Just a few decades ago the sample sale was a private, underground event in which designers sold samples to industry insiders who were in-the-know. From crowded showrooms in New York City’s garment district to exclusive Web-only designer sales, the sample sale has undergone a retail revolution. Thanks to recently introduced Web sites such as Ruelala and Top Button, the sample sale is no longer exclusive to determined fashion devotees.

Since retailers always have excess inventory, discounting items is inevitable. The online sample sale offers a way for designers to get rid of overstock and end-of season inventory, while providing online access to bargain hunters that live outside of the traditional New York and Los Angeles sample sale market. Designer discounts can be anywhere between 30%-90% off the original retail value-- a budget babe’s dream come true!

Ready to shop? Of course you are! But before you start reaching for your credit cards, there is one catch. The sample sale still upholds an air of secrecy, so if you want to be the first one “IN” on an exclusive bargain, you’ll have to become a member of one of these invite-only sites. That’s why we here at TheFabricOfOurLives.com have created a list of some of the most popular online sample sale sites, so that you can sign-up to become a member of some of fashion’s best kept secrets.

You might encounter a waiting list or two, but membership is FREE! Why spend a fortune, when your next high-end designer purchase is just a mouse click away, at a fraction of the price?

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

Fendi Sale
Fendi "Forever" Canvas Satchel
Original Retail Value: $750
Sold For: $485
ruelala.com

Regent’s Secret.com
Regent’s Secret holds multiple online sample sales each week and offers a competitive rewards program that won’t let you keep this site a fashion secret forever. Every time you refer a friend to become a member, you earn 5% of the value of their purchases...for life!! You can even redeem your points for some extra cash in your wallet.

Yanuk Sale
Utopia Jean
Original Retail Value: $124
Sold For: $55
www.regentssecret.com

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

LAROK Sale
Weekend Warrior Jacket
Original Retail Value: $298
Sold For: $149
hautelook.com

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.

Pineapple Sale
Dress EMERAUDE Grey
Original Retail Value: $95
Sold For: $47
glamlist.com

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.

Leigh & Luca Sale
Wild Embroidered Hand Loomed Scarf
Original Retail Value $280
Sold For $112
ideeli.com

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 their 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.

Betsey Johnson Outerwear Sale
Rose Flock Coat
Original Retail Value: $495
Sold For: $229
topbutton.com