The outlet items come from the boutiques and department stores. They are often older stock and can be about a season old. The quality is same but the selection is limited (in terms of styles and it can very hard to find certain sizes, especially smaller ones). That being said you can find some beautiful stuff. I should know about that, since I bought a lovely Prorsum trench coat from a Burberry outlet which I'm absolutely happy with and just happened to be worn by a celebrity.