Years have passed since I’ve last been to Sawgrass Mills. One friend in particular swears by it, most recently sporting a chic Prada bag she got for a song. Another friend who’s in the know said to go there before the end of April while the top merchandise is in stock (for the “high season”, winter crowd), so off we went on what was to be a successful search of very good deals and new shops.

Our focus was the designer shops of the Colonnade, the luxury brands you can imagine – from Valentino and Escada to La Perla, Jimmy Choo and Loro Piano. But all of that was no surprise. The surprise were some of the independent luxury brands you’d not imagine would be there – such as the tony The Webster who’s constantly in the news these days with their fashion collaborations with name designers; Jack and Jill featuring clothes for trophy children;  French pot and pan manufacturer Le Creuset;  Vilequebrun bathing suits , Wolford and more.

The real deals are on goods with a second markdown from the outlet price. Be sure to go to the information desk  and check out the coupon book. It’s $10 and brings with it either a discount and/or cash off purchases at subscribing stores. For instance, I ended up getting an Armani windbreaker (a 60% discount) and the coupon took off another $25 which helped pay for the tax.

Another good deal — who can’t use an extra crisp, white cotton blouse, the kind that Carolina Herrera wears with everything? Brooks Brothers had several attractive styles for $79 which came with a 25% discount on top of that. Others participating in the extra discounts are Canali luxury men’s wear, Diane Van Furstenberg, and Catimini Paris — over 200 shops in all.

As you probably know, everything is not a deal. One of the reasons I went was to get deals on some sheets I’ve been wanting from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Alas, no special prices there except their usual 20% off a single item promotion and more clearance merchandise, gadgets that end up in garage sales.

If you can believe it, Sawgrass is building yet more stores. Coming on board will be 30 more shops and restaurants. Stay tuned for that opening in early 2016.

Sawgrass Mills, 1800 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Sunrise, Florida.

Any tips you readers have for navigating the mall or great finds?