After I moved to Cleveland from San Francisco in 2005, there were many things I missed. The absence of fast food joints on every corner, perennial sun, a book-reading vegan-eating culture, architecture, public transportation, designated “meditation” areas in the parks, great museums and nightlife…the list goes on and on. But one of the biggest things I missed was the SHOPPING! I lived in the Upper Haight, which on weekends turned into a mecca for style-starved teens, tweens, and the moms that want to look like them. It was there I discovered great brands like Volcom and Deer, and bought my first pair of way-too-expensive jeans (Sevens). Don’t even get me started on the great boutiques, incredible retail shops, and AMAZING vintage- I still get misty whenever I hear about Decades Two.
So what’s a Midwest transplant to do? Get down with online sample sale sites, of which I am now a seasoned aficionado-, however, note that membership is required, so if you want to get on these sites, you typically either need a referral or get stuck on a waiting list. Since these sales are limited, I’m now competing with all of you out there, so pay attention!
The best sites for sample sales (in order of amazingness):
1. Gilt Groupe- This site has major designers (think: Erin Fetherston, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang) on sale, along with jewelry boutiques and typically some stuff for the house and children. iPhone app available to let you know when sales begin. Sister sites GiltFuse.com caters to a younger, less expensive clientele with more of a hipster aesthetic (think Michael Stars, Lux, Faryl Robin), and GiltMan is a great resource for the boy with a serious tennis shoe addiction (Creative Reaction and Puma, anyone?). There’s also another site, JetSetter, that has sample sales for limited runs of vacation packages, including hotel s. Full disclosure: I’ve purchased items from all sites except JetSetter, and have not had any problems with shipping or customer service. One thing to note: all jewelry sales are final. I was not aware of this, however, the fabulous people at Gilt gave me store credit for my earrings. Don’t let the name fool you- at prices like this, you won’t feel gilt-y for splurging! Today’s special: Herve Leger- master of the ‘make you look skinny’ sheath dress!
2. Ruelala- Similarly to Gilt, this site has boutiques that go on sale once a day. The selection isn’t as good as Gilt, but they sometimes do have really great brands, such as Juicy Couture, Tibi and others. Categories: Women, Men, Home, and sometimes you get vacation deals.
3. HauteLook- This site used to be a lot better, but they changed the format. Hit or miss now- brands are not as great and it takes a REALLY long time to get your merch- be prepared to wait a full two to three weeks. Not the place to go if you need a dress for tonight, but good stuff if you can wade through the crap. SOMETIMES they will have really great brands or a Decades Two boutique, but that’s not very often.
4. Ideeli- This site does have nice brands every now and then, but the one time I ordered anything it took almost an entire month to get. Also, they have this thing called “front row access” where you can pay to see the sample sales before anyone else. I don’t, since there are so many other great options out there, and by the time I’m allowed access stuff is usually picked over. Hit or miss.
5. Beyond the Rack- Selection is so-so, but sometimes they will surprise you with a full line of Chanel handbags. Get there early to decide if you really want it. Doesn’t update boutiques as often as some of the others.
6. Editors Closet- Brands are OK, don’t update selection that often, and only feature 2 boutiques at once. One I check every now and then when I’m bored, but I don’t rely on it.
The shame of it is, as much as I love online shopping, these sites feature jeans and sunglasses- a LOT! And those are two things I’m just not comfortable buying without trying on. But for dresses, tops, and jewelry, as well as cute home accessories or a gift for the guy, I’m ALL about an online sample sale.
And if you ARE in town, follow @secondcitystyle. They have a weekly update for sample sales in NYC, LA, London, Hong Kong, etc. Check them out when planning your next rendez-vous to the Big Apple!
What about you guys? Where do you go for online shopping with amazing deals?
