Online Sample Sales

I first heard about sample sales from one of my co-workers who was raving about the designer pieces she bought for up to 80 percent off retail prices. Unfortunately, we don't all have access to the sample sales here in Syracuse like everyone in New York City or LA. I'm also not a fan of clawing over women to get my hands on the designer items. So when I discovered online sample sales, I was beyond excited.

Most of the online sample sale websites require a membership through invite only and/or fees. However, there are a few out there that are easily accessible. You can sign up for a FREE membership at HauteLook.com, a website that offers luxury fashion brands for 36 to 72 hour online private sales. Not only is the membership is free, the merchandise is authentic and direct from the manufacturer. If you love 7 for All Mankind, this sale is going on at HauteLook this Tuesday, February 24 at 11 am EST for women, men, and kids.

RueLaLa.com is another website which offers designer brands for great prices. You have to sign up for a waiting list on RueLaLa, but the membership is free and is worth the wait.

The best part of online sample sales is that you can shop right at your own home. If you sign up, make sure to get the items fast as they go quickly!

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

For all you procrastinators, there is still time if you haven't gotten a gift for everyone on your list. Endless.com is a wonderful website that offers thousands of styles of shoes and handbags and best of all-- free overnight shipping. There are two days left to order a pair for your family and friends by Christmas Eve. Endless.com carries shoes from high end designers like Stuart Weitzman to budget-friendly brands like Nine West. These Dolce Vita Justin Pumps ($159.95) are perfect for those holiday parties coming up. The pumps are available in silver, black, red, grey, and copper and are one of the many select pairs of shoes that are $25 off.

Plink is the New Tag!

Instead of just tagging your friends in photos on Facebook, you can now identify items within the photos.

With Plink you are allowed to share retail information with friends and shop from what other’s have “tagged”. Plink users are given the option of purchasing what they like because the products link has been embedded in the photo.

This application will allow brands to have a greater presence within the social forum as well as be able to capture their consumers more efficiently. And for the consumer, it takes tagging to another level. Click here to not only learn more about Plink but to add the application.