The Ultimate Guide to Online Sample Sales

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Online Sample Sales

This is a post I’ve been meaning to write for a while, since I’ve had many of you email me asking questions about online sample sales – whether they’re worth it, tips on shopping the sales, and which sites I recommend.

So here’s the deal: I love online sample sales and shop at a few of the sample sale sites myself. And online sample sales are THE cheapest place to buy designer clothes online – there are some amazing bargains (we’re talking 70, 80% off high-end designer clothes and accessories – better than eBay!) out there if you’re willing to look.

How to Shop at Sample Sales

Before you shop at one of these online sample sales, you need to know what you’re doing. They can be a great opportunity to save money, but they can also wreck your wallet if you aren’t careful. Don’t just rush in, credit card in hand, ready to buy everything up! You need to be strategic.

Here are my tips for making the most of online sample sale madness.

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Make a list. – Go through your closet and know what you have and what you need before you shop. You might see an amazing designer black dress at 50% off, but if you already have five perfectly-good options in your closet, you probably don’t need one more. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of impulse-buying, so a list will help you combat the urge.

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Set yourself a budget. – This is really helpful for me. If you give yourself a preset amount of money you’re allowed to spend at the sale, you’ll spend less and feel less guilt afterward. If something’s over your budget, think it over HARD before you buy.

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Know the designer. – Study up on the designer at hand before you shop their sale. Know their merchandise – what’s a hot seller? What do they do best? Just like you wouldn’t order pizza at a thai restaurant, don’t buy jeans from a company known for its t-shirts or a dress from a denim company. It’s common sense really – buy the things these designers are known for, don’t pick up the sub-par afterthoughts just because they’re “designer.”

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Understand fashion seasons. – Want to know the reason most pieces at sample sales are marked down? Because they’re last-season. This obviously isn’t true for all the items, but it is a general rule. If you understand how the seasons work in fashion, you can buy things that will be wearable both this season and next, as opposed to investing in something that’s on its way out of style. Of course this isn’t a rule that’s set in stone – if you love something that’s out of season, there’s really no reason not to wear it if it fits with your personal style.

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Be willing to walk away. – Shopping at sample sales can be like a competition – online sample sales always have limited amounts of items to encourage buying fast and get your adrenaline going. Don’t engage in this mentality – it makes you buy things you don’t even want. Have the attitude that you can take it or leave it – if you don’t find something great, you won’t buy anything. Let the competitive people go crazy and smile to yourself knowing they’re probably in debt with a closet full of unwanted items.

The Best Online Sample Sale Sites

Now that you know how to work an online sample sale to your advantage, here’s a list of my favorite sample sale websites. Most of these are invite-only and have a wait list, but don’t worry – I have enough invites for all of you!

HauteLook

Hautelook

HauteLook is the first online sample sale site I joined and the one I shop at most often. They have tons of sales on every major and minor designer out there – from Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Gucci to Elizabeth and James, Earnest Sewn, and Seven for all Mankind, HauteLook’s sales are amazing! You have to join to see for yourself.

To join HauteLook, use this invite link to register.

Gilt Groupe

Gilt Groupe

Another great sale site with a similar setup to HauteLook, Gilt Groupe is another favorite of mine. I’ve personally shopped here and the sales are amazing! A few weeks ago they had a HUGE sale on Christian Louboutins, with prices slashed up to 60% off! They add new sales almost daily and the prices are always amazing. Highly recommended!

To join Gilt Groupe, use the following link to register: http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/collegefashion

Rue La La

Rue La La

An amazing sample sale site that I just discovered – I had to edit this post to add it to the list! Rue La La is another popular sample sale site like Gilt Groupe and HauteLook, featuring designers like Calvin Klein, Lily Pulitzer, and many, many more! The sales are constantly updated, so there’s always something new to look forward to. I haven’t shopped at Rue La La yet, but I definitely plan to take advantage of their deals soon!

To join Rue La La, use the following link to register: http://www.ruelala.com/invite/collegefashion

Editor’s Closet

Editor's Closet

Editor’s Closet features quality sample sales from brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs, along with plenty of “up and coming” designers as well. It’s less popular than the other sample sale sites which means less competition for the hot items. Another one of my favorites.

To join Editor’s Closet, use this invite link to register.

Juxzy

Juxzy

A new sample sale site that I just heard about recently. I haven’t shopped this one yet myself but with sales from designers like Comme des Garcons featured, it’s worth signing up. Again, this one isn’t as popular as the others which means more chances for you to buy what you want with zero competition.

To join Juxzy, sign up here with the reference code f9fe9a.

Ideeli

Ideeli

Ideeli is another sample sale site that I haven’t shopped at personally yet, but looks like it might have some great deals. Ideeli is currently having sales on Valentino, Rebecca Minkoff, Escada, MICHAEL Michael Kors, and Vera Wang. They also offer lots of members-only giveaways of fabulous designer merchandise, so it’s definitely worth joining.

To join Ideeli, use the following link to register: Join Ideeli

Your Thoughts?

Now that you know all about online sample sales, I want to know what you think!

Have you ever shopped at an online sample sale before? Did you find any good deals? If you’ve never shopped at one, would you ever do it? Do you have any sample sale shopping tips? Let me know in the comments section!

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343 Comments
Originally published on April 30, 2009
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Comments

  12. Liz says

    Hey! Great post 🙂 I’d like an invite to both of the sites if possible. They look amazing! Thanks <3

    Reply

  23. Elyse G says

    Another great website is RueLaLa! Today they had Judith Leiber handbags (which usually retail for over $1500, and were down to $700). Coming up there is Lilly Pulitzer, Moschino Cheap and Chic, CC Skye, and John Hardy.

    Reply

  36. Holly says

    Your blog has been a total godsend ever since I began shopping for freshman year of college last summer! And being a college student means discounts are very much beloved. 🙂 Could I have an invite to both of the sites? [email protected]

    Also, the Ideeli one doesn’t work? Maybe it’s my browser.

    Reply

  37. Jennifer says

    I have come to adore online sample sale sites. Some of my favorite pieces have been from one called Secret Style. (I see that’s not on here. If anyone reading wants an invite feel free to e-mail me.)

    Anyway, I’d love an invite to HauteLook and Editor’s Closet. [email protected]

    Thanks! And great post!

    Reply

  38. Zephyr says

    Sent you all invites – the Editor’s Closet invite thing is a little messed up right now, so I’m going to re-try sending those in a little bit. You should all have Hautelook invites though.

    Reply

  40. Zephyr says

    Sent you a HauteLook invite, josie. The Editor’s Closet invite thing isn’t working right now so I’m going to try sending you one a little later!

    Reply

  51. Leia says

    Hey Zephyr!

    I loooove your blog, and especially this post because I thought sample sales were only in creepy run-down buildings, but now they’re online too! Could I get the two invites please? My email is [email protected]

    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  56. ana says

    Hi Zephyr. Thanks for this post — I love Gilt and have been a member for a while. May you please send me invites to Editors Closet and Hautelook ?

    Thanks!!

    Reply

  57. Bryannah says

    Hey Zephyr, I love your blog! (:

    And I’ve never done an online sample sale before
    but I’m willing to give it a try. :]

    My email is [email protected] and I would like invites to Editor’s Closet + Hautelook, please! (:

    Thank-you so much!

    Reply

  58. Christa says

    I’ve never done an online sample sale but it sounds interesting and I’d like to give it a shot. 🙂 If you could send me an invite to HauteLook, that’d be awesome! Thanks a bunch.

    [email protected]

    Reply

  59. Peggy says

    interesting – how come I haven’t heard of “sample sales” until now?! Thanks for giving us all the heads up.

    would really appreciate invites to haute and editors. much thanks!

    [email protected]

    Reply

  64. lauren says

    Hey! This post was great. I was already a member of gilt group but i’d love to check out all the other sites. I’m interested in both editor’s closet and hautelook.
    my email is [email protected]. Thanks so much! 🙂

    Reply

  65. Lisa says

    Hey Zephyr,
    I’ve been reading college fashion all year, and love everything! So yeah i just wanted to thankyou for all your great work, anyways just wondering if theres any chance i could get an invite to both of those sites :). Thanks again [email protected]

    Reply

  66. Jessie says

    Zepher!

    Thanks a bunch about fab latest info! I’d love to get an invitation for those websites. I really appreciate it 🙂 keep up the good work!

    my email is [email protected]

    Thanks again!

    Jess

    Reply

  69. Anna says

    I wrote an article similar to this about a month ago, but hadn’t heard of Juxy! Thanks for the info! Another one I LOVE is Rue La La. So far I haven’t bought anything because I’m trying to save up – but there’s a lot I’ve had to let pass me by 🙁

    Reply

  71. Marianna says

    Hey Zyphir!

    I’m a great fan of you blog and just read your post, can you send me invites to HauteLook and Editor’s Pick? [email protected]

    Thank you very much and again, I think you have really good, reader friendly posts that are very well written and have intelligent content. Congratulations on a good job done!

    Reply

    • Zephyr says

      Wow, I had no idea this article would get such a response! Anyway, everyone up to Marianna should have invites to the sites you wanted – let me know if you didn’t get one and I’ll resend.

      Reply

  75. Bella says

    Hi Zephyr! I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now, and I really enjoy your work. These sample sales sound great- could you please send me an invite to both Editor’s Closet and Hautelook? Thanks so much!

    Reply

  82. Zephyr says

    lizzy and Kelly – inviting you both right now!

    myvogue – It says you’re already registered for Editor’s Closet – maybe an account you forgot about? I sent you a Hautelook invite though.

    Reply

  90. Ha Hoang says

    Hi, this is a great post. I have never shopped in the sample sale before. Could you please send me an invite to Hautelook and Editors closet?
    My email is: [email protected]

    Thank you so much…

    Reply

  94. Mary says

    Hi Zephyr!
    Great article, once again! 🙂
    I knew I should have posted earlier! This got a lot of responses!!
    If it isn’t too much trouble or if you aren’t already out of invitations, could you invite me to Editor’s Closet and HauteLook?
    Thanks so much! Keep doing what you’re doing!

    keeping college fashionable since 2008,
    Mary

    Reply

  98. Kay says

    Hey Z,

    loving this post!

    you’ve saved my credit card a whole lot of spending. =)

    i love your blog, you’ve always got really relevant stuff which is great too.

    if you’ve got a sec i’d love for you to send me an invite on those sites…?

    [email protected]

    thanks lady!

    kay.

    Reply

  112. Valo says

    Thank you so much for the posting!! I really appreciate it if you would send me an invite to Editor’s Closet!! 🙂

    Reply

  115. MaeGal says

    What are Online Sample Sales? I still don’t understand them.
    Are the like normal online stores only with designer names and great sales?
    Could you help me understand this more? Thanks.

    [email protected] (Reply here, that would be great.)

    Reply

  120. MaryanJama says

    Thank you so much.. u made me settle into college easily !
    🙂 please help me with the Editor’s Closet!
    I need a referral email .. email me back
    fanks!! xx 😀

    Reply

  123. Ashley says

    There’s another one out there called Luxe Club One (www.luxeclubone.com) that seems to go around and find the best sales around the net. Not quite like Gilt or Ideeli but really great deals!

    Reply

  149. Janey says

    an amazing post! it’s so hard to figure out what sites/places are reliable for a good sample sale. if you still have any more invites, i would love to be able to check out Haute Look!

    Reply

  150. Jamie says

    these sample sales look amazinggg 🙂
    could i please have an invite to haute look and editor’s closet?
    hope i’m not too late!

    Reply

  170. Katie says

    Hi Z,

    Love reading your website! I know I’m a bit late on the uptake, but if I could still get an invite to both of the sites I’d be highly appreciative.
    [email protected]

    Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!

    Reply

  181. Sheila says

    Hey thanks for the great article about these types of sites. Would you please send me an invite to the Editor’s Closet. Thanks. Can’t wait to check it out.

    Reply

  183. Jess says

    I love this website. I go on here everyday. I didn’t know anything about online sample sales. It looks like you can get great deals. If you don’t mind I would like invites to both sites I need more close my closet is empty 🙁 lol

    my email is [email protected]

    thank you
    Jess

    Reply

  185. Julianne says

    Hey! I’d love invites to the sample sale sites. I’ve never shopped one before, but with college, and the money flow slowing down…I’m definatly going to try it! Thanks!

    -Julianne

    [email protected]

    Reply

  192. Emily says

    Hey! Your blog is one of my favorites of all the blogs I read (and that’s a lot!) I love your posts!
    It’d be great if I could get an invite to Hautelook. My email is [email protected]. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  208. Lauren Mills says

    Z

    Could you please send me the links for those two websites?
    As a college student on a budget, I really appreciate your hard work 🙂 Keep it up girl!

    Lauren

    Reply

  210. starr says

    Hello, thank you so much for doing this post!
    its quite helpful
    please send me invited for both editor’s closet and hautelook!
    thanks so much 😀

    Reply

  214. krista says

    Hey! I love your blog and read it everyday. I have yet to dabble in sample sales, but I’m interested and excited. Could you send me an invite to hautelook and editor’s closet? My email is [email protected]. Thank you!

    Reply

  222. Stacy says

    Hautelook and Ideeli are my favorites? Could you send me an invite to Editor’s Closet please? 😀 email’s underyourwaves at gmail dot com

    Reply

  224. Alison says

    Thank for the information, made my first purchase on Haute. Would like to check out Editor’s Closet.

    Reply

  227. Becky says

    I’m interested in the two sites, as well. My email is mariachipants (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply

  239. Mani says

    Hey Zephyr it’s Mani!! Please send me an invite for both Haute Look and Editor’s Closet! <3

    I’d love to try out sample sales, because as much as I love browsing forever 21, I’m getting tired of it. This sounds like my most lovely alternative. Can’t wait to try it out!

    Reply

  269. KIRAN says

    HEYY, I’VE BEEN SOO BUSY WITH WORK THAT I DIDN’T GET TIME TO VISIT YOUR BLOG TILL NOW….AMAZING POST!!! CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME AN INVITE FOR HAUTE LOOK AND EDITORS CLOSET PRETTY PLEASE,,,,THANKS A BUNCHES!!

    Reply

  271. sahar says

    Hey Zephyr!! Awesome blog, love it 🙂

    Can you send me an invitation to both sample sale sites?

    Thanks!

    Reply

  272. cal says

    hey Zephyr, i’d like to know if you still have any invite left for both of the sites=) the idea of sample shopping is new to me and i think it’s a great one!

    Reply

  274. Janie says

    Hi, I couldn’t resist those sample sale sites either! Could you send me invites for Hautelook and Editor’s Closet too please? Thanks! email is [email protected]
    FYI, I signed up for all the sites you’ve listed, lol.

    Reply

  280. Aymie says

    I just found your blog today! I’m going through the archives, I love it! If you can, would you send me invites to these sites? Thanks!!

    Reply

  288. trish says

    hey can i get the link to haute look! thanks for posting this article; i have always wondered how to get samples like that. i love your site!!!!

    Reply

  310. Sandi says

    AHHH!!! I totally remember the sale on Louboutins on Gilt Groupe. Did you get any? They were sold out before I could get any!

    Reply

  311. Jess says

    Hey Zephyr,

    You said you send me an invite to both websites but didnt see one in my inbox

    if its not too much trouble can you send it again please

    thank you

    [email protected]

    p.s. you know what it was my fault I wrote my email wrong sorry

    can you send it again please

    Jess

    Reply

  328. Lisa says

    Hey Zepher,
    I’ve been reading college fashion all year, and love everything! So yeah i just wanted to thankyou for all your great work, anyways just wondering if theres any chance i could get an invite to both of those sites :). Thanks again [email protected]

    Reply

  333. Jennifer says

    Hi I love your site! the posts are so fashion foward and intresting :]
    and i was just wondering could you send me invites for both sites? thanks!
    Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  334. Laura says

    Great blog! Would love in invite to Editor’s Closet and Juxzy! Also, have you heard of Shop It To Me (www.shopittome.com)? They are another great online sample sale website. Definitely worth taking a look. =)

    Reply

  341. Tara says

    Another great one to check out is Lucky Chic- http://luckychic.com/users/register/karma77
    Luckychic works a little different than the sites listed here but its still the same idea. And you can buy things at a lot cheaper prices on Luckychic too! Its def worth trying out.

    Btw, love this blog and your weekly sales & coupons, Thanks!

    Reply

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