The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

3 New (To Us, At Least) Online Sample Sale Sites

Dozens of online sample sale websites seem to have cropped up over the past year or so, each promising designer fashions at drastically reduced prices. Here are three of the latest ones I've come across for your bookmarking & browsing pleasure. All are free to join and you don't need a special invite. I haven't shopped at any of these yet so let me know if you do!

ShopFlick.com/private-sale: This website offers weekly one-day, one-deal sales. Currently, you can score a pair of Modern Vintage Leather Butero Black Boots, originally $295, for just $49.99. Not bad! If you love infomercials, then you'll love their video presentations about the day's sale. Warning: They are very persuasive! Look for daily sales to roll out in just a few weeks.

>> Click here to join ShopFlick

BillionDollarBabes.com: This premier designer sample sale company has been around since 2001 hosting in-person sales, and has recently added online sales at their website. Word on the street is that Thursday's sale will feature beautiful jewelry and leather pieces by Beyrll. Sign up for their emails which will notify you when a sale starts.

>> Click here to join BillionDollarBabes.com

SecretStyle.com: Another online outlet store for members only, Secret Style's strong point seems to be featuring lesser-known (but no less fab) designer labels, which means price points are often much lower than, say, Gilt or Rue La La. Recent sales included Trish McEvoy cosmetics, while Morphine Generation clothing is currently up for grabs. Once you sign up, you'll get email alerts for all their sales, which last about 24-48 hours or until they run out of stock.

>> Click here to join SecretStyle.com

Have you scored any great deals at an online sample sale website? Which one is your favorite?

Off the Rack: Spring Fashions at Old Navy


Old Navy Spring 2009 Collection

Spring has arrived at my local Old Navy, so I snapped some pics to show how these clothes look in "real life." Bright colors dominate this collection, which includes bubblegum pink and canary yellow trench coats; loose-fitting tops and sundresses in ocean blue and tangerine; layering tees, tanks and cardigans in a rainbow of colors, and full skirts in blue, red and brown.

Accessories are equally bright: I spotted some floral tote/beach bags, flip-flops in every color imaginable, colorful ballet flats and thong sandals, and lightweight scarves in an assortment of solids, stripes and patterns. Swimwear was a strong point for me (sorry my photos are kinda blurry), there was a nice mix of two-piece and one-piece suits in tropical hues, easy jersey cotton maxi dresses, and some cute embroidered kaftan/tunic coverups.

If you're looking for cheap workout wear, Old Navy definitely has you covered with a wide array of inexpensive support tops, yoga pants—even eco-friendly aluminum water bottles. During my trip, I bought a couple items from the last-call clearance section and called it a day. It's 38 degrees out today and I just can't bring myself to buy spring clothes until the weather warms up. But I imagine lots of spring breakers will be stocking up! What do you think of ON's spring offerings so far?

Shop new arrivals at oldnavy.com


Old Navy Spring 2009 Collection

Old Navy Spring 2009 Collection

Old Navy Spring 2009 Collection

Old Navy Spring 2009 Collection

Old Navy Spring 2009 Collection

Old Navy Spring 2009 Collection

Lots more photos after the jump >>

Today at Gilt: Me&Ro Jewelry, Isabella Fiori Handbags, Richard Chai




Today's sales at Gilt Groupe include Me&Ro jewelry, Isabella Fiore handbags and Richard Chai. Huge fan of Chai, but can't afford it. Me&Ro makes some lovely pieces and all the celebs wear it, but once again it's out of my price range. Check it out if you're looking for something special and you're ready to splurge! If nothing else, these sales are an education in what's luxe and what's hot right now. All sales start today, Tuesday 2/24 at 12 PM ET. Use this link to join the sales: http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe