Do you GroupOn?

So Woot is cool and all, and it was started around the corner from me in STL, but it doesn't exactly fall into the category of recessionistaism...know what does? Groupon.

If you're not already signed up for their daily deals, you're missing out. Yes, I know it's hard, but you have been, and someone had to break it to you. Some of the awesome deals I've bought in the past 6 months include: a facial for $35, $19 for 5 yoga classes, and $30 for $75 dollars of credit to a local boutique I spend too much time in. They have awesome deals on a regular basis, so definitely sign up for their daily e-mails so you can stay in-the-know...oh, and get "G" credits you can use as cash on the site. Yep, just checking out the deal, you get rewarded, and if you buy you get more points. Instant gratification.

Oh, you don't live here in the humid version of the 3rd ring of Hell? Check out the other cities Groupon services. As a matter of fact, keep an eye out for good deals in places you're going to be vacationing as well--I got a deal for a massage and scrub for a fancy spa New York a couple months back. It was awesome, but make sure you call the place before buying to make sure they're available when you'd like the appointment or reservation.

Hi, my name is Effie and I'm a Groupon junkie.

VS free stuff and discounts, anyone?

It's pretty common knowledge that Victoria's Secret is the bane of my wallet's existence. Especially since I got the Angel card and they keep sending me coupons. The rogues.

That's neither here nor there. Even if you aren't a cardholder (save yourselves!) you can still come to the VS Pink Nation event on Sunday, July 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at West County Mall (Saint Louis). They also have one going in Columbia and a number of other states at the same time, so if you're not 'round these parts, you can still go.

Why would you want to tempt yourself, you ask? Because they generally give a pretty generous discount off of everything (both VS and Pink) stuff, have a giveaway of some sort (free tote anyone?) and give away gift cards on a regular basis. My lucky sister got a $50 card at the Christmas event, which instills some hope for you and me!

You can also use your coupons in conjunction with the discounts they give in my experience. Oh yes, it's delightful.

Heck, why not, right? Don't forget, though, you need to sign up and print your ticket to get in.

Sample Sale Website Invites

There's this online shopping phenomenon that makes it super easy to get extremely cheap chic items on a limited basis. It's essentially like going to a New York sample sale, but rather than risking a black eye from an over-zealous shopper with sharp elbows, you can check out new items at a fraction of the price online.

Most sales open at 10am or 11am CT every day, and you can generally get the e-mails outlining the sales that week so you can gauge if you want to hit the refresh button every 2 seconds leading up to the sale (exactly what I did with the Joe's Jeans and Smashbox sales this year).

Yep, they're free--no membership, and they won't ask for your credit card before you actually want to buy something.

For most, you need personal invites to get in--and I got your hookup:

Gilt Group

Hautelook

RueLaLa

Row Nine

Beyond The Rack

Ideeli

The Sample Sale

Editors Closet:
the problem with this one is that there isn't a link for invites...so comment on here with your e-mail and I'll send you an invite :)

Be Warned: The good stuff (especially when it's cheap) goes quick on all these sites!