Sign Me Up for That Sale!
July 7, 2008

New York City has always been the capitol for getting a good deal on designer garb. However, even if you lived in NYC, knowing how to get into a sample sale used to be considered knowledge on the down-low. You'd have to know somebody that worked in a particular designer's showroom or have insider industry knowledge.

With the introduction of the internet, sites such as www.topbutton.com and www.nymag.com, began to list sample sales each week. But, you still would have to trek to The Big Apple to get the deals. Now that the web has entered a new era, it's becoming easier to get designer deals from the comfort of your couch.

Online sample sales have become the new rage with the major players and unique indie designers selling their discounted wares through cyberspace. You can find deals from distinctive jewelry to fabulous bags to designs that you may find on the catwalks.

With many online sample sales, you have to be invited by a friend or have an invitation code to gain access. They are promoted as "exclusive shopping communities". However, you can get on the waiting list and become a registered user when membership is opened.

If you can't make it to New York, online sample sales are a great way to access unique, deeply-discounted designer items. Here are a few sites to get you acquainted with signing up to shop.

Online Sample Sales

www.designersamplesales.com
www.editorscloset.com 
www.gilt.com
www.hautelook.com
www.ideeli.com 
www.regentssecret.com
www.thetopsecret.com 

Online Bargain Shopping

www.shopittome.com offers free, personal, discounted web shopping
www.smartbargains.com for the ultimate in online deals