Moraespanola

n the past, sample sales and trunk shows were only available to savvy New Yorkers who could leave the office during lunch to snag the best deals in designer fashion.

Those days are over, thanks to online sample sale websites like Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, Ideeli and Haute Look. These deal-a-day formatted sites bring discounted designer goods to their members all year long. Some sites, including Gilt Groupe, are invitation-only. That being said, shoppers can apply for membership or search through fashion blogs to find an invitation link. (They are abundant, as the referrer can often earn store credit when the member they recruited makes his or her first purchase.)

In true sample sale form, the designer duds offered on these sites are first come, first serve. All sites provide a calendar of upcoming sales, and Gilt and Ideeli actually let you download sale events to your iCal or Outlook so never miss a deal. Search the calendar for designers that peak your interest, then be sure to sign on early to get first pick. Remember that items added to your cart are not reserved for long, generally under 15 minutes, so don’t spend too much time deliberating whether or not you really need another pair of over-the-knee boots. (They’re all the rage this fall, so you probably do. And for that price, why not?)

Just a note: be sure to read the site’s terms and conditions. Gilt and Haute Look, for example, only offer store credit in exchange for a returned item, though they do pay for return shipping and handling.

Sample sale sites are also foraying into fields beyond fashion. Gilt Groupe and Ideeli have recently offered discounted room rates to five-star hotels and resorts in locales both familiar and exotic like Montauk, Berlin, Napa and the Philippines. They have also taken a cue from Groupon by localizing their services to provide deals and coupons to city-specific shops. Just enter your zip code to learn about specials at fitness centers, spas and restaurants, and impress your friends with your take on the city’s trendiest milieu.

If you’re tired of last-minute scrambling for gifts, sample sale sites also offer plenty of sales on home goods and small accessories like leather day planners or Voluspa candles. Buy in bulk and save until you need the perfect hostess or housewarming gift.

Scoring designer deals can be as simple as signing online, as long as you’re in the know. So, consider yourself a savvy shopper, and start saving!