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Fashion: Hit the summer sales on the superhighway
With the High Street stuck between summer leftovers and premature autumn arrivals it's time to hit the internet to secure some fashion bargains
Shoppers tread carefully: the High Street in August is never a pretty sight.
You've either got the dregs of summer sales nobody wants littering the shop floors or you're trying on next season's sheepskin and faux fur numbers while just about surviving a heatwave.
Even die-hard shopaholics are sent into an involuntary state of abstinence at the cashdesks... but not the tills in the dotcom world.
More and more fashionistas are tapping into the joys of online discount sites where there are bargains galore throughout the year and round-the-clock designer deals up for grabs.
Some require membership like an exclusive web-club welcoming shopping professionals, while others revolve around clock watching and pouncing on time-sensitive sales that can last less than 48 hours before all stock is snapped up and brandished with a 'sold out' sign.
"Membership not only gives discretion for the high-end brands but creates a sense of theatre and urgency because people feel part of a club that are invited to browse the best deals," explains Bunty Stokes of Europe's online private shopping club, Vente-Privee.com.
Bunty says their members can save anything from 50-70% off the original retail prices.
But beware of the (computer) mouse trap: once you've logged into the art of bagging online bargains, you might get addicted and never set foot in a store again.
Hitting the high street is so last season, dahling. These days the clued-up shopper is saving her Louboutin red soles to browse via computer and couch.
FLASH-SALE FASHIONISTA
TRY: vente-privee.com
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This is all about setting your alarm clock; the early online bird catches the best bargains. Ventee-Privee is based on flash sales of 2-4 days with limited stock of coveted brands. There's also a new iPhone app for chic shopping on the move.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED?
Yes, membership is free and you can also refer friends and receive an 8 credit into your account for every pal that makes a purchase.
SHOPPING SPREE DEALS?
Past sales include Karl Lagerfeld, Diane von Furstenberg, Temperley, Calvin Klein and Stella McCartney.
PERSONAL SHOPPER
TRY: shopittome.co.uk
HOW DOES IT WORK?
No need for Harrods-style sale 'elbows at the ready' with this site. Shop It To Me alerts members to fashion sales from leading online stores such as ASOS and My-Wardrobe, saving an average 42% off original prices. You create a profile of your favourite brands and sizes for personalised 'Salemail' alerts that scour 450 plus brands.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED?
Yes, membership is free and it takes a few minutes to set up your personal profile.
SHOPPING SPREE DEALS?
Emmanuel Ungaro red dress, 367.50 (saving 682.50); Marc Jacobs quilted clutch, 157.50 (saving 157.50).
HIGH STREET HOUND
TRY: tkmaxx.com
HOW DOES IT WORK?
For those that just can't give up their High Street habit, stick to the familiarity of king of discount stores, TK Maxx, offering up to 60% off. Unlike the needle-in-a-haystack hunt through rails and rails in person, you can search online by brand to find your favourite labels. Check out the new ModBox section for fashion brands with attitude.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED?
No, new online customers are required to register with an email address and password.
SHOPPING SPREE DEALS?
Christian Dior Quilted Tote Bag, 999 (saving 575); Nicole Farhi linen dress, 49.99 (saving 200); L.K Bennett suede monochrome shoes, 69.99 (saving 110).
BARGAIN BINGER
TRY: shoppingvouchers.co.uk
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Those that hate paying through the nose for inflated full prices or delivery fees will be in discount heaven with shoppingvouchers.co.uk. This consumer-savvy site is regularly updated with online voucher codes, discount deals and printable vouchers.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED?
No, just log on regularly for the latest e-codes.
SHOPPING SPREE DEALS?
Past saving alerts include 20% off selected dresses at Marks & Spencer, 30 off Very, and half price swimwear at La Senza.
SWAP-SHOP SEEKER
TRY: bigwardrobe.com
HOW DOES IT WORK?
One for the vintage vixens and eco warriors. With more than 37,000 members and 85,000 items on offer for sale or swap, Big Wardrobe aims to convert unwanted clothes, shoes and bags into somebody else's latest must-have.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED?
Standard membership is free but only paying Premium members are able to enjoy the full benefits at 25p a week/12 a year.
SHOPPING SPREE DEALS?
Past swap deals include Gucci handbag, Kate Moss Topshop leather skirt, Massimo Dutti shirt.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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