My actually-not-so-secret shopping sites and why I prefer high quality designer clothing – that I spend less money than if I was shopping at GAP. Click to my favorite invite-only shopping sites – with invitation links just for you below.

I rarely pay retail. And I never shop at mall for clothing for myself.

I have designer clothes that cost less than what you would find on retail at GAP. And I also much rather pay little bit more for quality that lasts longer than something that is cheap today (and will fall apart after a few washes) – in a long run buying quality comes less expensive.

My friends tease me because I don’t let them buy polyester. I don’t have anything against cheap fashion, and if you want to have the latest fashions, that you know will look outdated in two years, I do recommend the less expensive stores like Forever21 and H&M but most of the time I like more classic styles for myself.

The TOP 5 Online Shopping Destinations to SAVE BIG on designer fashions:

1. 6pm.com
2. ideeli.com
3. Gilt Groupe
4. HauteLook
5. Rue La La

6PM

Michael Kors boots, normally $335.00, the 6PM prize $44.95
Calvin Klein little black dress, normally $174.00, 6PM prize $90.85.

IDEELI

2. ideeli.com is an invitation-only (click – that’s your invitation code) shopping destination for designer fashion. New brands are featured each day at up to 80% off and sales last 36 hours, or until items are sold out. Ideeli offers mainly handbags, clothing and accessories, with occasional home products.

ellen tracy wool coat, original price $288, ideeli price $115 ends tomorrow
Calvin Klein sale starting on Tuesday

GILT GROUPE

3. Gilt Groupe is another invite only site with designer fashions. They have great section for men only, Gilt Man, and new travel site Jetsetter.com where you find luxury travel for over 50% off. The prices are still higher than your regular destinations, but you will get once in a lifetime opportunities that otherwise might not be possible.

Treton boots original price $45, Gilt price $22.
Cynthia Rowley Legwear, original price $15, Gilt price $8

HAUTELOOK

4. HauteLook is yet another great invitation-only site, but probably the most versatile. They have great home products, designer clothing, fashion accessories and this week even Omaha steaks! Really amazing high-end products and one how HauteLook is different from others – they also offer beauty products.

Lyric Culture jewelry, original prices up to $95, HauteLook prices starting at $19.

Freeze 24-7 Allure editor’s choice mask, originally $45, HauteLook price $22,50
Isola Luce candles, normally $22, HauteLook price $12

Rue La La

5. Rue La La is also an invitation-only site and you never know what luxurious finds you will make, up to 80% off. From caviar and champagne to home goods and designer eye wear and handbags. Clothing to the red carpet and the gym – all high-end and high quality. Calvin Klein swimwear sale starting tomorrow will get you dreaming of the summer already.

Horny Toad casual clothing sale will start on February 3rd.

CHOOSE QUALITY

What quality in clothing means to me… Good materials, like cotton, silk, cashmere. Easy care, not having to take to dry cleaners (best materials and this often don’t go hand to hand unfortunately). Well fitting, great cut – if the clothing doesn’t fit, do not buy it!! It is not worth the money, even if it is cheap! And if the clothing fits like it was made for you – it’s worth every penny. Oh, and have you ever been in an event, where someone is wearing the same clothing..? Another reason not to shop at your local mall.

Seasonal sales, outlet malls and TJ Maxx have always been my favorite places to shop, but now online shopping has become so easy, and the prices are so low that it is almost impossible to resist the above invitation sale sites and even sites like OverStock.com and eBay! You have no excuse to buy poor quality cheap clothing – you will be able to find good quality designer clothing that will last for longer and fit you better for low prices. You will just have to learn to look!

FAVORITE DESIGNERS

Like mentioned.. it’s not just about the looks and the quality – it’s about the right cut.

Once you find a designer whose clothing fit you well, you can always go back to the same designer and brand and be confident that you will most likely find something that fits you. When I was thinner Ralph Lauren was my brand. Now Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger are my two go-to designers, their quality and fit make the clothing well worth the money (plus they are easily available at sale prices). I also like Kenneth Cole, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. There are several other brands that I like but I think the right fit is such a key that my favorites might not be your favorites – you just need to try them on to find the right ones for your body shape!