Wardrobe Oxygen: HauteLook and Other Online Sample Sale Sites

Last month department store Nordstrom made news by purchasing HauteLook, an online invitation-only shopping site, for $180 million. Nordstrom stated, "We know the way our customers shop for fashion is changing rapidly. HauteLook provides a platform of speed, capability and innovation to support our customer-driven strategy."

This is huge news, and proof that invitation-only online boutiques aren't going anywhere--in fact they are gaining popularity and clout.

The invite-only "flash sale" sites are incredibly popular--the appeal of an exclusive membership, the urgency to buy quick to get the best price and availability and the online ease to get designer pieces for much less than what is offered in traditional shopping malls.

Here's a list of some of the most popular invitation-only sites and their benefits, issues and details about orders and shipping:

HauteLook

HauteLook provides 48-hour sale events on popular fashion, accessories, beauty, kids and home brands. Expect to see popular brands like NYLA shoes, Stila cosmetics, and Joe's Jeans at 50 to 75 percent off retail. Membership is free and you may join right on the HauteLook website. You receive a $10 credit if you refer a friend to HauteLook and he/she makes a purchase.

Payment can be made via credit card or PayPal and purchases usually arrive within two weeks. Returns can be made on apparel and footwear within 21 days (they will offer a return label for $4.95), but all other types of purchases are Final Sale.

Ideeli

Ideeli offers designer brands of fashion, beauty, travel and home décor at up to 80% off retail. They offer popular designers like Catherine Malandrino, Biotherm and BCBG Max Azria. Ideeli also has an O Shop where they partner with O Magazine to offer items featured on the glossy's pages at a discounted price. Ideeli offers a $25 credit for new customer they receive from your referral. Like HauteLook, you can join the site right on their Welcome Page.

Purchases can only be made by credit card, and mail out within 14 days of the end of the item's sale on the site. There is a 14-day return policy for shoes and a few pieces of apparel, the rest of items are final sale. Though return shipping is free, you only receive store credit, not cash back.

Gilt Groupe

Gilt Groupe is known for 36-hour sales on high-end designers like Rodarte and John Varvatos, but also offers deals on luxe vacations (hello private island in Belize) as well as Groupon-like neighborhood deals such as sushi-making and sake-tasting classes at NYC's Nobu 57.

Gilt used to offer a $25 referral bonus, but has recently changed their policy where you now get free shipping on an order if you refer ten friends. However, Gilt offers free return shipping on all clothing and footwear and you have a 21 day window of time. As with Ideeli, orders must be paid for with a credit card.

Rue La La

Rue La La often times has the best discounts on designer items, and you can find amazing brands for women and the home like Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino.

Rue La La does not offer membership from their site--you need to be referred by a friend or sign up for their waiting list. If you wish to join, most bloggers and fashionistas on Twitter offer referral links because they offer a $10 referral bonus. Rue La La has one of the best return policies of all the invitation-only sites:  You have a 30-day window and if you wish to return, you may choose to receive either a merchandise credit and free return shipping, or a refund to your original form of payment minus return shipping costs.

Have you tried any invitation-only flash sale sites? What are your faves?

Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.