Heard this from a friend who has a friend in the outlet biz

That most brandnames have secondary production lines that specifically produce for outlets - it is not the same quality (from material to workmanship to styling) as the brands' regular lines.

I have not shopped for years so bascially hv no idea.

My shopping these days consist of once a year or once every 2 years to replenish some basic wear & tear clothes such as swimming suits, T's and shorts etc - usually do it when Macy's or similar places have 75% clearance sales. I dont know what to do with a closet full of suits and blouses that I dont need any more. Some of them still have their price tags. That is how bad I used to be (in terms of shopping.) hahaha.