Sample sale sites decoded

Are you a big fan of the sample sale sites, like Rue La La and Ideeli? I am; in fact, I do the majority of my online shopping there.

Also called flash sale sites, I like them because they combine great deals with curated offerings.

But with so many of them out there, it can be hard to decide which ones to join–assuming you don’t join them all, of course! (Confession: that would be me.)

Here’s my guide to decoding the sample sale sites, and finding the one(s) best for you.

[Wherever possible I've given you an invite link; many sites also allow you to join with your Facebook or Twitter account.]

Gilt
Known for: Being the first of its kind
Sample brands: Calvin Klein, Juicy Couture, Cynthia Steffe, Oliver Peoples
If it was a person: A grande dame

Rue La La
Known for: Nipping at the heels of Gilt Groupe; curated sale offerings by categories, not just brands
Sample brands: Calvin Klein, Trina Turk, Pour La Victoire, Cynthia Rowley
If it was a person: Your best-dressed best friend

Ideeli
Known for: Another one of the originals (launched in 2007)
Sample brands: Guess, Vince Camuto, Betsey Johnson, Dior, M Missoni
If it was a person: That slightly trendy 20something girl

HauteLook
Known for: Being owned by Nordstrom
Sample brands: Puma, Hue, Diesel, L.A.M.B.
If it was a person: The girl with the modern yet classic wardrobe

Beyond the Rack
Known for: Having lots and lots of sales
Sample brands: Evan Picone, Club Z, Kensie, Hush Puppies, Helmut Lang
If it was a person: The Marshall’s and TJMaxx fan

Moda Operandi
Known for: Online pre-sales of designer collections, arranged as “trunk shows”
Sample brands: Lem Lem by Liya Kebeda, Prabal Garung, Tibi, J. Mendel, Elizabeth and James, Marni
If it was a person: Nina Garcia

Belle & Clive
Known for: Being launched by Bluefly.com; offering high end, new names and vintage
Sample brands: Bailey44, Aryn K,
If it was a person: That fashion-forward girl who works at the consignment store

MyHabit
Known for: Being launched by Amazon
Sample brands: Escada, Natori, Thakoon, Norma Kamali, Chloe, Prabal Garung
If it was a person: A fashion editor with a killer closet

Vente Privee
Known for: Being launched by American Express, having a small number of select offerings
Sample brands: Tracy Reese, Trina Turk, Philosophy by Alberta Ferrari
If it was a person: The manager of the chic boutique downtown

And once you do join, here’s how to get the most out of sample sale shopping.

Your turn

Are you a member of any of these sites?
Which are your favorites–and why?
How would you describe them?

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