Recently there seems to be a slew of new websites popping up that offer high fashion at low prices. So I have two great finds for this post (and I have made purchases on both sites):
- Ideeli – this is an online auction where they sell a deeply discounted item daily. They will send you an email notice and you have a set amount of time (or until they run out) to buy that item (this is a lot like SteepAndCheap which does the same thing with sports equipment and outdoor gear). You can pay an annual membership and shop the sales an hour early (which I am waiting to do until I find something truly great). I have bought a watch (it was a $600 watch, and I paid $135 for it) and it arrived promptly (note that when I made this purchase you had to have the same shipping and billing address). They have big ticket items like Prada bags, Dior sunglasses, etc. It is pretty hit and miss, and sometimes the good things disappear quickly, but every once and while you can find a really great bargain. However, everything is final sale so make your purchases carefully. (BTW, I have no idea how they source their supply–it could be last season’s or last year’s items–or maybe it is just a special deal)
- RueLaLa - this site is like an online sample sale. Once every couple of days or so they sell a few items from one brand in a little boutique. I have seen clothes from BCBG Max Azaria, outwear from Ugg Australia, and lingerie from Cosabella as some sample boutiques. I have also seen them list high end household items like cooking wear, and I purchased some sheets. They have a 30 day return policy for all items and I was impressed with the high quality packaging (and prompt arrival of my purchase). The only thing is, if you don’t buy quickly you are out of luck, things sell out really fast. (I also don’t know how they stock their merchandise, but it also tends to be a pretty good deal–usually around 50% off).
PS: There is also a site called Gilt Groupe that was founded by at least one graduate from Harvard Business School (if I recall correctly) but I have been much less impressed with their site and found it hard to use and not the best experience, so I am not listing it here.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s funny how you keep saying that you don’t know how they stock their items. It sounds like stuff that fell off the back of a truck.
Haha, well you have to wonder where does the stuff come from for so cheap. I mean they don’t have ads and they have to be making revenue, and it just wouldn’t make sense they could have this season’s stuff at deeply discounted prices. Or maybe it does and I just don’t know how they get the stuff
I just don’t want people to think they are getting a great deal on a Prada handbag when it is last seasons (or older!) bag from some warehouse
There is another one I’m a member of called hautelook.com. They have some of my favorite designers and deals like 75% off. They’ve got a Burning Torch sale going on right now. I ordered like three dresses! Lol. I’m addicted.
Hi Sherry!
Oh I am going to check that one out now. Thanks for the tip!
-Kate
Hey Kate. I was surprised to see that you aren’t a fan of Gilt Groupe…my girlfriends and I are OBSESSED with it! You should give it another shot
Hey Mary Anne!
Have you found great stuff there? I thought it was hard to use. So far RueLaLa is definitely my favorite, but things sell out soooo quickly. Maybe I will have to try Gilt Groupe again….
kate