The Invite Only Designer Sales

Forget about driving to the Factory Outlets then queuing up for a change room then queuing up for the cashier to grab that bargain of all bargains. Online shoppers have discovered the world of members-only hot sample sales on the latest and world's best brands. Think Fendi, Marc Jacob, and Chloe.

How they work is you get invited by a friend to join the private shopping club for free, then you shop. That's it! But just like any other sale you are competing against other bargain hunters, in the online case thousands, so it's up to you to keep an eye on the brands that interest you.

Many of the sites are US based and do not deliver overseas but do not be disheartened. There are many companies out there that will setup a US address for you, receive any deliveries and forward it to your international home address. Take a look at the sales before you think it's too hard.

Here are some of my favourites:

beyondtherack.com - This private shopping club is one of the top 10000 sites in the world and is favoured by celebrities. Yes, even cashed-up celebrities love a bargain. Each event starts at a specific time and normally lasts for 48 hours. This month there were Nautica flip flops for $9 and click on this link for an invitation
Your BeyondTheRack Invitation

gilt.com - Sales here last 36 hours and a brand new sale starts everyday. One month Christian Louboutins were discounted by 60%. Click on this link for an invitation
Your Gilt.com Invitation

hautelook.com - This members only site also has sales daily. Every Sunday an email is sent out with a preview of the coming week's sales. Click on this link for an invitation
Your Hautelook.com Invitation

brandsexclusive.com.au - This is one for the Aussies. Don't despair Australians there are hot online sales for you too. D&G jewels, Calvin Klein jeans and Saba Fashions are just some of the brands that were on sale this month.
Click on this link for an invitation
Your Brandexclusive Invitation

The Motorcycle Handbag

The coveted motorcycle handbag by Balenciaga seems to be favoured by the handbag fashionistas of today. Sure it comes in white and black, but where the bag excels is the diverse range of colours - tangerine orange, lime green, hot purply pink and sky blue.

The bright colours really make this celebrity look pop, even the strange combination of purple and lime green works for some reason.

Celebrities like Niki Hilton must find this slouchy handbag very practical because many are snapped shopping or walking through airports with the Balenciaga in tow. Carrying around an iPhone, water bottle, makeup bag, and spare bib if you are a baby mamma like Christina Aguilera does take quite a bit of room. So why not do it in style.

The Beige Pump

Being vertically challenged like myself, it is always good to experiment with dress and shoe styles that elongate your frame. Or at least give the impression of a taller you.

Everyone knows that heels make you taller, but beige coloured ones make you look taller. The colour seems to extend the look of your legs making them appear longer, and the lack of any straps help as well.

Dresses with bright colours or bold prints, like the dresses worn by Miranda Kerr and Giuliana Rancic, pair beautifully with the very neutral and unoffensive beige shoe because it doesn't detract from the dress. But even paired with a simple black dress it keeps this celebrity look very clean.

The Romper

To combat the heat of the Northern Hemisphere summer, the Kardashian sisters have taken a liking to the romper and even including them in their Bebe range of clothing. I have used the Kardashian sisters as muses for this celebrity style because I believe there are some hits and misses.

Eventhough the romper would suit many body styles because it is a one piece ensemble giving the illusion of a longer body, I think it would better suit those with leaner and toned legs. To continue the appearance of longer legs wear this celebrity style with a pair of high strappy heels.

I am not a fan of the printed, especially floral printed, romper. It looks too school-girl, just came from the playground, do you want to come play at my house type look. I much prefer the one toned style making the wearer look leaner and more ready for grown-up business.

The Little White Dress

Everyone has that sexy Little Black Dress (LBD) somewhere in their wardrobe ready to be pulled out for any occassion, but how about that sexy Little White Dress (LWD).

The LWD is the angelic, innocent sister of the LBD who can still be sexy and jazzed up with accessories. But has the advantage of fitting into any daytime office social party, or a date where you want to dress to impress without appearing overly formal.

The whiteness of the white has the added advantage of enhancing that summer glow and showing off those tanned legs. However, the main reason for this celebrity look appeal is its understated elegance. Match it with a gold chain and chunky gold bangles and you have a timeless outfit.

The Boyfriend Jean

We all know that slim fitting jeans especially those that provide ample support to the derriere are flattering, but there are times when you just want to be able to eat that extra chip and still be able to breathe. The Boyfriend Jean is the stylish alternative to those loose baggy hip-hop jeans that were in fashion during the days of Salt and Pepper.

The style may resemble your boyfriend's old jeans but dress it up with a pair of heels and you have a stylish ensemble. To pull off this celebrity look pair it with neutral coloured heels and a feminine top. And add a belt to accentuate that waist.

Or go completely casual and wear your super comfy flats together with a shirt borrowed from your boyfriend. The ideal shopping outfit!

Celebs love the Citizens of Humanity range. Take a look at The Riley Boyfriend model which has a heavily distressed look, or the Dylan Boyfriend which is darker and has a cuffed hem.