I love a good sale, but hunting through huge racks of clothes in a store full of people? Not so much. My new favorite way to shop is on the "secret sale" websites like Secret Style, Gilt, The Top Secret, Ideeli, Red Tag Crazy, Glam List, and Rue La La where you can buy clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, and even home decor items like bedding and candles. I get very excited when I see designer jeans like Citizens of Humanity, J Brand and Seven for all Mankind.
These members-only sites sell items from a specific designer, like Diane Von Furstenburg or Vera Wang, at deeply discounted prices, starting at specific times. You can only shop while the sale is live, usually no more than a day, and there are a limited number of items. I have literally seen a coveted item sell out in seconds.
I spoke to David Palmer, VP of Marketing for Secret Style, about the growing popularity of this way of shopping. He explained that selling through these sites protects the designers' brands because of the exclusive atmosphere and the controlled way in which the merchandise is offered. The goods aren't being sold all over the internet at a continually discounted price, just for a short time and for select customers.
In terms of what shoppers think is a great deal and discount off retail, "70% is the new 20%", according to Mr. Palmer. At a time when traditional retail outlets are pushing back at designers, reducing orders and returning unsold merchandise, secret sale sites are successfully moving the goods and are growing exponentially.
Secret sale sites usually require an invitation via a current member, and the person who refers you gets a credit of anywhere from $10 to $25 if you join and make a purchase. I have compiled a list of the sites I check daily, and have included special links where you can join today and get the credit for yourself! It's just a little thank you for being a Blissfully Domestic reader.
After you join you can refer your friends and get another credit on your account after they make a purchase. So happy shopping, but leave some good stuff for me, please!
Secret Style $10 Credit
Gilt Groupe $25 Credit
The Top Secret $15 Credit
Ideeli $25 Credit
Red Tag Crazy $5 Credit
Rue La La $10 Credit (E-mail me for an invite)
Glam List $15 Credit (E-mail me for an invite)
For Rue La La and Glam List I don't have a direct link. E-mail me at Laurin {at}LaurinandKellyTalk {dot}com and I will send you a signup link.
The secret's out…so get shopping! Have you ever shopped a secret sale before? If so, tell us about your great finds in the comments!
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Hautelook.com is another one. Email me for a link.
I will. More shopping awaits!
If you want to get into, Rue lala, Hautelook (awesome site), or glamlist, feel free to use me as your refferral to get in (nicolecmurray@yahoo.ca)