Holiday season is an expensive season, but “flash sale” websites are an easy online option for maximizing savings, especially if you know how to navigate them. Over the past year or so, these sites have blown up. There are now countless options to explore, so it can be a bit tricky finding one that suits your taste and wallet. But once you find a favorite, those with low self control, be warned: it is far too easy find something you can justify buying daily.
All sale sites are not created equal and there are some that are better suited for a college girl on a budget. Some of the most popular sites include Gilt Groupe, RueLaLa, Ideeli, Billion Dollar Babes and MyHabit. Of these, Gilt Group and RueLaLa certainly trend on the more expensive side and it would probably be advisable to avoid them if you’re on a tight budget.
After questioning numerous female students on Penn’s campus, my two favorites HauteLook and Beyond the Rack make the top of their lists. Ideeli is another popular site among Penn students.
I could buy something that I absolutely adore every day off of HauteLook, be it a fun, flirty dress for a night out, or a pair of chic boots, to the point where it is almost dangerous for my bank account. New sales go online at 11 a.m. every day and discounts can be up to 75-percent off. Recent featured brands include Joe’s Jeans, Juicy Couture, DVF, Romeo and Juliet, BCBGMAXAZRIA, and Betsey Johnson. In general, I find that the prices tend to rage from the 25 to 150 dollar range, but more expensive brands are often a tad more expensive.
Once you sign up, you can receive daily emails telling you about the newest sales. If you see something you like, make sure you get there early. There’s nothing worse than seeing something you absolutely adore and realizing that it’s sold out in your size.
So, whether it be a glamorous New Year’s Eve outfit or a gift for your best girl friend, these sites are definitely worth checking out if you want a fabulous look for a tantalizingly low price.