Sample Sale Sites
August 28th, 2008 @ 11:00 am by Miss Hot Cocoa
[Barbara Kruger, Untitled (I Shop Therefore I Am), 1987.]
Attention fellow shopaholics: I posted previously about websites where you can find couture bridal gown bargains and sample sales. Here are a few non-bridal-specific sites that you might enjoy!
Gilt Groupe - Designer apparel for women, men, and children at a significant discount. By invitation only (you can use this invite: www.gilt.com/weddingbee). A tip: although Gilt will send you an email each day notifying you that a particular sale has started, if there’s a popular designer you really love (i.e. Vera Wang), don’t wait for the email. Log on right at noon EST. Certain styles and sizes tend to sell out really quickly. Gilt emails a schedule of sales at the beginning of each week, so you’ll know what’s coming up and when to start refreshing your browser like a madwoman!
Top Button - Lists online and in-person sample sales. A good source for wedding gown sample sale information. You can check the website each day, or sign up for email notifications.
Ideeli - A less user-friendly version of Gilt Groupe. This site is by invitation only (you can use the code “dailycandy” to join). Unlike the Gilt Groupe, Ideeli has a two-tiered system in which paying members get first dibs, and non-paying members pick up the leftovers. A good source for accessories, but IMHO, not as good of a source as Gilt for clothing.
NY Magazine’s Best Bets and Sales - Like Top Button, this subscription-only e-list gives info on online and in-person sample sales, particularly in the New York area. Another good source for wedding gown sample sale information.
Alright, I’ve shared mine, now share yours!
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10 Responses to “Sample Sale Sites”
miss hc,
you are a woman after my own heart!
just wanted to say how much your bargain-loving tips are appreciated!
xx
Ruelala.com is another good one–it’s members only too. I would say that the name brands are a step lower than Gilt Groupe, but they get some high-end stuff too! And stuff that isn’t clothing and accessories–Frette bed linens, even Calphalon cookware! People can PM me if they want an invite.
@Mrs. Bee and @Ada: Thanks! Keep the suggestions coming!
@emariel: Anytime! Happy shopping!
I concur with all of the above suggestions! RueLaLa.com is quite wonderful as well… but sells out quickly! (I emailed them to see if we could get a big group invite… as I just have the individual ones right now)
For bargain shoppers in LA, check out bargainsla.com for updated sample sale listings. And NYC, try http://www.newyorkmetro.com/shopping.
I must admit - I’m pretty excited about the Cosabella night sale tonight at Ruelala!
haha- of course you used a Barbara Kruger photo. I knew it had to be you just quickly scrolling thru 
Thank you so much for the Gilt Groupe invite! I finally got to join!
editorscloset.com has some good sales sometimes.
http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com has a lot of sample gowns for sale (I bought one from there and am pretty sure I saved as much as if I had gone to a real sample sale!)
Miss Hot Cocoa, Boston/Los Angeles
Age and Occupation: 31, JD/PhD Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Medical Student
Engagement Date: May 30, 2008
Wedding Date: March, 2009
Blogging Since: April, 2008
Venue: Ritz Carlton, Marina Del Rey
About Me:
I am a professional student by day and an amateur cupcake taster, bargain shopper, and wedding planner by night. I am obsessed with NPR, the Food Network, paper, dance shows, Anthropologie, post-structuralist theory, Weddingbee!, "The Office," and celebrity gossip. When not procrastinating from my dissertation, I spend time catering to Jellyby, our overly anxious shih tzu, and getting to know Mr. Hot Cocoa. We have only been dating for fifteen years, so it's like I'm in love with a stranger! From the East Coast, we are planning a Jewish-Chinese Extravaganza in L.A., where we both grew up.
there’s also haute look and shop it to me.