Gilt Groupe is another member only website. Gilt Groupe, like Ideeli, sends e-mails daily about amazing designer sales. Today, for example they had Seven for Mankind jeans, Anna Sui dresses and Elie Tahari bags and shoes. All, of course at a pretty steep discount!

And guess who has an invite? I do! Click here to get shopping!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Get Your Gilt Groupe Invite!

I may begin to sound like a broken record, but this is this same type of thing as heels. Invest in high-quality, luxury pieces, readers! It saves you in the long run!

Of course you can spot a cute top at a store like Forever 21 and think it looks great, run out and then wash it once or twice and think, “That looked good on me once?”

But, if you follow a few simple rules, you should be able to avoid the dreaded “bad t-shirt” dilemma.

Tip #1: Find a good fit. A t-shirt is like a pair of jeans, if you find a shirt that fits, buy in bulk. Not Sam’s Club bulky, but two or three colors will do. You never know when that store is going to run out your size, have a sale, or someone else is going to find the secret “perfect” tee.

Tip #2 : Accessorize: A t-shirt can be dressed up or dressed down very easily. The same tee can easily be taken from day to night by pairing it with different accessories. Using necklaces, earrings, scarves, and earrings are great ways to start. However, don’t accessorize with a side of crazy like Amy Winehouse in this bright pink shirt.

Tip #3 Find a good quality shirt. Even if the shirt fits, it doesn’t mean it’s good quality. The shirt could be magic money the first couple outings, but after a few washes, because you didn’t buy it at a higher end location, it’s going to stretch, fade, and just be gross. Start with stores like The Gap and Banana Republic, if you’re still not sure how good of a quality you need.

If you’re more of an online shopper like I am, look at Bluefly.com. The Monrow Marine Cotton ‘Bold Stripe’ Crewneck T-Shirt looks like a great place to start.

Hopefully, these tips will come in handy for all of you as you look for your perfect tee! I know I use them every time I go shopping!

Photos from: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Investment Alert: The Good T-Shirt

Today, before running off to get some groceries, I stopped by Sak’s Fifth Avenue’s  Off 5th just to do some browsing and found a perfect BCBG MAXAZRIA clutch that was originally priced at $158. I ended up getting it for $37.

I’m not going to guarantee any results, but if you follow some of my rules to bargain luxury shopping, I’m pretty sure some of you luxury fashionistas will snag some pretty awesome deals as well.

Go to the RIGHT STORE!
Shopping ant Neiman Marcus, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, and the bottom floor of Nordstrom may only be a dream for some people. However, there are always the discount stores. Neiman has Last Call, Sak’s has Off 5th, and Nordstrom has The Rack. They all have great deals and great finds.

Whether you’re going on a mission, like a clutch, or just for a quick browse, you’ll never know what you’ll find.

Look for COUPONS!
The Off  5th store near me opened about a month ago. It’s so close that coupons and discount packets were mailed out to our neighborhood. I didn’t use the coupons right away, nor did I run in, but if there’s a big ticket item that you’re waiting for these kinds of coupons may be perfect. Watch out for expiration dates though, some stores have very specific dates on sales (not just luxury stores, even Old Navy gets picky with sale dates).

Look at the windows as you window shop or drive by. Big signs are always an indicator that there’s a sale. In addition to coupons, stores are also offering bigger discounts for people who just happen to stop by.  Even though I didn’t get the 20% off today, Off 5th had signs all over the place.

I’ve mentioned it several times, coupons from your e-mail are always awesome. I get them all the time and I love them. When I went into the Off 5th location the first thing the cashier asked for, aside for how I was going to pay for the clutch, was my e-mail address. All I could of was “Ca-ching!”

Look for DAMAGED Goods
Not necessarily so damaged that you won’t want to use it, but if the product has a tiny tear that you can fix, a little nick or pinch somewhere the cashier will likely be able to take some more off the already discounted price (if you’ve followed rule 1-2).

Case and point, the BCBG MAXAZARIA clutch from today had a pinch in it, along with some scuffs. I asked the cashier if I could get anything else off the price. She said, “Absolutely, how does $37 sound?” (In the photo to the left there’s a spot in the middle that shows the flaw)

Of course, do remember that if these discounts are applied the sale may be final. Don’t fret though! Think of this..

SWAP your stuff

If that little tear just bugs you so badly that you can’t stand to see the luxury item anymore, tell one of your friends or co-workers. Start up a swap with them. You’ll be able to get something for nothing. I love this idea. I haven’t used it myself yet, but if the little dent in the clutch gets so bad that I can’t stand it, this is what I’m going to do.

So, now that I’ve shared my words of wisdom, let’s get some more shopping done!

Photos from: Ashley Shute

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Rules to Bargain Luxury Shopping

FASHION

Move over Serena Van Der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf. Eye4Style revisits the brash and bold style of Gossip Girl’s Chuck Bass . Don’t worry, ladies – there’s enough to go around.

Snarkstress implores you to help her figure out just what in the heck is going on with Brooke Hogan’s feet.

Teen Style Lounge wonders if you’ve seen the creepy pics of the immortal Miley Cyrus.

So what if summer’s halfway over? Find out what the latest summer trend is over at Hot Mama Daily!

STYLEnosh starts a flip-flop debate by asking, Why do men hate flip-flops?

SHOPPING

Aging Fabulous asks if it is a good deal when the sale price of a $1,125 cream is just $900?

Wardrobe Oxygen offers some tips on how to properly add camisoles to your wardrobe.

BEAUTY

A Touch of Blusher loves gold!

The Fragrance Fanatic recommends two great Estee Lauder sets for Summer.

Philosophy introduces five new ways to experience the cult classic fragrance Amazing Grace – and Beautiful Makeup Search has the exclusive information.

Beauty Banter reviews Make Up Forever’s new HD products… and it’s WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!!

Cybelesays.com is cleaning out the beauty closet and giving away some fantastic beauty products! Don’t you need some new ones?

Beautynomics shares her Singaporean beauty adventure!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has the lowdown on the new NARS Fall 2008 Collection!

Steeping Beauty is introduced to Thevi Cometics!

The Scented Life is discussing Organic and Natural Perfumes

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Sunday’s Treats from Splendicity!

SHOPPING

Style It Less copied Reese Witherspoon’s blouse and skirt look for less with a minor change in the shoes department.

Style Tots was inspired by Kaiya Eve Rosette Tank & Petticoat Skirt to have a cotton candy birthday party theme.

Teen Style Lounge has found the one must-have item for summer you’ve probably never even thought about.

FASHION

The Well-Heeled Society asks you to answer the riddle What’s Black and White and Stylish All Over? in order to win a fabulous package!

She Knows Best wants you to meet the Diamond Studded $10K Jeans by Key Closet

Snarkstress takes a look at the goings-on of Jessica Simpson, whooping it up in NYC.

The Fashionable Kiffen lists her favorite summer beauty tips and products

BEAUTY

A Touch of Blusher adores this face wash!

Beauty Banter reviews the very wearable and gorgeous summer 2008 collection from Clinique… Back to Basics, Baby, and we’re loving it!

Steeping Beauty reports on Lavilin’s Bacteria Fighting Deodorant! Come back Wednesday for your chance to win!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has great Anti-Aging Tips from Dr. Patricia Wexler!

Beautiful Makeup Search asked some beauty blogger friends’ what their three must-have Summer products are – check out their suggestions!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Sunday’s Splurge Around Splendicity!