Destinations: Outlet Shopping in Europe

British Design Collective
Photo courtesy of Chic Outlet Shopping

Outlet shopping in Europe just got a whole lot swankier. Pop-up boutiques from a company called Chic Outlet Shopping have, well, popped up in London and Milan, slinging high-fashion threads from the likes of Alexander McQueen and Missoni. So if you're traveling to Europe for the Queen's Jubilee or the 2012 Summer Olympics, take note: you can save up to 70 percent on designer clothes at these pop-up outlet stores.

Alexa Chung kicked things off with the opening of a temporary British Design Collective pop-up at Bicester Village in London. On sale are goods from Marios Schwab, Jonathan Saunders, Preen and more. It'll be around through May 16 and then a men's boutique will follow with designs from YMC, Folk and Olive Spencer, among others.

British designers with Desiree Bollier, chief executive of retail, and Alexa Chung
Photo courtesy of Chic Outlet Shopping

Need a reason to add outlet shopping in Fidenza Village to your Milan itinerary this summer? Here it is: Matthew Williamson's pop-up store is there now through the end of July with a selection of the brand's ready-to-wear clothing and accessories.

Photo courtesy of Chic Outlet Shopping

Besides finding designer clothes at major discounts, there's also a possibility you may just spot your favorite style icon. Two of mine, Olivia Palermo and Kate Middleton, have been known to visit the European shopping centers where they're staged. Just imagine!