Luxury goods for much less

This small-town prairie girl is slowly transforming into a Middle Eastern fashionista with each new shop I visit.
 
I am learning about designers and all the big names thanks to helpful assistants, shop owners, web searches and all the people within the industry.

My favourite find this week was at the Sufana Outlet located in Al Hayat Centre, which is fed clothing from its main store in Moda Mall.
 
This multi-brand luxury fashion retailer is the exclusive agent for Escada, Kenzo and Betty Barclay.

At the outlet there were French, Italian and German designer names all at prices up to 80 per cent off, brands such as the ones mentioned earlier alongside Alviro Martini, Schumacher and many more. This place is perfect to buy designer items at amazing prices.

I found some adorable French purses at Sufana by Les Cakes de Bertrand, which are originally from an exclusive fashion house in Paris. Its products are made with the finest attention to detail. One of the purses was even adorned with Swarovski crystals. As low as BD35 from a regular price of BD108.

It took all my strength not to buy one. I have to restrain myself during these outings, or I would never save for that rainy day.

Max Fashions released their ‘Paint Me Summer’ line and I noticed the fun neon prints and the cool splashes of colour all at great value.

I was eavesdropping on two men looking for a pair of swimming trunks. “Good price?” I ask them as I gestured to the swimming attire. As they looked to answer I checked the tag and it was only BD3. I thought it was great because it wasn’t even on sale. I wanted a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer from the gentleman but this man was a serious research shopper and rambled on about comparative prices in other stores and even other GCC countries.

Wow! I thought I did my research! As my eyes glazed over and the elevator music started playing in my head I asked the question again: “But, is it a good price at BD3?”

I carried on to a cascade table close by and found Francis, Vida and John eyeing men’s summer graphic shirts at BD2 for one or two for BD3.5. Another top deal!

In the ladies section I found more summer lines ranging from BD3 to BD5 in all the latest trends. Whether it was the new ‘neon nights’ or ‘sheen queen’ metallic, I knew where I was going to spend more time.

Details of above: Sufana Outlet – 80 per cent off all designer wear – Al Hayat Centre
Max Fashions – ‘Paint Me Summer’ line available for the season – all locations.
Other deals I’m Privy to: Clarks part-sale offers 25 to 50 per cent off on selected styles until July 31 – Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre.

BHS – free BD5 gift voucher with every purchase of BD25 – Bahrain City Centre, Seef Mall and The Centre (Nwaidrat).

Adams Kids – Free BD5 gift voucher with every purchase of BD25. Every Kid is a winner – Free gift for kids with every purchase – Bahrain City Centre, Seef Mall, The Centre (Nwaidrat), Bahrain Mall, Country Mall and Isa Town Mall.

Pumpkin Patch – Every Kid is a winner – free gift for children with every purchase – Bahrain City Centre, The Centre (Nwaidrat)

Body Shop – buy two, get one free on all fragrances, buy two, get one free on Vitamin C range, Spend BD25 on make-up and get Shimmer Waves free at all branches until August 11.