Rise of the shopcation! How designer goodies are so cheap at new outlet villages in holiday locations that you'll save MORE than the cost of your trip

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Buying a pair of expensive designer shoes is a bit like planning a mini-break — lovely in theory, but infuriatingly difficult to justify.

But imagine if the savings you made on one of these treats could help fund the other.

While few women would wantonly splash out £500 on a pair of Chloe shoes, or £270 on a pair of Miu Miu sunglasses, just how tempted would you be if they came with a 30 per cent, 50 per cent or even a 70 per cent discount?

While few women would splash out hundreds of pounds on designer wear on holiday, how tempted would you be by up to 70 per cent off in places like Serravalle, Italy (pictured)?

Then, imagine such discounts could be found only in some of Europe's most popular cities — places where you have dreamed of spending a glamorous long weekend.

Finally, imagine the money you save on your new designer wardrobe actually covers the cost of taking the mini-break in the first place — and in some cases, leaving you with cash left over.

Such shopping holidays — or 'shopcations' — are becoming increasingly popular, and no wonder. For many women, it allows them to squeeze the most out of their holiday time, while fulfilling two of life's great pleasures: shopping and travel.

So how do you go about securing these elusive bargains? The answer? The Designer Shopping Village. Originally an American concept, more than 200 such outlet villages have sprung up all over Europe — from Milan to Cologne.

While the full-price luxury fashion market has suffered from declining sales over the past few years, these designer outlet villages have been enjoying double-digit growth.

The capital of Portugal (Lisbon, pictured) is fast becoming the trendiest weekend break destination, thanks to its cobbled streets, elaborate churches and buzzing restaurants

So why are they so successful? Fashion shoppers are getting savvier in their search for discounts and many of us now refuse to pay full price: we'd rather wait for the sales in stores or online.

In the UK, we largely follow U.S. trends, where discount fashion shoppers are now responsible for 75 per cent of all retail sales.

But it's not just the age-old thrill of a bargain. Today, retail bosses know that saving money is even more seductive when combined with an 'experience' — the new buzzword in shopping.

And this is where Designer Shopping Villages are winning. The new European designer fashion outlet is all about creating a five-star holiday atmosphere for the middle-class shopper.

Now, rather than shopping in an outlet just off the motorway, you can choose somewhere more glamorous to snap up your designer bargain.

Head to the South of France and stay in the rejuvenated city of Marseille, where you mustn't miss a visit to the Vieux Port (pictured) lined with glamorous yachts and seafood restaurant

This new breed of outlet is often a thing of beauty, with smart piazzas and elegant avenues. All in all, they are seductive temples of retail, full of restaurants and cafes, plush loos, personal shopping services, catwalk shows, VIP enclaves — and even music festivals.

Take Europe's biggest designer fashion outlet village, Serravalle, which sits in the middle of Ligurian countryside an hour from Milan. At first glance, you might think you were standing in the piazza of a perfect Italian town. Or, at least, a town dreamed up by Disney.Shoppers relax in the Mediterranean sunshine sipping a cappuccino on comfortable sofas. Children make a beeline for the authentic gelatos, while their mothers head for Gucci, Prada and Versace.

But instead of 'real world' prices, discounts start from 30 per cent up to 70 per cent, usually on collections from previous seasons. 'We find a lot of our customers are combining a trip to Serravalle as part of their holiday itinerary,' says Julia Calabrese, CEO of McArthurGlen, owners of Serravalle.

Even for Londoners, a trip to Hackney is an eye-opener. Pictured: An artist's impression of Hackney Walk, the shopping village coming soon to the area

'They can see the sights in Milan, from the La Scala Opera House to the cafes in the Brera, and then take our shuttle for an afternoon's shopping at Serravalle.'

It's a scene that is being played out all over Europe from the Netherlands to southern Spain. And while the Bicester Village in Oxfordshire has long been tempting label-conscious shoppers in the UK, less well known is the thriving designer village in trendy Hackney, a hop and a skip away from the attractions of London.

Currently home to a cluster of designer outlets, this rather organic collection of businesses will be joined later this year by a new £185 million designer fashion super-outlet, which is due to open in the 02 Centre.

So next time you hesitate before booking a mini-break, why not do your fashion sums — and see whether the money you save on a new summer outfit could fund your long weekend for two.

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MILAN 

Pop over to Milan, see the sights, eat fabulous food… and then take a shopping trip out to McArthurglen Serravalle, the largest designer outlet village in Europe, with 240 luxury fashion and lifestyle brands, from Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, to sportswear giants and independent European cashmere and shoe brands, such as Malo and Stonefly. 

Discounts range from 30 to 70 per cent. The village offers a service to post any purchases to the UK so you don't have to take anything back on your flight. It also has six restaurants on site with music festivals in summer. 

Caractère jacket (left) RRP £339, reduced to £189.90, saving £149.10. Coccinelle bracelet (right) RRP £65, reduced to £42.50, saving £22.50

Pinko top (left) RRP £165, reduced to £99, saving £66. Chloe shoes (right) RRP £494, reduced to £319, saving £175

TO GET THERE

FLIGHT: Ryanair flies from UK to Milan Linate starting from £55 per person. TOTAL: £110.

ACCOMMODATION: Two nights in a one-bedroom Italianway Apartment in Brera district. TOTAL: £244.

TRANSFER TO SHOPS: Serravalle is served by a shuttle bus, which makes seven round trips per day leaving from several points in central Milan. Approx £17.50 per person. TOTAL: £35 for two people. 

• Total shopping costs: was £1,063, now £650.40, savings £412.60 
• Total trip cost: £389
• OVERALL SAVING: £23.60 

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PROVENCE

Head to the South of France and stay in the rejuvenated city of Marseille, where you mustn't miss a visit to the Vieux Port, right, lined with glamorous yachts and seafood restaurants.

Once there, take a 45-minute train ride from Marseille Saint Charles to Miramas station to visit McArthurGlen Provence.

Brands include Karl Lagerfeld, Trussardi and Coach with discounts between 30 per cent and 70 per cent. Plus there are eight restaurants and cafes and a park.

Sandro blue cut-out top (left) RRP £165, reduced to £99, saving £66. The Kooples dress (right) RRP £285, reduced to £175, saving £110

Maje silver skirt (left) RRP £85, reduced to £121, saving £64. The Kooples dress (right) RRP £195, reduced to £10, saving £85

TO GET THERE

FLIGHT: Return flights from UK to Marseille with Ryanair start from £49 each. TOTAL: £98 for two. 

ACCOMMODATION: Two nights for two people at the contemporary Golden Tulip Marseille with views of the sea, a pool and a sun terrace. TOTAL: £203.

TRANSFER : Train ride for two people from Marseille Saint Charles to Miramas station to visit McArthurGlen Provence: £17.50.

• Total shopping costs: was £830, now £505, savings £325
• Total trip cost: £318.50
• OVERALL SAVING: £6.50

..........................................................................COLOGNE 

Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, its celebrated Gothic cathedral, and spectacular art galleries. 

Base yourself in the city and take the speedy 50-minute weekend shuttle bus to just across the border to the Netherlands and Roermond Outlet Village, which features 200 brands including Prada, Armani and Ted Baker. 

Marc Cain top (left) RRP £169.90, reduced to £100.90, saving £69. Versace rucksack (right) RRP £385, reduced to £230, saving £155

Swarovski jewelled necklace (left) RRP £199, reduced to £129, saving £70. Swarovski necklace (right) RRP £795, reduced to £199, saving £596

TO GET THERE

FLIGHTS: Return UK to Cologne/ Bonn with Flybe from £135 pp. TOTAL: £270 for two.

ACCOMMODATION: Stay at the Hyatt Regency with spa and indoor pool. TOTAL: Two nights for two — £525.

TRANSFER: Shuttle bus from Cologne at £17.50 each: TOTAL: £35 for two. 

• Total shopping costs: was £1,548.90, now £658.90, savings £890
• Total trip cost: £830
• OVERALL SAVING: £60

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LISBON

The capital of Portugal is fast becoming the trendiest weekend break destination, thanks to its cobbled streets, elaborate churches and buzzing restaurants and bars. 

Fly in, see the city and book a seat on the Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet shuttle — which takes just over half an hour to get to the home of 159 brands, with up to 70 per cent discounts. 

Carolina Herrera dress (left) RRP £570, reduced to £280, saving £290. Trussardi leather bag (right) RRP £185, reduced to £129, saving £56

Miu Miu sunglasses (left) RRP £270, reduced to £189, saving £81. Trussardi blue suede sandals (right) RRP £185, reduced to £111, saving £74

TO GET THERE

FLIGHT: Return flights from the UK to Lisbon with easyJet start from £137 per person. TOTAL: £274.

ACCOMMODATION: Two nights in a private apartment with a terrace in central Lisbon at £61 per night through Air B&B. TOTAL: £122.

TRANSFER TO SHOPS: Shuttle bus to the Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet for around £8.70 per person. TOTAL: £17.40 for two. 

• Total shopping costs: was £1,210, now £709, savings £501
• Total trip cost: £413.40
• OVERALL SAVING: £87.60

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LONDON 

Even for Londoners, a trip to Hackney is an eye-opener. Once a no-go area, this pocket of East London is part of an exciting rejuvenation project which includes Hackney Walk, below, London’s first luxury outlet ‘village’ scattered through the old warehouses and railway arches.

Includes London’s original Burberry outlet, plus the only outlet for luxury store Matches, Nike and Anya Hindmarch.

Discounts start from 30 per cent.

Aquascutum floral trench (left) RRP £950, reduced to £190, saving £760. Folli Follie watch (right) RRP £400, reduced to £200, saving £200

Nicole Farhi jacket (left) RRP £599, reduced to £199, saving £400. Folli Follie ring (right) RRP £70, reduced to £25, saving £45

TO GET THERE

TRAIN: With a little planning, you could travel from Manchester to London, say, for as little as £22 pp, Birmingham to London for £7 pp, or Liverpool to London from £12 pp.

TOTAL: With super-low fares, a train ticket would cost around £44 for two.

ACCOMMODATION: A-list hot spot The Ned hotel has stunning views of St Paul’s cathedral and a rooftop terrace.

TOTAL: Double for two nights at £550.

TRANSFER: The 242 bus goes from The Ned to Hackney Central overground station in 40 minutes for £1.50 per person. TOTAL: £3. 

• Total shopping costs: was £2,019, now £614, savings £1,405
• Total trip cost: £597
• OVERALL SAVING: £808

 *All original prices shown are the recommended retail price (RRP).