Once more it would seem I’m late to the fashion party, at least when it comes to the world of sample sales.

You’re shocked, I’m sure.  For those of you who’ve never met me, here’s a quick and dirty rundown of my fashion sense.  I tend towards classic for church and other dressy functions, and my wardrobe is a sea of black.  (But in a good way.  Think Audrey Hepburn, not Sicilian widow.)  But on a day to day basis, life and busyness and my status as a non-morning person find me regularly dropping the kids off at preschool wearing yoga pants and a sorority t-shirt that is definitely past its sell-by date.  Most of the time I’m not even wearing makeup.  I love nice clothes but hate paying full price and shop happily at Marshall’s.

However, in my dream world where I have tons of free cash and time, and my children didn’t do things like jump into toilets to splash around the minute I turn on a curling iron, I would be perfectly coiffed and immaculately dressed at all times.  My clothes would be purchased from stores with soft lighting and helpful sales people.  I mean, you can’t deny the results: looking good makes you feel good.  I love the way my little black dress turns me into Joan Holloway, the way a pair of skyscraper heels makes the world mine for the stomping, the way that casually slinging my red python handbag over my arm feels like a jolt of espresso, and how MAC’s Viva Glam lipstick turns me into Marilyn Monroe.

These little addictive moments mean that I like to shop.  If I had more time and money, this might be dangerous.  But as I’m short on both and blessed with a giant guilt complex (buying anything at full price triggers instant buyer’s remorse), it’s a problem I can live with.

Thankfully, I don’t live in New York, the land of the sample sale.  A couple of years ago I attended one here, and I barely survived.  After narrowly escaping the stampede of fashionistas at the door, I watched in awe as bony girls in nude thongs and strapless bras pranced around, their modesty buried under the piles of designer duds they hoarded in corners.  They shopped in packs, with someone assigned to guard the stash at all times so they could take turns with their friends practicing a form of Greco Roman wrestling to get in front of the one (yes, ONE) mirror in the entire place.

Never again.

However, I’ve recently discovered the world of online sample sales, and ladies (and gents), I’ve gotta tell you, I’m in love.  These sites feature highly discounted designer clothes, housewares, shoes, handbags, children’s clothes and toys, and even vacation packages at exotic resorts.  It’s well worth your time to sign up and take a peek, especially with the holidays coming up.  Generally, the sites work by featuring several brands for a limited period of time.  Only select items from that brand are featured for sale, so you may not find the latest and the greatest.  Or if you do, be aware that quantities are limited.  But all in all, I’ve been extremely impressed with what I’ve seen listed in online sample sales.  If you shop quickly and do your research beforehand, you can get great deals.

So far, my favorite online sample site is Rue La La.  Rue La La features amazing brands (today, for instance, they have one of my all time favorites, Yummie Tummie) and deep discounts.  I’ve been pleased with everything purchased from the site.

I’m also a member of Gilt Groupe, and while I like it, I don’t shop there as often as I do at Rue La La, simply because their brands are more upscale, and so are their prices.  But I have purchased from Gilt, and their customer service is wonderful.

Swirl by Daily Candy is still in the startup stages, and features fewer sales, but extremely interesting items.  I’d also suggest you sign up for Daily Candy emails, which are part humor and part fascinating new products.

There are a host of other online sample sale sites out there, and I’d love to hear from you if you’ve got a site you love.  One I’m eager try is Hautelook.  You can find more information on online sample sales at Shefinds.com

Let me know if you’ve got other good places to shop online.  I can’t believe it, but it’s almost time to start my elfish activities for the year.  And as I try to avoid the mall after Thanksgiving, I welcome any and all suggestions for good online retailers, especially those that involve my favorite four letter word: SALE.

Happy shopping!

Oh, and a PS–the sites I’ve mentioned are free to join, but some do require an invitation.  I’ve put my invitation in the links for Rue La La, Gilt Groupe, and Swirl.