Don't buy Wal-Mart brands unless you're at Wal-Mart

Any shopping aficionado will tell you... know what you're looking for. If you buy an authentic 1908 German beer stein, you'd be pretty disappointed to find out that you're actually the proud owner of a 1988 Zinzinnati Oktoberfest souvenir.

Shopping is not fun when you're left wondering if you landed a good deal. Being able to find good bargains is what makes a good bargain shopper. Plus, you'll waste a lot less time.

That being said, knowing brands is important and knowing price brackets is key. The cost difference between a shirt on sale at Express or T.J. Maxx isn't that great. And unless you're a brand wh*re, it's good to know when you're only paying for a label.

And the outlet malls.

My friends, they're designed to induce shopping spree-itus. So unless you simply love Old Navy, why go to an Old Navy "outlet?" It's a regular store. Old Navy prices are basically outlet prices. Why waste time getting an everday deal when you can really score at the Banana Republic or Pottery Barn outlet stores?

Also, you never know why something is discounted. Look for "as is" signs (holes, stains, whatever) and spare yourself some serious buyer's remorse.

* Hot tip: Gabriel Brothers does carry a wide range of brands. While it's overwhelming at first glance, racks are nicely labeled. Scan rack top signs for hot spots to avoid premature burn out.

Cincinnati Premium Outlets - I detect a shopper's haven

All the discount divas out there should know by now that Cincinnati Premium Outlets is celebrating its grand opening August 6-9. The outlets, located in Monroe, will house several -go figure- premium brands. Some run along the lines of those at Prime Outlets in Jeffersonville, but there are a few standouts.

New outlet stores I'm excited for?
* Columbia Sportswear
* Kenneth Cole
* Maidenform
* MICHAEL KORS!!!!
* Oakley Vault
* Maybe Saks (hopefully it'll be better than its Cincinnati Mills version)

* Cole Haan
* Ecco
* Rockport
* Le Creuset

Some of you may also be happy to know that there will be a Crocs outlet there. I honestly didn't know they made enough products for an entire store (illustrating my ignorance on the brand). Except, I do know about these lovely Frocs. I do judge anybody over the age of 11 who wears them.

I must say Northern Cincinnati is becoming quite the affordable shopping mecca. A coworker and I were discussing whether Prime or Premium Outlets were a better trip since both are about the same distance for us. We agreed, though I love Jeffersonville, that Premium would be a better destination based on the surrounding area where Ikea and the Frontgate Outlet are both nearby. Jeffersonville is sadly just too isolated from other shopping destinations (although conveniently on the way to and from Columbus, OH).

Check the Cincinnati Premium Outlets site for sales, deals and stores.