Make "Black Friday" Everyday

That shopping frenzy known as “Black Friday” only falls once a year, on the day after Thanksgiving, but in these tough economic times, retailers are pulling out all the stops to encourage skittish shoppers to buy whenever, wherever. Frugal fashionistas know that “Black Friday” can be every day, especially when they turn to one of fashion’s best kept secrets: the online sample sale. Online sample sales offer designer discounts that can range anywhere from 30%-90% off, which means budget babes can fill their wardrobes with fabulous finds – for less.

Thankfully, a number of websites have popped up that make this task easier – and chicer – than ever. Members-only sites, like Gilt Groupe and Ideeli, to name a few, have opened up the historically hush-hush world of the online sample sale. What are you waiting for? Get in-the-know by signing up for your free membership and let the savings begin. Now who says there isn’t a silver lining to everything?

Gilt.com

Gilt Groupe membership is free and access is provided by invitation only to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and feature a variety of designers, including Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Yarnz, Rich & Skinny, and many more.

Ideeli.com

Second row membership is free and invitation only. Although this Web site tends to focus on designer accessories, ideeli members also enjoy privileged access to luxury lifestyle experiences such as fashion shows and sold-out concerts. They even have a selection of awesome giveaways; they recently gave away a beautiful Prada bag absolutely free! Previous online sample sales include Dior, Balenciaga, YSL, and Michael Kors, just to name a few.

Ruelala.com

Previous sample sales include Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Anne Klein, Free People, and Citizens of Humanity, and many more. This member’s only site includes everything from apparel to handbags to jewelry and home décor.

BillionDollarBabes.com

What began as a serious of “A-list” shopping events worldwide has now made its way to the World Wide Web. Billion Dollar Babes holds three high-end designer sales per week, each lasting a 48 hour period and featuring discounts of up to 85%.

Hautelook.com

Hautelook members are provided exclusive access to private designer sales, at discounts of up to 75% off the retail price. Previous online sample sales include Chanel, J.Brand, Autumn Cashmere, B.Chyll, and many more.

Glamlist.com

Glamlist is a members-only fashion community with access to online sample sales at discounts of up to 80% off. The company is based in Canada but has an office in New York. Previous sales include La Petite Francaise, Dru New York, French Connection, and many more.

Top Button.com

Top Button, Inc. has run successful sales and fashion event promotions for nearly 5,500 designer showrooms, upscale department stores, designer boutiques and online merchants, since its launch in 1999. This site does more than clue you in on upcoming online sample sales. Top Button, Inc is dedicated to educating its members on quality brands and offers a social network in which you can communicate with other fashion-forward consumers and connect with members involved in the fashion and beauty industry.

---