On a budget and looking to find deals galore? Well, bargain hunters listen up! Three words: Flash Sale Site.
For those savvy fashionistas, always on the lookout for high end finds at a fraction of the cost, the uber competitive online shopping market currently in existence continues to offer thrills, frills, and tons of daily deals for sure.
Retailers such as Zulily, Gilt Groupe and Rue La La basically shook up the traditional commerce model when they first broke into the retail scene in the late 2000’s, and since then, have become tremendously popular for good reason. Discounted merchandise from 50 to 70% off can be easily found, especially with just a bit of digging and some due diligence before purchasing.
May we present a handy dandy comparison of all of the best online fashion deal websites currently available. You are welcome.
HauteLook
Specializing in fashion for the whole family, as well as beauty, toys, and home décor, this Nordstrom’s-owned company boasts a more “West Coast–casual” vibe that’s vibrantly seen in many of the unique and stylish products available on its site—all of which drop every day at eight o’clock in the morning.
It’s a site definitely worth visiting at least once and because it is a huge part of a major department store, they allow 90 day returns to Nordstrom Rack stores. It’s a huge bonus factor to take into consideration since not many other sites allow return items to a physical store.
Zulily
Specializing in sample sales for moms and kids, it was started up by two alums of Blue Nile, a popular online jeweler, that like Zulily, also deserves major props for always maintaining a well-curated selection of high-quality brands.
Though the site began as a place more oriented for Mothers, product offerings do also include men’s fashion as well as a large selection of plus size fashions. Most daily deals featured are sales event based but there are a few single items for sale at any given time.
Gilt Groupe
Specializing in, well, everything! From fashion and home goods to fine food and travel, and of course all the fashion finds you’ll ever need, this luxury site, which was modeled after popular European site Vente-Privee, Gilt is truly the Queen of flash sales.
Sure, it’s got plenty of competition, but still manages to always lead the pack with the best product selection and excellent discounts. There is even Gilt’s free iPhone app that’s been ranted and raved about by shoppers everywhere, an incredibly top-notch and super intuitive shopping buddy to keep alongside that splurge you’ll be in the midst of.
From Givenchy, Cartier, and Armani or Helmut Lang, fashionistas and momsanistas will be right at home with prices that are typically priced a whopping 90% lower than retail rates. What’s more is that Gilt also allows customer returns.
Rue La La
Specializing in fashion, footwear, home, travel, wine, food, local services, and more, this Boston-based goes head-to-head with Gilt on both categories and style. It’s another fashion and home décor based website, similarly featuring mostly luxury brands with all daily deals sorted into sales events.
They even offer “Rue 30” which allows you to pay a one-time $9.95 fee to ship items and then enjoy free shipping for the next 30 days on any additional orders on their site. So, for those regular buyers of high-end fashion items, it’s almost like “free shipping” always and forever. Rad.
PLNDR
Specializing in fashion items for both men and women, it’s got as much alluring, elegant, and attractive new apparel as it does attention-grabbing urban wears, casual clothing, and fabulous fashion statements.
Most of the time, there are various timely flash sales running on this site for at least three day each featuring items all 80% less than retail prices. Shop from brands like Adidas, Dope, Diamond, 10 Deep, Pink, Elephant, and more.
BlueFly
Specializing in harder-to-find fashions, it’s the perfect place for indie designer pieces at a fraction of the high-end boutique prices. Think an Adrianna Papell Lace Dress originally for $179.00 and now on sale $69.98. Yes, please.
Beyond the Rack
Specializing in apparel and accessories for men and women, as well as children’s clothing, toys, beauty, and home goods, it’s a Montreal-based site selling all the top brands like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Marc Jacobs for up to 80 percent off. Sales start twice daily and last for 48 hours so hurry on up and be an early bird. Now!
Belle and Clive
Specializing in fashion and apparel for women and men, this designer brand fave takes a “less is more” approach by only offering have a handful of ongoing sales at any one time. Each and every item and sale, however, always features only the best of the best fashion products that are trending at that moment in time. So it definitely is a win-win, especially for those nit-picky fashion gurus always wanting the best of the very best.
Events are launched at 11:30am EST each day and last from 48 to 72 hours and because there do happen to be a limited number of sales, there’s a “cut to the chase” appeal that’s worth taking into consideration. Just browse, click, buy, and save. Easy, breezy, and beautiful!