Keep Calm & Carry On

    I wish I could say that sifting through sale racks is one of my favorite things to do, but it’s not. Not even a little bit. I think that bargain-hunting in stores is an incredible waste of time because I usually get discouraged and emerge empty-handed after seeing things like this. However, given the current economic climate, we live in a world where the “splurge or save?” dilemma has become ubiquitous. I mean, even Vogue published a recession-friendly issue last December. This is coming from a magazine that had featured a $64,300 Fendi 24K-gold mink coat just two months earlier. It was clear that the times were a-changing, and it just wasn’t okay to buy a mink coat dipped in gold anymore. Sigh. 

    Anyways, in my efforts to become a smarter shopper, I’ve found that there are a few websites that make it easy to splurge and save. That is, sites that provide current, lust-worthy, and high-quality clothing and accessories at reduced prices. Here are my favorite links to hit up when I’m in the mood to get my recessionista on:

1. Gilt Groupe and Gilt Fuse

    Both websites feature online sales in which pieces from one designer or under one theme (ex. “Summertime Accessories) are marked down for 36 hours. Gilt Groupe has a slant towards higher-end lines, while Gilt Fuse features emerging brands. Gilt Groupe also has sales for menswear and children’s apparel. Sales start at noon and popular items sometimes sell out within minutes. These sites aren’t very useful if you’re looking for a specific item because it’s difficult to predict what will show up in a sale. However, if you’re in the mood for a little impulse-buying, shopping on Gilt will make you feel strangely proud of yourself. Gilt memberships are invite-only, and invites can be extended by existing members. If you’d like an invite, feel free to send me an e-mail at bzhang10102[at]gmail[dot]com.

2. ShopStyle

    If you do have a specific piece in mind, try searching for it on ShopStyle. The website will bring up the results of your search from hundreds of different retailers, allowing you to quickly compare prices. For example, my recent search for “J Brand 10” Skinny Jeans” brought up seven pages of results from Shopbop, Revolve, National Jean Company, Saks, and many others. 

3. Hautelook

    Almost identical to Gilt, this site also features exclusive, limited-time online sales. The difference is that Hautelook focuses on contemporary designers, whereas Gilt leans more towards fine apparel. For example, Gilt currently has sales for Sergio Rossi and Badgley Mischka, while Hautelook has sales for Splendid and Velvet by Graham & Spencer. Hautelook is great for basics, like the tank and sweater below. Doesn’t that sweater look so lovely and snuggly- perfect for fall? I just want to wrap it around myself, slip on a pair of leggings, and indulge in a latte and a good book (or conversation, depending on my mood.)

4. The Outnet

    This designer outlet has the same trend-conscious offerings as it’s sister site, Net-A-Porter. It also features “Pop-Up Sales” (72-hour sales similar to those found on Gilt or Hautelook) and the ingenius “Going, Going, Gone” sale. In the latter, one particular item is presented at it’s original price, and the price decreases continuously as the clock ticks. When you add the item to your cart, the price is locked and you are required to make the purchase. The sale ends when the item is sold out so, depending on how gutsy you and your fellow shoppers are (how long you are willing to wait before making your purchase,) “Going, Going, Gone” pieces can be sold for absolutely absurd prices. For example, this Chloe Ines Box Clutch, which retailed for $1380 on Net-A-Porter, was sold at a final price of $17.08. The next sale is tomorrow- a $1,185 pair of Louboutin sandals. Try your luck!

5. Shop It To Me

    Select your favorite apparel brands from Shop It To Me’s extensive list, and receive daily or weekly “sale mails” (email summaries of new items that have gone on sale.) Conveniently, the e-mails only include items that are still available in your size.

6. DailyCandy Deals

    Each week, DailyCandy Deals subscribers recieve emails with discount codes for several different retailers. They tend to select lesser-known boutiques, so it’s a great way to find out about new stores when you’re stuck in a shopping rut. 

Happy shopping, and have a splendid weekend!

KC&CO,

Bessie