Things You'll Need:
- A computer with internet access
- The desire to shop!
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Step 1
Assess Your Needs
Fashion magazines are fun to look at, but if you're on any sort of a budget, they can be downright depressing. A skirt for $350? Shoes for $1,500? Magazines like "Elle", "Lucky" and "Vogue" can send the message that only an elite few can afford to be stylish. But before you throw that fashion magazine against the wall and head out to Old Navy, here are a few secret ways you can indulge in designer clothes for less. Much less: -
Step 2
Consider Online Sample Sales
If you've yet to discover the world of online sample sales, you're sure to be surprised by how low designer prices can go. Designers often create more merchandise than they're able to sell. In order to get rid of the excess merchandise, they host sample sales, selling their wares at deeply discounted prices. More often than not, designers will agree to have an outside organization produce the sample sale on their behalf. If you live in a fashion mecca like New York City, it's easy to visit these sales and browse all the beautiful clothing and accessories in person. However, if you aren't fortunate to live in the big city, don't despair! Today, web-based companies like Hautelook.com and Gilt Groupe feature online sample sales in which anyone can participate. -
Step 3
Visit Hautelook.com
It's free and easy to sign up to shop at www.hautelook.com. The dynamic, user-friendly website showcases designer clothing, shoes and accessories by premium designers such as Cynthia Vincent and Elizabeth and James at up to 75% off. New sales occur daily and last for approximately 24 hours. Hautelook sends sale announcements to its members via email, but won't litter your inbox with spam. An added bonus is the ability to watch informative videos about the featured designers. -
Step 4
Discover Gilt Groupe
Like Hautelook, Gilt Groupe uses email to alert its members to its daily sample sales for men, women and children. Found at www.gilt.com, the site hosts sales by top tier designers like Oscar De La Renta and Kate Spade. Access to the site is by invitation only, but browsing fashion blogs and magazines, asking around or even performing some savvy "googling" will easily score you entrance to this "exclusive" club. Members who invite their friends receive an extra $25 off any purchase, so you'll be doing others a favor by asking them to send you an invitation. -
Step 5
Learn About Ideeli
Not only does www.ideeli.com host sample sales, it also provides frequent giveaways featuring new merchandise from designers like Marc Jacobs and Bill Blass. The site is, like gilt.com, accessible only to members, but asking around on fashion forums like www.retailmenot.com will quickly get you the inside scoop. -
Step 6
Try Shopittome
While not an online sample sale, Shopittome is a great way to locate designer clothing at discount prices. Sign up for free at www.shopittome.com to receive daily emails listing on sale items in your size, by designers and stores of your choice. You'll be able to score heavily discounted items by top designers like Dian Von Furstenburg, as well as learn about sales at stores like The GAP and J. Crew without having to scour the internet yourself. -
Step 7
Have Fun Reading Fashion Blogs
If member registration isn't your thing, not to worry. Online sample sales open to the public happen all the time, and you can learn about them simply by browsing your favorite fun-to-read blogs. Here are some websites that are more than happy to share sample sale news with their readers:
www.dailycandy.com
www.chicalert.com
www.racked.com
www.thebudgetfashionista.com
www.stylelist.com
Comments
gatunibi said
on 1/18/2009 Great tips for fashion addicts! Great article, too!5*
daconn said
on 1/14/2009 I can't wait to check out these sites!
lizsto said
on 1/14/2009 Great sources! Thanks
Handmadedreams said
on 1/14/2009 This is a very informative article and well done. Now I am on my way to do some online shopping. Thanks.