Every time I take a road trip, I inevitably pass by one of the many Chelsea Premium Outlet locations dotting the country. I always beg my boyf to pleeeease stop the car and let me shop, but he usually just speeds up and "accidentally" misses the exit. Yeah, right.

But that's just me. If you're looking to do some shopping this holiday weekend, you might want to head to your nearest Chelsea Premium Outlets for their annual July 4th Summer Sale from Thursday, July 3rd through Monday, July 7th. Enjoy extra discounts on top of the everyday savings of 25%-65% off brand names like Burberry, Chanel, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Tod's, Tory Burch, and many more (varies by location).

I'd love to hear what everyone thinks of these outlet malls, since I haven't been to one in a few years...and when I did go, the deals weren't all they were cracked up to be. It seemed like the merchandise was solely intended for the outlet mall, as opposed to overstock or last season wares from other stores that was really, truly marked down. Basically, nothing compelled me to drive an hour outside the city just to shop there, but again, that was just my experience. If you guys tell me otherwise, I am so there!

Also, if there are slim shopping pickins in your town, Chelsea Premium Outlets are probably a great alternative to your local mall. Gotta love the outdoor summer shopping, too!

For a complete list of stores and to find an outlet near you, please visit: www.premiumoutlets.com/.

To register, use this ACTIVE WORKING link:

http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe


I recently made my first purchase from Gilt Groupe, an online sample sale website that launched back in November, and I have to say that I am seriously impressed with the quality of their merchandise and high level of service. First off, a little background: The site, which is invitation-only, holds 24-hour sales a few times per week with designer merchandise often selling out within the first hour. Gilt has featured big, big names like Just Cavalli, Vivienne Tam, Allegra Hicks, Gustto and Jill Stuart, to name a few. The selection is always impressive, as are the prices - considering the original price - but that doesn't mean we're crazy enough to buy this stuff. A Rachel Roy dress that's marked from $600 down to $300 is still three hundred dollars, people. We usually spend about $30 for a dress. Oh yes. Not more.

I'm going on a cruise in August and you better believe I'll be packing a maxi dress, one of this summer's hottest trends. Now I know many of you dread the idea of wearing a floor-length frock during the day, but let me try to, cough, minimize your maxi-dress fears:

First, yes, you can wear this look even if you are short. Flaunt your bosom, wear heels if you'd like, and choose a body skimming cut that drapes vertically to the ground - nothing flouncy.

Second, know where to wear one. Think summer parties, an outdoor concert, picnic, art festival, BBQ, day of shopping, or dinner date…just about any event with a casual-chic dress code is fair game.

Thirdly, don't spend a lot on this trend. We found a ton of cute, cheap maxi dresses for well under $50 (with the exception of the dress from Mango featured above, which is on sale for $68.99.)

Lastly, if you're not feeling this trend, and you feel like a damn fool when you test it out, just skip it. No use trying to push a trend that doesn't make you feel fabulous, right?

Check out our earlier post on maxi dresses for styling tips, too.

[1] Forever 21 Paisley Chiffon Maxi Dress, $24.80
[2] Lulu's* Cavanaugh Yaught Dress, $42
[3] ELLE Floral Maxi Dress at Kohl's, Was $50 Now $36.99
[4] MangoShop "Amelia" (ref. 63439945), Was $139 Now $68.99
[5] The Summer Dress Store White/Green Long Dress, $40.50

* Budget Babe readers get 15% off their total order at Lulus.com with coupon code budgetbabe at checkout.