnight Madness at the Discovery Shop in Sherman Oaks, when the top designer donations are offered at one-fourth the original price. Lots of suits by Lillie Rubin and Nolan Miller, glitzy evening apparel and an unusual number of sizes for the larger woman. Store hours are 10 a.m.-midnight both days, and the pickin’s are great. The Discovery Shop, 4454 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 905/9141.
For anyone who loves almost anything from the ‘40s, the Peterman outlet is a kid-in-a-candy-store experience.
