Jeans, Primark. Shoes, H&M. Jacket, Mango. Unlike Confessions of a Shopaholic’s Rebecca Bloomwood, I used to be very much in the mindset of looking good on a budget. Shunning designer brands for high street deals, my wardrobe was full of designer copies for a fraction of the price. Sure, the main reason for my frugality lay in the fact that I couldn’t afford designer clobber, but I still needed to look on-trend. What with the financial crisis showing no signs of abating, a smart shopping solution was needed. And, thankfully, it was found in Europe’s chic outlet shopping villages. There are nine villages in total -- in London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, and Dublin -- and each offers up to 60 percent off retail. In the name of research I set off, armed with my plastic friend, to explore three of the villages.

Ingolstadt Village Where: 50 minutes north of Munich. Celebrity fans: Actor Elmar Wepper and American model Bruce Darnell. Lowdown: The savvy shopping haven is currently home to 85 patriotic luxury boutiques that appeal to both the younger hip market and the more mature shopper. Closed is a popular casual-wear brand, while Oska is a sophisticated option with delicate linens and cashmere sets. Take a break: Sample colonial style fare at Stiftl. Out and about: The baroque Bavarian capital was a flattened wreck following a World War II blitz. However, a decision to renovate all many of the remaining buildings means that the city’s original face remains. Drink: Hofbräuhaus, one of the world’s largest and most famous pubs. Adolf Hitler used the largest banqueting hall for Nazi meetings. Eat: Käfer-Schänke. While the cuisine and service may be undeniably superb, diners also come here for the social scene. For Oktoberfest it has a one-year waiting list. Stay: Sofitel Munich Bayerpost. A former royal Bavarian post office built in 1896 during the promoterism period. Although the original façade is intact, the interior, while paying homage to its previous life, smacks of modern vibrancy and elegance.

Kildare Village Where: One-hour drive from Dublin. Celebrity fans: HRH Prince of Qatar and pop star Ronan Keating. Lowdown: Top designers Anya Hindmarch, Thomas Pink, and Cath Kidston have chosen to host their only Ireland outlet here. There’s also a Style Gallery where new designers showcase their collections before they get really famous. Take a break: On-site art gallery. Previous exhibitions have included a private collection of Andy Warhol’s iconic prints and "Writing the Century: Photographs of Irish Writers," by Samuel Beckett’s friend John Miniham. Out and about: Whether it’s the accent or the sheer willingness to help or the ability to crack a joke, it’s no surprise Dublin is described as the friendliest city in Europe. Drink: Guinness next door to the St. James Gate Brewery. Not only can you sample the black stuff, but you can learn about its magnificent history. Eat: Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, one of the capital’s most charming performers. While seafood is order of the day, the carnivore offerings are equally as satisfying. Stay: K Club Golf and Spa Resort, Kildare. This five-star resort and 18-hole Ryder Cup golf course is located in a lush landscape that epitomizes all that is picturesque Ireland. www.kclub.com

Bicester Village Where: One hour from London. Celebrity fans: Elizabeth Hurley, Mick Jagger, and the Beckhams. Lowdown: Bicester is the oldest of the villages and the most all-encompassing. Designers including Alice Temperley, Alexander McQueen, and Jimmy Choo. Take a break: Reserve a table at Carluccio's to sample authentic Italian dishes. Out and about: With a skyline that is quintessentially British and an eclectic array of multinational residents, London is a global city with a fervor for life. Drink: The Handlebar Club, where you’re required to drink a lot and boast an impressive moustache -- beards not accepted. Eat: Roka. Sibling to Zuma, its Japanese flavors and dishes are equally as stunning and sumptuous. Sleep: Sofitel London St James. This former bank exudes an old-world elegance in keeping with its regal neighbours -- Buckingham and St James’ Palace.
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