Full disclosure: I’m a mom of teenagers and as such, am continually on the hunt for bonding opportunities that a) don’t involve electronics and b) do entail entertainment and activities that are enjoyable for both age brackets. So I was thrilled when my suggestion of a day trip to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets was literally met with squeals of excitement from my 14-year-old daughter.
Home to the largest collection of luxury outlets in the Golden State, and just twenty minutes west of Palm Springs, the center features a list of 180 designer stores that reads like a “who’s who” of the fashion industry – including Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Coach, Balenciaga, Alo Yoga, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Saint Laurent, Versace, the only Christian Louboutin outlet in the U.S. and more. These reside alongside several of my daughter’s favorite retail staples (Forever 21, Claire’s and American Eagle Outfitters) and anchors Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.
The newest stores to open here in recent months include Alo Yoga (the trendy and practical activewear line that easily transitions from studio to street), Buck Mason (inspired by the laid back California ethos of easy living, quality and simplicity), IRO (a beautiful French line of ready-to-wear pieces) and just in time for winter adventures everywhere – the West Coast’s first Moose Knuckles outlet location (the Canadian luxury outerwear collection showcases warm parkas and down coats that can withstand sub-zero temperatures in style).
Surrounded by majestic mountains with temperatures hovering in the mid-70s, our mother/daughter day was defined by leisurely strolling in and out of stores, sipping Boba tea and thoroughly enjoying the picturesque outdoor shopping oasis. With savings up to 65 percent off regular retail prices, we happily crossed several names off our holiday lists. Mother/daughter bonding + retail therapy + productivity? That sounds like an equation for a fun-filled endeavor that bears repeating in the not-too-distant future.
