Most online sample sales last for a very short period of time (24-48 hours) and feature selected styles from a specific designer. To sign up, online sample sale websites normally require a referral from a current member. Once you are in, you receive emails to alert you of upcoming sales. Here are a few of our favorite online sample sale websites.
Hautelook
Hautelook organizes exclusive 12-48 hour online private sales from fashion and luxury lifestyle brands. Membership is free and prior to each sale, members are sent an email notice announcing the brand and start date/time of the sale. With discounts of up to 75% off on top brands, Hautelook is one of the most popular online sample sale sites.
Gilt Groupe
Gilt Groupe offers invitation only sales on men's, women's and children's fashions. Each Gilt sale starts at noon ET and lasts 36 hours and features specific selected styles from a single designer. You need an invite from a current member. Fortunately for you, I'm a member, so you can sign up with this Gilt Groupe link.
Regent's Secret
Regent's Secret holds several private sales each week. Each event features a well-known luxury brand and lasts 2-3 days only. Inventory is limited, so don't miss out on the beginning of each sale. Membership is free by invitation or a special code. Their "secret" code isn't really much of a secret anymore. Members can invite others to join and earn 5% off their referral's purchases.
Editors' Closet
Editors' Closet organizes online, confidential sample sales for their members which feature up and coming brands at 30%-75% off. Membership is free and you need to be referred. You can also get on their waiting list in case a spot opens up. Each sale last 2-3 days and members receive 48 hours notification about every sale. they offer apparel, accessories, jewelry, electronics and more.
Ideeli
Another sample sale website is Ideeli. It's easy to sign up and free to join for their 2nd Row membership. However, to get access to more exclusive sales and shop one hour earlier than other members, you can upgrade to a 1st Row membership for $6.99 a month (billed annually). They also offer giveaways and other fun stuff.
Gomatta Girls
You probably have heard of Woot, where they sell one item (usually electronics), one day until it sells out. Gomatta Girls is the same thing only for designer clothing and accessories. They sell one extremely low priced deal at a time for just one day. The discounts are no less than 65% off and up to 90% off. As soon as they sell out of the item, the sale is over. But don't worry, another one item will be on sale the next morning.
Other online sample sale websites
- Catwalk to the Closet
- Glam List
- I Love Sample Sales
- I Shop FEM
- Luxe Club One
- Planet Lulu
- Rue La La
- The Savvy
- The Top Secret
If you are in New York City and love shopping the sample sales in person, check this annual calendar of sales from NY Mag to find out where to shop.
Shopping tips
- 41 reasons shopping online rocks
- Celebrity style at personal assistant prices
- Comparison shop and find great deals
