Plug in: Online Sample Sales

Over the last couple of years, private online sample sale boutiques have been all the rage with cyber-fashionistas. Getting designer duds at bargain basement prices is the name of the game... and with the limited shopping windows and perceived exclusivity of it all, it's definitely drool-worthy! Most of the featured boutiques are only open for 2-3 days. And at deeply discounted prices, the goods go fast! Your best plan of attack? Know what sales are happening when and have your hand on the mouse as soon as the boutiques open for business.

While there's a whole slew of great sample sites out there for women's fashions, you moms and moms-to-be should take note of a few ones that often offer up fabulous boutiques for children's clothing and accessories. First is one of my absolute faves, Rue La La. The creators of Smart Bargains launched this site last summer to much success. I actually use this one a lot for gifts... you'll mostly find boutiques featuring women's and men's clothing and accessories here and the occasional homegoods sale, but they will throw in a great children's boutique every once in a while and you don't want to miss it!

To gain access to Rue La La, click here and click on the "not a member?" icon at the bottom of the page. A new window will pop up and you can enter my email address (exactly as entered below) as the inviting member:

Another great sample site you must plug into is Gilt Groupe. You may've noticed some of their featured sales in my sidebar. They have great designer children's boutiques going on pretty regularly, so I'm always popping in to see what they've got on sale. Both Rue La La and Gilt have excellent customer service and they aim to please.

To gain access to Gilt Groupe, click here to register.

And the newest sample site you mommas cannot miss out on is The Mini Social. This site, just launched last fall, is exclusively for mom and baby, offering up fabulous style at sample sale prices. And to top it off, a portion of all sales goes to great charities like UNICEF.

Currently, access to The Mini Social is open to everyone! Click here to register.

Happy shopping, mommas!