Lux for Less

Lately, I’ve received a steady stream of “invitation only” online sales events which promise short-term sales on select high-end items. Usually discounted from 40-60% for a limited time (1-3 days), these events are reminiscent of showroom sample sales offered by design houses for industry insiders in cities like New York, Paris, and Milan. However, thanks to the Internet and the economy, these sales are now available to the rest of us.

Popular invitation-only sites include Gilt Groupe, RouLaLa (by Loehmann's), HauteLook, The Top Secret, and my personal favorite, JackThreads. With these sites, everybody wins. I can find designer labels at steep discounts plus earn credits by referring friends; retailers can clear their shelves of excess inventory without the stigma of having to sit in a bargain bin at a department store or worse—an outlet mall. Plus, like most guys, I know what I do and don't like.  It takes me mere seconds to decide on a purchase so the accessibility of the Internet is perfect. I can shop for everything from Converse and sweats, to Guccis and suits without being seen at the sales rack which suits me just fine.

If you’re still behind on your holiday shopping, feel free to use my “invitation” to get on these sites.

Gilt Groupe: http://www.gilt.com/invite/evelio

JackThreads: http://www.jackthreads.com/login.php, sponsor name: evelio@designpackaginginc.com

For the others, you can request to be added to a waiting list. Top Secret makes you think you need an invitation, but you really just need this code: “secret” to access.

Feel free to post your invitation access codes here to your favorite invitation-only sites.