Gilt Rhymes with Guilt

I'm a bit impulsive sometimes when it comes to shopping. Online sample sales are perfectly positioned for people like me.

...It's cute? It's on sale? There's only a limited number? And this sale ends in 48 hours?!? I NEED TO ACT NOW!!!

Every week they send you emails telling you what awesome sales are coming up this week. Then they send you an email every morning saying which sale is now open. Its the equivalent to sitting idle at the mall, seeing a giant sale sign being put up and the doors being opened... just... for... you. Yup. That's how they get you.

I think I've been pretty good so far. I've only purchased things I had already been wanting for awhile. But the thing about shopping is its like reading, the more you discover, the more you know what else is out there. I've stopped emails from certain sites I know I probably won't buy on (when did Gilt get so expensive?). What's the point in browsing a store you know you can't afford even if it is on sale.

Here's a list of my favorites.

• Hautelook (probably my favorite.)
  
• Ruelala (i bought a betsey johnson watch here. no complaints.)
  
• Ideeli (i like looking here. i see their ads everywhere.)
  
• Gilt Groupe (good brands, recently more pricey)
• Editors Closet (not as many sales. occasionally good handbag sales like gucci, etc.)
  

Warnings:

• They take a bit longer to ship and no free returns like some regular sites on the web.
• Clearance/blowout sales are good prices but no returns and things go quick.
• Prices aren't always as cheap as other non-sample sale sites. Don't be too impulsive.

Regular sites I like to browse/shop at that fill my inbox.

• ulta (middleground between riteaid and sephora. yay for free gifts and coupons.)
  
• bananarepublic (their petite sizes actually fit me. no hemming necessary. awesome!)
  
• threadless (cute shirts. wait for $5/10 sale.)
  
• borders (good coupons. i use them for moleskins b/c they never go on sale. please stay in business!)
  
• goldstar (discounts on local events/shows. seriously sign up for this!!!)
• travelzoo (oh the places i COULD go.)
• christianbook (their midweek markdowns totally get me.)
• SHN (i love musicals!)

Tip: To curb being distracted by all these marketing emails I have them filtered directly to a folder, not my inbox, which is to only to be looked at when I have free time. =)