Those of you, who are totally in the know, may have heard of the new thing of organized online sample sale sites. Yes, Sample Sales are now on the net.

Discounts at these sites are 35%-90% and like regular sample sales are scheduled ahead of time. Some sales happen every few days, others every week and others a few times a year. You’ll have to sign up on their website to receive notifications. But if you’re into designer and couture apparel and accessories, this is the newest, hottest trend to save on designer goods.

Like showroom sample sales, there are no try ons, but unlike showroom sales they will be no crowds and you can shop in the safety of your own home Unlike real sample sales you’ll also get a wider size range.

Prior to each sale you receive a notice for the start time and a description of the product that will be at the sale, so you’ll know “who” the designer are/ is ahead of time.

The LA based sample sale, Haute Look offers designer specific sales. Only one label on sale at a time. Haute Look tends to sell more hip contemporary lines like Ya Ya and designer jean brands at 50%-75% off.

Another sale out of Southern California is Party in My Pants' “Cyber Sample Sale”. Specializing in designer jeans you can save 35%-60% on major designer brands from past seasons overruns, discontinued styles and actual samples.

LA original organized Sample Sale, Planet Lulu is now exclusively online open 7 to 10 days per month, and you need to be on the guest list in order to shop. Anyone who signs in can shop online. With 3,000 items from more than 30 top designers at 40%-75% off, it’s a fun sale to peruse. http://www.planetlulu.com/www/

New on the scene is Gilt Groupe. They also offer designer-specific sales, one to three times per week and the sale lasts only 48 hours.

Ideeli is another web exclusive sample sale that has come on the scene. This "red-rope online shopping community” is an invite-only site (membership required) that hosts sample sales of luxury goods at 50% to 90% off the original retail. They also keep their members in the loop through e-mail and mobile alerts. So far they are more accessories focused with sales on designer handbags, sunglasses, wallets, belts and the like.

You’ll need to be invited to join or sign up when they are having open registrations.
www.ideeli.com

The best items move extremely fast at these sale so planning ahead to pounce is essential. If you are very familiar with the line sold, you can do well. But if you haven’t tried on a designer line you may want to visit a Beverly Hills upscale boutique to check on sizing before you make a purchase.