Sample Sales -- Online Review

I've been shopping at three sample sale sites for about two months: Ideeli, Hautelook, and Gilt. Here is what I like and what I don't like:

Ideeli, sales at 11 a.m. EST
I became a member at Ideeli (23.00 dollars every three months) because I like the giveaways and the preview feature. Unlike the other two sites, you are able to preview the sale an hour before it begins. The first hour of the sale is solely for members, so you are able to purchase items without feeling too pressured. That being said, the selection of the site can be hit or miss, and the prices are good, but not great, unless you are shopping for items that were previously posted. You also have to be careful for markups and fake discounts. I've caught Ideeli selling products at "reduced rates" that are actually the Mrs.

Hautelook, sales at 11 a.m. EST
Hautelook is the LA version of Gilt, and it has some of the same sales as Ideeli. Usually a day after a sale has ended at Ideeli, you can find the same brands on Hautelook. Hautelook sells couture, vintage and highstreet labels, so you never know what could be on sale that day. This keeps me coming back. Like Gilt, you cannot preview the sale until it begins, so other shoppers are more likely to cart everything that appeals to them and sort it later. Also, sometimes I am not able to add items to my cart at Hautelook, and I end up not purchasing the item.

Gilt and Giltfuse, sales at 12 noon, EST
Gilt is by far my favorite site, just because it sells haute couture at such great prices. I really get the feeling that I am shopping a sample sale: that feeling of buttery leather, soft cashmere, and the overwhelming sight of GREAT design. Giltfuse has more affordable sales, but a good selection of street smart, trendy clothing. Like Hautelook, you are not able to preview the sales, and although I signed up to receive sale alerts, I don't think that the weekend sales are advertised. Maybe there is more to membership to this site than I am aware of.

All the sites have a front, back, and close-up view of each item, but Ideeli and Gilt usually have one image of accessories set to scale: rings on fingers, sunglasses on a face. I find this really helpful, especially when shopping for sunglasses online.

As for different sizes, none of the websites sell special sizes frequently, but Ideeli has sold some items, and has advertised the fact. I haven't seen any on Gilt of Hautelook.

Lastly, I really enjoy Ideeli's blog, which sometimes has several posts a day. They also have a few giveaways, and not too many people seem to enter. I won some makeup samples last month!

I hope that you found that helpful. Happy shopping!