Online Sample Sites vs. Invitation Only Sites

After much research I have realized that there really is no difference between the two, you know, the much touted “sample sites” or "invitation only" websites. First off, if you are looking for a certain bag or a designer piece, it may behoove you to search these sites on a daily basis. All you need is an email address to get "in" to find what they consider deals (some are others are not). The links I have included in this post are only to get you to the site so you can sign up on your own or if the link has come from me, it's because you need me to get in! After you sign up, get ready for a barrage of emails, I'm talking daily, non-stop emails, all day long "alerting" you to the next sale. It's great when you wake up and you think business is picking up but no, you get totally pissed when you find out that yet again, there is another 10 emails touting the daily wares clogging up your inbox. I digress. A lot of these sites aren't much better than your local T.J. Max or Marshalls. I have rated them between the number one to number five with five being the best. I'm not going to list the designer's each site carries, you can do that and remember this is just my opinion but my hope is that is saves YOU a little bit of time narrowing down this "exclusive club"!

Haute Look 12345 No Invitation needed

They have a few decent sales, but get there early.

Rue La La 12345 No Invitation Needed

When their website is not crashing they have some pretty good deals.

Secret Style 12345 No Invitation needed referral email optional

It’s like an online Marshalls or TJ Max but with a nice designer thrown in here and there.

The Glam List 12345 Invitation Needed

No confirmation to my “request” to be added to the site for over a month. Why would I want to shop on a site that doesn’t want me? It’s not like they have LV or something.

Gomatta Girls 12345 No Invitation Needed

One deal a day. Should take you about 15 seconds to make the decision to buy or not. The only thing is you should be at the site when the deal breaks or you may lose out. New deals start at….still trying to figure that out! Too many emails about "deals".

Billion Dollar Babes (formally regents secret) 12345 No Invitation Needed VIP $100.00

Okay site, some good deals but the site has gone down a couple of times when I click through the email trying to view sales. They tout brand names, but I have yet to find anything really great.

The Fem Group No Website as of 7/31/2009 12345 No Invitation Needed, Request Address. Premier Membership gets 24 advances on sales.

More of a website to direct you to there live “sample sales” on the West Coast. Online is okay, but not much to offer. Problems with trying to refer a friend.

DD Push 12345 No Invitation Needed

Sends you a confirmation email, then if you’re lucky and a sale is going on, you can shop. If not, nothing. Not impressed at all.

Beyond the Rack 12345 Invitation Needed (click on link to proceed)

I've actually found some cute things on this one but they seem to be few and far between.

Juxzy 12345 No invitation needed, confirmation email

This is one of those sites that you register for under your “other” email address’s and bookmark. Then when you are cleaning out your bookmarks, you check the site and remember why you haven’t been there.

365hangers 12345 No Invitation Needed

This is a one sale a day type of “sample site”. I like it because you see the whole outfit on a real girl and you can buy what you want (sizes available) from the outfit, or the whole thing. There new but so far, so good. You do have the option to “upgrade” to the Front Row for a price and to have access to sale events earlier.

Ideeli 12345 Invitation Needed

They have some really, really good deals on designer goods so just be diligent and you may find that certain designer item you are looking for.

Gilt 12345 No Invitation needed

I like this site but you have to be there as soon as a new offer comes up. I’m still trying to figure out how many items they actually have as it seems like all the good bags or items tend to sell out as soon as you click through your “new sale” email. Deals are somewhat decent if you can get them.

Catwalk to Closet 12345 No Invitation Needed

Great deals on items from Chloe, Pucci, Celine, Alexander McQeen and Missoni to name a few. Everything ships from the U.K. and shipping is fairly reasonable.

Honorable Mention Home Décor

One Kings Lane 12345 No Invitation Needed.

Home Décor. For the home this is a great site and they have had some really great deals!

Again, these are just my opinions but if your looking for really great handbags and accessories and a really great price, try my favorite site, First Class Consignment.

BCBGeneration Dress, My New Favorite

I LOVE this dress! I am not a fan of BCBG, but once in awhile they actually come out with something I like and is affordable. I cannot ever remember buying an article of clothing in every color. Ever! This dress just does it for me in every way. You know when you try something on and it just fits? You feel good in it? Then, all your friends actually confirm your thoughts? "You look great in that dress". For me, this is the dress. I own two black, that should tell you how much I love this dress. It's buttery soft, and the tie can go in front or back and can be worn either dressed up or down. There is also two little pockets in the front which actually I put my keys in and the dress didn't droop like I thought it would. My suggestion would be to buy this dress NOW! The price can be better at the store than online, but trust me...super cozy and just a great all around up/down dress!

bcbgeneration

Lockheart Kelly Bowler

I am in search of a bag by Lockheart and it's called a Kelly Bowler in either Green, Blue or Red. If you don't know, Lockheart was started by two designers from Isabella Fiore and moved on to create the LH brand. Enough said, you can find out more about them by googling them all I care about is this damn bag. While In Newport Beach with my sister about a year ago we shopped at our favorite store, Antonia's. She bought the Kelly Bowler in Green and I am still kicking myself for not buying one. It is so versatile and cute I am on a mission! Have one? I want it!

Newport Beach...Here We Come!

Just finishing the laundry to leave tomorrow to spend five glorious days at the Hyatt in N.B. I am especially excited to visit Antonia's. They always have the greatest bags and shoes and it is such a sweet little shop!

While I am not sunning myself, I do have business to attend to, which being viewing bags to hopefully pass along to you!

I will also be frequenting other off the beaten path places to aquire my favorite things in the world!

Stay Tuned!

Boxers Deserve a Chance

Not the dog, the underwear. Yes, the men's underwear. I have been wearing men's boxers for years. Not as underwear, but as shorts. Hear me out and you will be pleasantly surprised. Years ago I saw someone else do it and was totally shocked. Seriously? Your walking around with underwear on top of what I would hope is your underwear? Well, fast forward about a year and I am hooked, literally. Fast forward to now, it's a staple for me. You have to understand, I love shorts that I can dress up or down but when I get home, I want to put on something that I can be comfortable in besides sweats. First off the fit is amazing for a women's body. If you go up a size larger than what you are, the elastic around the waist fits snug but not too tight. The butt and the thigh fit is what I love best, it's not a form fit, it's sexy loose. They hang really cute on a women's body and because most boxers are made out of cotton, they are super soft. You can also get them in different colors, but I am partial to white. Try them before you discount it and let me know what you think!

My Favorite

Nordstrom

Great Skirt, Cheap Price!

I just got back from a weekend in Arizona. I love to plan my shopping beforehand anh while I did see some really cute things, my favorite new piece is a skirt I got from Target. I know. I'm not one to really shop for clothes there, just don't have the patience. This skirt is perfect for summer. Made from Cotton and Spandex and is great with a tank top and flip flops or can be dressed up with a babydoll or tunic with wedges. The best thing is that they are only $16.99. I picked up one in brown and black and absolutely love them.

Target