By: Patrice Marrero
It used to be only the in-crowd that found out about exclusive sample sales hidden deep in the hollows of New York City, or at least that’s how they made it appear in the movies. Now, you can find tons of great deals on designer duds with a click of your mouse. Websites that specialize in providing designer apparel and goods for limited-time sales are popping up all over the place. Here are some of the top sites that will keep you and your family decked out in the latest styles by top designers, and a few tips on how to save even more at these sites.
Ideel
Ideel (formerly Ideeli) is one of the best sample sale sites around. You will routinely find great items from high-profile designers such as Michael Kors, Gucci, Ray Ban and so much more. Score a brand new dress for as low as $19.99 or a fresh pair of designer shades for less than $100. Ideel has an Ideel of the Day, where you could save up to 90% on a specific item, such as an expensive jar of skin cream, a supple leather handbag or a sparkly new necklace. The deal only lasts for 24 hours.
Shipping for your first purchase will cost $9.95, but each subsequent order you place for the following 30 days will ship for free!
Ideel offers loyal customers a chance to earn rewards with their Ideelist program. You earn one point for each dollar you spend. Once you earn 500 points, you can redeem them for a $5 reward. Earn 1,000 points to get a $5 bonus, or 2,000 points for a $10 bonus.
You can earn up to $1,000 in Ideel credit by telling your friends about the great deals you receive. When you invite a friend who makes a purchase, you get a $25 credit. Invite all your friends to fund your shopping habit.
Rue La La
Rue La La is very similar to Ideel. They offer stylish finds for the whole family, plus designer items for your home and occasional subscription box deals. Some highlights include classic wardrobe stables from Boden and lavish handbags from Louis Vuitton. Sometimes, you can even find great price reductions on once in a lifetime vacations, like an excursion to France.
Rue La La offers the same shipping deal as Ideel. Your first purchase will ship for $9.95, but for the next 30 days you will get free shipping on every order.
Whenever you shop at Rue La La, be sure to check their homepage for their version of a daily deal, called Today’s Fix.
Connect your Rue La La account to Facebook and Google+ so you can easily refer your social media friends. Each time a friend uses your referral link to make a purchase, you will get a $10 credit.
HauteLook
HauteLook provides consumers with so many options, I don’t even know where to start. Each day, you can find events that will save you up to 75% on purchases for women, men, kids, your home and even beauty products. You can find high quality cosmetics at drug store prices, personal care electronics and tools you never thought you’d be able to afford, and rock-bottom prices on clothing from designers like BCBG and Trina Turk. With an ever-changing selection, you will want to check in often to make sure you don’t miss a sale from your favorite designer.
Get free shipping whenever you spend over $100 on a single order.
Sign up for their newsletter to get 15% off your next purchase. You can continue to save when you invite friends to shop with you. You will get a $20 credit each time a friend you refer makes a purchase.
Gilt
Gilt may be the most regal of all the sample sites. You will often find sample sales for high-quality skincare items, such as Dr. Hauschka, Mario Badescu and Juice Beauty. They also offer deals on high-end designer merchandise, like Gucci shoes for you, designer duds for your man, and up to 80% off the cutest clothing for your kids.
Gilt offers the same shipping deal as Rue La La and Ideel. You pay $9.95 for your first order, then you get free shipping for the next 30 days.
Earn points for each dollar you spend, that you can later redeem for store credit. When you become an Insider, you also get early access to sales, special offers, previews of upcoming events and so much more.
Never pay full price for your most coveted designer purchases again! With all these great places to shop, you can live a life of luxury no matter your budget. Running low on cash? Take advantage of those refer-a-friend programs. Problem solved!
----
Patrice Marrero is a freelance writer who calls Massachusetts home. In her free time, she can be found curled up with her dog and a good book or paddling a kayak through the curling waves of the sea, depending on the season. Patrice may have a minor shopping addiction, but she offsets the cost by finding irresisible deals that are too good to keep to herself. She is currently working on her first novel, and expects to have it done sometime this century.
