It is ironic that to gain access to this secret world of shopping you merely have to get off the right exit on the Internet superhighway. Yes, shopping on the web has evolved into an exclusive members -only club, that millions of fashion forward men and women everywhere are chomping at their manicured nails for the ever elusive but precious invitation code. Of course! We don't want everyone knowing about how to get 50-90% off gorgeous designer duds! Luckily, A. Fashionista is here to break it down and give you access to what is the not so secret world of fabulous, discounted, designer shopping...
Gilt Groupe - The giltiest pleasure on the the web. Fabulous designers. 36 hour sample sales, that start at 12pm ET for men, women and children. Oh and did I mention they just launched fabulous homeware too? They even have videos you can watch 1 day prior to the sale. Indulge (http://www.gilt.com/labellovers) in the gilty pleasure and feel satisfied with all the fashion calories you will save!
Exclusivity Factor? ***** Top Secret
Designer Factor? ***** Paris. Milan. Bryant Park.
Ideeli.com - I'm giving them points off because unlike Gilt, they have paid search and have become much less exclusive then when I first joined through Juli b. A basic membership is free. However, they do get props for the $7.99 first row monthly mobile membership that offers the chance to win that coveted $1400 Dior bag just by texting "Yes". Luv their designer selection. Wish they had men's though. Become an ideeli fashionista (http://www.ideeli.com/in/media?mi=labellover) and get the added benefit of exclusive access to events......Luv that they understand their market enough to move into lifestyle. A unique selling point in an overcrowded market.
Exclusivity Factor? ** Just Google it. Why paid search? This site is good enough to go viral.
Designer Factor? ***** A woman's playground...
Hautelook.com - To me this site looks like the Gilt Groupe, repurposed in pink and grey. They show videos of designers. No "sponsor email" is required to join. Nonetheless, what is unique about haute is that they encourage you to upload your "haute look " with a photo onto their "Trends" page. Definitely a cool factor here. I smell a social network.
Exclusivity Factor? ** Just know the url. It's all about paid search.
Designer Factor? **** Feature lesser known designers which is cool. Definitely aimed at the 18-35 demograpic.
TheTopSecret.com - In case you haven't heard, this is topbutton's answer to the secret shopping society. Evolutionizing what they already do, which is bring you brick and mortar sample sale alerts to the online world. I am actually surprised it took them so long to do this. If you are member, you automatically receive an invite to join their secret society. Love the site design, red and romantic. Don't love the fact that they are running paid search campaigns on every major search engine. And you call yourself topsecret?
Exclusivity Factor: * Become a member to be a member or know the magic keyword combination in any one search engines.
Designer Factor: *** The Valentino sale was good. Otherwise, been there, seen that
Regent's Secret - I found this site by typing in the right combination of keywords on Google. You don't need a special code or to be invited to join. Access to their club is instant. Once you join, they will reward you with your loyalty. As you refer members, you can 5% in cash or merchandise credit based on their purchases for the life of your membership.
Exclusivity Factor: ** Again, Google it.
Designer Factor: **** Props here. Lesser known, fun designers.
Glamlist.com - Last but not least. Another one that came up via Google, paid search no less. Having a paid search strategy when you have a private shopping community is a little ironic, don't you think? They do offer a VIP card for a one time fee of $20 that gives you access to the sales before they actually happen. That is a bargain.
Exclusivity Factor: * Does the VIP card count? Google "glamlist" to join
Designer Factor: * Their most recent sample sale is the Paris Hilton clothing line. What's next Heidiwood?
