Off to Florida...what to buy!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

So, I'm off to Florida soon. Been once before, but have a little more cash to spend this time so definitely need to do some serious shopping! I know bras are out since they think my size is only for freaks over there, but what have you found that is bargainous, lovely, or just different? I love make up, handbags, good clothes (I tend towards the smarter/dresses end of the spectrum), shoes...

Inspire me, please!

I'll be watching this with interest as we're going back next year. I didn't do a lot of shopping when ee went last year but I nearly cried when I walked past Victoria's Secret and realised that, in America, I'm classed as abnormal!

Have a great time!

I go to Florida most years (grew up there), and have just come back from a long weekend in NYC.

Presume you're going to Orlando? Shopping there is pretty good: Florida Mall and Millenia Mall are best, and then you can try the outlets too, but they can be hit and miss.

J Crew is $for £, so although upscale High St in thE US, it's MUCH better value in the UK, especially if they've got a promotion on. I've just come back with a Tippi jumper, some work trousers, and a basic LS tee. All full price but 25% off. Then in the sale I bought a sloppy jumper which was an extra 40% off.

I really like Victoria's Secret pants, and last week the assistants were handing out vouchers so you could get 7 pairs of their cotton pants for $26 (usually it's 5 pairs).

I always stock up on Secret deodorant gels: they don't leave white marks, and they have a range of lush fragrances, plus they work really well.

DKNY cozies are a bargain in the outlets, often 2 for $50.

I usually buy a pair or two of Lucky brand jeans as they suit my shape, but jeans are a good buy wherever you go.

Banana Republic is usually cheaper than here too.

iPads are a bit cheaper (IIRC about £50 saving on a mini).

I always buy loads of M&Ms: this time I've come home with almond, peanut butter and pretzel varieties.

Basically, either pack a spare suitcase or buy new out there:much cheaper.

Oh there will definitely be a spare suitcase (or possibly a huge holdall due to car space!)

We're going to Orlanda but will also be over near Clearwater too. We quite liked the outlets when we were over before although they are hit and miss, but fun! And can be bargainous. Definitely Mall at Millennia too - Cheesecake Factory!

Which outlets have 2 cozies for $50?!!!! I love cozies and am going to orlando next year

Ooh just looked up the cozies, they look interesting!

I know folks whinge about Uggs but the bits and bobs at the back of the store are brilliant. I got slippers for £20.

J Crew at the outlets sometimes do have massive bargains but you'd be buying off season which I don't like doing. The converse shops have stuff at the back too which can be good.

Prom dresses are amazingly cheap in the department stores. Aussie haircare is vv good value and in massive purple bottles.

Sephora (sp?) is great for make-up and cleansers etc.

Oh yes, I loooove Sephora. DH will be getting told to abandon me there for an hour a long time

I'm just back from Florida (Miami rather than Orlando though) and was surprised how few bargains I found compared to the UK! I'd say to steer clear of most shops which we have here, including Gap and Banana Republic, as they are no cheaper (especially as there's always a discount code for buying online here).

Things which were good value compared to the UK were: New Balance trainers (and they had some fab colours in the NB stores), JCrew, Tommy Hilfiger, most designer denim (I bought Paige for about half the UK price). I also found some inexpensive and lovely childrens' clothes in JC Penney.

Burts bees lip crayons.
Only because they are glorious and I've never seen them here. I've got napa vineyard and it's lovely.

Levi's are inevitably good value in outlets.

Skate brands like etnies and vans are often loads cheaper as well.

I love Old Navy when in the US, the cheap end of gap and good for basic.
I second Sephora too. I also just enjoyed browsing the department stores such as Nordstrom, JC Penney and Macys.
Not style and beauty but I also loved Barnes and Noble for books. Not sure whether they are still in business though.Times have moved on. Sob sob.....

I will definitely be reserving some time for the big department stores. We're also lucky in that we are staying with family for part of the time so I can get things delivered if necessary. Definitely taking an extra case...and BA don't charge that much for an extra bag ...hmm

Will look out for the lip crayons too. About the only jeans which fit me are the Levi's bold curve and it looks like they are a lot cheaper there. They also do supreme curve which might fit me even better, I have huge hips and thighs!

I live in the USA (although not Florida) and would say to look out for the outlet versions of department stores such as Neiman Marcus Last Call and Nordstrom Rack .... TJ Maxx is pretty good too.

Have a mooch round a CVS or a Wallgreens for toiletries, cosmetics and loads of nail polish too...

I live in Florida. I prefer International Plaza in Tampa to the Orlando shopping centers.

Barnes and Noble is still in business.

Barnes and Noble Florida locations

I bought Paige and seven for all mankind jeans for about half the price they are here.

I found designer handbags were more pricey than here, except for Tory Burch, which had such a big queue to enter the shop that I didn't bother