Lessons of a (Reformed) Shopaholic: Sample Sale Websites

Back in the day the only kind of sample sale I ever attended was one where I would have get up early to fight the crowds to wait in some kind of dreadful line. The long wait was often followed by a realization that most of the good stuff was already gone, and then out of anger/boredom/stubbornness I would end up buying something that was mediocre and ill-fitting. So why did I keep going back year after year? Well, like any bad relationship, all you need are a few glimpses of greatness and you are hooked. You'll keep coming back for more (in this case maybe a great pair of Pucci boots) in hopes that you will score an amazing one of a kind find. These days, as a reformed shopaholic and busy mother of almost two, you won't find me standing in line for anything. I just don't have the time or patience. Online sample shopping and flash sales, though, well that is a whole other story...

What started as an innocent acceptance of an invite to Gilt from one of my savvy fashionista friends has now turned into a daily flooding of my inbox from every online sample sale site imaginable. Local deals (Living Social), kids and family (Zulily), and the plethora of fashion and home decor sites (Ruelala, Hautelook, Onekingslane, Ideeli etc.) come knocking at my door everyday and they are only just a click away. No parking, no lineups, and they even accept credit cards. Once you start it really is hard to stop. First, there are the incredible prices, then there is the panic of an item selling out and the potential rush of nabbing it before someone else does, and finally it is a thrilling race against the clock because these deals only last for a limited time (roughly 24-72 hours). So how did I curb this new found addiction? (Please note that the addiction I speak of isn't necessarily about making a purchase, but also about the very time consuming act of online window shopping perusing through massive amounts of merchandise). Simply cutting these websites out of my life and only shopping at full price did not seem like an option. So after much reflection, a little research, and a swift kick to my own butt, I have come up with a few ways to curb my curiosity (read: cut back on hours spent searching for the perfect DVF wrap dress that I don't need) and I thought you may need a little help, too.

1. Only read the subject lines of the emails from these sites, do not open them. This way you see the labels being offered so only open it if it something you are coveting (i.e you need a new trench and there is a London Fog sale happening), otherwise hit delete and move on.

2. Know the cost of your labels. Just because the original price is marked at $200 but is on sale for $45 doesn't necessarily mean it is true. There is no one regulating these prices so a company can mark up the original price to make the sale price seem like a total steal. Google the item first and see what it is going for on other sites. I once found a Melissa and Doug dollhouse on Amazon for cheaper than I did on a flash sale site and the shipping was free.

3. Ask yourself if you would buy the item at full price. If yes, then you have yourself a winner (congrats!) but most likely you are being lured in by the bargain basement price and could find yourself with one too many fancy cocktail rings and yet not a single dress to wear to that next office party.

4. Recognize that what goes around comes around, and most things (or something very similar) will pop back on the scene before you know it. Now that these websites are so popular I have noticed that some of the same merchandise will show up on two different sites in the span of one week!

5. If you do find a must-worthy item don't forget to check the return policy. A lot (and I mean A LOT) of this stuff is final sale. What good is that Marc Jacobs blouse if it doesn't fit?

6. And finally, if you must feed your curiosity, why not just choose one site to be your fix? Scour that puppy all you want but do not give any other sites the time of day. All of these online stores cater to various budgets and interests so find one that is best suited to your needs. Personally I am a Gilt fan, even though it is the priciest. I love most of the labels they carry and trust myself enough to know that when I do take the plunge, it is for something that is absolutely amazing and unique.

Have you had any revelations when it comes to online sample shopping? Do you find yourself watching the clock every morning waiting to log in to ____ (insert website here) so you can grab that BCBG dress before your co-worker gets to it first? Do share, we have no secrets here. After all, this is Fashion Rehab.

Love, A