RueLaLa.com Brings Exclusivity to Online Shopping

Amy Lamare
Rue La La is the latest invitation only internet shopping site to debut. Open for limited periods of time each month and available to shoppers by invitation only, Rue La La brings exclusivity to the World Wide Web. Not only must you have the cash for that discounted Chloe, Fendi or Balenciaga handbag, you must also have the connections to be invited to membership. Rue LaLa is a division of Boston based online retailer Smartbargains.com. Rue La La is primarily a purveyor of high end European handbags but is not the first to offer online shopping by invitation only.

Los Angeles based Planet Lulu opens its L.A. warehouse once a month for it's very popular sample sales. Even more popular is PlanetLuLu.com, a monthly 24-48 hour sale open to members only. Though a good selection of designer clothing, accessories and shoes are offered, high end denim is the main draw of Planet Lulu sales. Brands such as True Religion and Seven for all Mankind, which retail for $175 and up can be had at Planet Lulu for as low as $29. Immensely popular and know for carrying a wide range of size as well as for their excellent customer service, Planet Lulu is a safe bet for your online shopping.

New York based sample seller The Art of Shopping, like Planet Lulu and Rue La La, deals in designer duds and accessories and deals them to its site's members only. The Art of Shopping offers denim from brands like Earnest Sewn and Seven for all Mankind. Theory is a popular and well known clothing brand that participates in the monthly sales. The Art of Shopping offers its goods at up to 80% off its retail prices.

Taking a different approach to exclusivity is the European clothing brand Claseo, which produces limited edition clothing available for purchase by invitation only. Claseo calls itself the first closed shopping community. Purchases can only be made by those who have been invited to the Claseo community. Once a purchase is made, the member not only gains a piece of their wardrobe with a unique logo that is recognized by other Claseo members, they also gain access to Claseo's lifestyle site.

Internet savvy fashionsitas on a budget can't go wrong with exclusive limited time internet sales from sites like Rue La La, Planet Lulu and The Art of Shopping. Looking good for less is a competitive sport amongst label hungry shoppers and these sites all deliver the goods.

Published by Amy Lamare

I've been a writer my whole life. I attended the University of Southern California where I majored in Creative Writing. I am writing a novel, a memoir and a screenplay.  View profile

6 Comments

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  • Jen7/30/2010

    Free Invitation -
    http://www.ruelala.com/invite/smuckles

    Get free $10 Credit until Aug 8th 2010

  • chopper3/10/2009

    Here are a few invitation codes for invite only websites for those of us budget recessionistas...
    Cheers!

    Gilt.com
    http://www.gilt.com/invite/savemoneynow

    RueLaLa.com
    https://www.ruelala.com/access/signup
    use email: choppernoble@gmail.com

    Ideeli.com
    www.ideeli.com/invite/savemoneynow

    Vente-Privee.com
    http://en.vente-privee.com/vp4/Registration/Registration.aspx
    use email: choppernoble@gmail.com

  • Christine1/29/2009

    I do not suggest buying anything from www.ruelala.com . I suggest use a different source for your sample items, like www.gilt.com or planetlulu.com. My experience with ruelala.com has been HORRIBLE! I purchased a jacket from there this morning at a discount. 8 Hours later I have been informed by email that they sold the jacket for the wrong price and that I would not receive my order (though I received my email confirmation and everything). They also told me that if I wanted to, I could buy the jacket at a later date for a higher price!?!? Needless to say I'm not impressed. Www.ruelala.com does not practice ethical business practices. I would suggest that you look elsewhere to purchase sample items.

  • jane 6/1/2008

    i have tried to contact planet lulu about future sales, nut my email is rejected. Do they still have tehe sales online

  • Laura Simia Velarde5/12/2008

    Truly Fascinating. A perfect thing for a women who hates to shop among crowds but still loves a bargain. Thanks for the info, Amy.

  • LuLu Black5/12/2008

    Wow what a great article, didn't know about the secret society of bargain shoppers. I will be looking into it so I too can save a little bit of money. Thanks Amy

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