Fashion
Secrets of A Fashionista
You've seen those women who always have the perfect pair of designer shoes, a killer handbag and a fabulously decorated pad? Well, they have a shopping secret that you need to know.
Blowing the bank on looking good is so yesterday. Those who are truely dedicated to reaching those fashion highs are turning to private membership shopping sites. Most of them require a "membership" but once you're in, you can find discounts on high-end designer brands of 50% to 80% off retail prices. How do you get in on a membership? It's not as hard as you think-- in many cases all you do is sign up.
There are a handful of great membership sites out there. But even though these sites sell luxury items at discounted prices-- there are only limited quantities and the sales are only for a limited amount of time.
An LC favorite is One Kings Lane. If you don't already know about this one it's worth a look!
One Kings Lane is a home-oriented luxury site selling everything from furniture and flatware to bedding and barware. Launched in March 2009, the site caters to discriminating customers who are looking for a deal.
Because the 72-hour sales are only open to One Kings Lane members, the company claims that its sales events are entirely private and cannot be traced on search engines or crawlers.
What we love about One Kings Lane-- aside from its great looking site-- is the calendar that gives savvy shoppers advance notice of the deals waiting in the wings.
With over 2.6 million members, ideeli claims to be the fastest growing online members-only shopping site in the U.S.
Members of ideeli can shop limited-time sales events featuring products from over 600 brand partners across the categories of apparel, accessories, home, beauty and kids. Each event is designed by ideeli editors with new brands featured each day at up to 80% off.
Headquarted in Los Angeles, HauteLook offers discounts of 50% to 75% off retail prices.
Membership is free and open to everyone. The fashion site has almost 3-million members who can shop for women's and men's clothing, beauty, kids', home, food and even wine! But you have to act fast-- the sales events only last for 48-hours.
One of the hottest shopping stops is Gilt Groupe.
This site came on the internet fashion scene in 2007. The invitation-only membership allows high-end deal seekers to snap up some of the world's most sought-after designers. Most sales last just 36 hours-- so shoppers have to act fast.
Recently Gilt Groupe expanded its children's category. Gilt Children will now include more than 150 coveted brands ranging from apparel, footwear and furniture, to gear, toys and books. Some of the brands featured include Baby Bjorn, Appaman, Argington Furniture, Jacadi, Petit Patapon and Plan Toys.
Children's sales start at NOON ET and last for approximately 48-72 hours. You can save up to 70% off retail.
"In true Gilt Groupe style, their buyers have hand-selected pieces from the hottest names in children's fashion to bring an impressive lineup of labels each day. I was so excited to hear about the expansion of Gilt Children and all of its offerings," says Ellen Diamant, Founder of Skip Hop.
Do have friends who love to shop? Those friendships can pay off.
All of the sites offer insentives when you invite friends to join:
- HauteLook = $10
- OneKingsLane = $10
- Ideeli = $25 credit for each friend who buys
- Guilt Group = $25 credit for each friend who buys
Click and Save!
Want to shop at your favorite stores and still get a deal? Get a coupon! That's right-- a coupon. 
Internet coupons are the best way to chip away at that fashion bill. Don't worry, there's no clipping involved.
Just go to IndigoAcorn and you can find all sorts of discounts for shoes, clothes and accessories from stores like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Kate Spade, Saks Fifth Avenue and many more.
