Guide to Southern California Outlet Malls

Outlet shopping can be a toss up. Sometimes you find a bunch of great things at unbelievable prices. Other times, the inventory is, well, just ho-hum.

Outlet shopping sometimes requires a little patience and a bit of regularity in terms of how often you go back to check on what's new on store shelves or racks. You should also know that most of the time, the inventory you see is usually from a past season, so don't go in expecting the latest and the greatest. It's best to approach outlet shopping as a means to find great basics upon which can be the foundation for the rest of your wardrobe. And if you happen to find a great trendy piece, well then you've managed to score for the day.

In terms of Southern California, most of the outlets are out away from the coastal areas. They tend to be in places that are hot. The Citadel Outlets are probably the closest to Orange and Los Angeles counties (since they are actually located in L.A. County). That is why it is a good idea to go to these shopping centers right when they open and then leave by noon. That way, you avoid the heat, having to walk far to your car because all the close spaces were taken, and the crowds.

Here is a list of Southern California outlets along with the key stores to visit when you are there.

Citadel Outlets
You can't miss the Citadel - not only because of its location right off of Interstate 5, but its architecture. Interestingly, the building was supposedly modeled after an Assyrian palace from 7th century BC. The actual facility was initially made for the Samson Tire and Rubber Co. as a plant to produce tires. However, the crash of the stock market in 1929, led to the eventual purchase and takeover of the company.

Stores to look out for include American Apparel for wear-all-the-time basic T-shirts and leggings along with Maidenform and L'eggs Hanes Bali Playtex to stock up on underwear and bras. Check out the Ann Taylor and Banana Republic for great work basics.

In terms of higher end labels look for BCBGMAXAZRIA and BCBGirls, Benetton and Kenneth Cole.

When you need a break, try the Ruby's Diner or grab a pizza at Sbarro. If you're just looking for coffee, they've got a Starbucks.

This is a rather large shopping center. My suggestion to you is to visit the web site to determine what stores you want to shop at and where they are. Then get there early to avoid the crowds and to make the most of your time.

Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
www.citadeloutlets.com

Lake Elsinore Outlets
I like the Lake Elsinore Outlets because you can walk the entire shopping center from one end to the other with ease. The layout is just that simple, so it's hard to miss anything or get lost.

The center recently added a Pottery Barn outlet, which is nothing spectacular. The prices are hardly anything to get excited about, the store is usually crowded and the furniture looks beaten up.

Stores to pay attention to include Gap and Old Navy where you can usually find this season's styles at a slight discount, Levi's Outlet By Most for great jeans, Haggar (for guys) and a Naturalizer Outlet where you can actually find some great pairs of shoes on the clearance racks.

If you need baby clothes or need to buy baby gifts, they've got Carter's, Gymboree and OshKosh.
If you're looking to stock up on basic undergarments, visit Maidenform and Leggs, Hanes, Bali.

The great thing about this outlet is that you can finish up shopping by the early afternoon and on the way back stop in at Tom's Farms, which is also off Interstate 15. They have a great selection of wines, cheeses, meats, nuts, dried fruit, produce and assorted snacks (e.g. candies and trail mixes).

Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
www.lakeelsinoreoutlet.com

Ontario Mills
I approach Ontario Mills as I would a regular shopping mall. I'm conflicted in terms of what I think about them given that some of the stores are not really outlet stores (or they do a good job of hiding their discounts). In any event, the mall does market itself as an outlet with "more than 200 manufacturer and retail outlets, brand-name and specialty stores all under one roof." I guess that kind of spells it out for you there - it's a mix of outlet and regular retail shopping. Plus, it has a movie theater, comedy club and arcade.

Generally speaking, it's a large center. So, be prepared for a lot of walking and a lot of crowds on the weekends. Honestly, if you want more of an experience, you're probably better off going to nearby Victoria Garden, which is just down the street. It's not an outlet (but then some would consider the Mills to not be a true outlet either).

More recently, the Mills did just add an H&M. They also have pretty much all of the regular chain stores plus the high end. So, they've got American Eagle along with BCBGMAXAZRIA. They've got Forever 21 along with an Ann Taylor Factory Store.

If you want a day-long experience, that's what this shopping center is. But, I wouldn't get your hopes up that you're going to find bargains around every corner you turn.

Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. through 8 p.m.
www.simon.com

Viejas Outlet Center
Well, you can't go wrong pairing a casino with an outlet center can you? The Viejas Outlet Center is just that. This is great because you can visit the casino and then go shopping later. What's also great is that both the center and the casino boast entertainment and other events too (such as Farmers' Markets and light/music shows) so that you can make the most of your trip out there.

Retail stores to look out for include a Gap Outlet, Guess Factory Store, Jones New York and Naturalizer. If you're looking for bedding or stuff for home, go into Anna's Linens where you'll find great deals.
They've also got a Coach, Perry Ellis and Polo Ralph Lauren.

I especially like this center because it's designed so that it's actually nice to walk around it. And, if you get hungry, stop inside Helms Bakery for a sweet treat or try something different at the Nori Sushi Bar & Grill.

Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
www.shopviejas.com

Premium Outlets
I'd have to say that the Premium Outlets really do it best when it comes to their mix of high-end outlet tenants. They pretty much have the same tenants at every center.

Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
www.premiumoutlets.com

Carlsbad Premium Outlets
This 90-store mix in Carlsbad includes Anne Klein, Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole, Guess, Jones New York, Michael Kors and Theory. More recently, a Converse store opened so that you can stock up on sneakers. For other shoe options, they've got Nine West, Puma, Rockport, Skechers and Vans.

If you're looking for housewares, either for yourself or as a gift, they have a Crate and Barrel and Le Gourmet Chef.

What's nice is that if you're out in the area for a quick trip, the center runs promotions with nearby hotels so that you can make the most of your trip. Just check the center's web site for the latest sales and promotional deals.
They've got all the typical fast food options, but the Bellefluer Restaurant is something to try if you're looking for a fine dining experience. For a light lunch, try a bowl of their lobster bisque soup or their hawaiian-style stir fry chicken. It's a bit on the pricier side, so go there if you have an appetite and want a whole dining experience.

Las Americas Premium Outlets
BCBC Max Azria, Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren and Wilson Leather. For jeans, check out Lucky Brand or the Levi's Outlets. They've also got stores with more affordable price points, such as Forever 21, Old Navy and PacSun.

Las Americas also seems to have a pretty good offering of stores geared towards kids such as the The Children's Place for clothes and the Disney Store or Sanrio for toys and other gifts.

If you're looking for accessories, go into Claire's for some really cheap, but fun and trendy deals. They've also go some of the more high-end stores such as Coach and Swarovski.

Camarillo Premium Outlets
The larger of the Premium Outlets, this is a day-long experience. It will also test your patience when it comes to crowds and parking lot messes. If you like shopping in that sort of frenzied environment to get the deals, Camarillo is definitely the place for you.

With 160 stores, there is a lot to look at, including Coach, Cole Haan, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Be prepared for a lot of walking and a lot of dodging of cars - not exactly how I desire to shop.

Cabazon Outlets
This is a smaller center, but its one of two outlet centers that are right next door to each other off of Interstate 10. I like the Crate & Barrel Outlet for when I'm looking for gifts to give.

If you're a fan of the beach/skate-inspired apparel, they've got an Oakley Vault and a Rip Curl.

Otherwise, if you're looking to do some major shopping, you're best bet may be to go next door to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. This is another "Premium Outlets" brand outlet consisting of 130 stores the likes of which include AX Armani Exchange, Barneys New York, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, and Diane Von Furstenberg. Stock up on jeans at 7 For All Mankind. They also recently added an Ed Hardy and Marni stores. This outlet is probably the best of the Premium Outlets crop of shopping centers and well worth the visit to the low desert in San Bernardino County.

Plus, you can make a day of the visit to these two outlet centers by staying at the nearby Morongo Casino (also off I-10 and only minutes away).

www.cabazonoutlets.com, www.premiumoutlets.com
Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Barstow Outlets
The Barstow Factory Outlets are like that cool drink of water as you're struggling to get out of the desert heat. On the way to Las Vegas, this outlet center is a good break to stretch your legs and find some deals. It's right off of Interstate 15, so you can take a break from your drive, go shopping and put gas in your car.

Additionally, this outlet stop boasts two malls across the street from one another.

The Barstow Factory Outlets is the smaller of the two and was there first. It's really just a few shops, but if you're willing to look, you can still find some pretty good deals. Get denim basics at the Levi's Outlet. Or, stock up on undergarments at Bally. For teens, there's a Vans and Pac Sun.

The Tanger Outlets, across the street, is a much larger and newer facility. You may also find a lot more there. It doesn't have the same designer labels as the Premium Outlets. However, if you don't care about the designer labels and normally shop out of a mall, this center has a good selection of the same tenants you would find at a regular mall - only at outlet prices. Retailers include Lucky Brand Jeans, Old Navy, Quiksilver, American Eagle and Aeropostale. For shoes, they have an Aldo, Nine West and Skechers.

Factory Outlets Sunday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; www.barstowoutlet.com
Tanger Sunday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; www.tangeroutlet.com/barstow