I heart SF. But I’ll be the first to admit I’ve always been a little jealous of New Yorkers with their easy access to sample sales. Where else can you stumble upon an unmarked storefront packed with discounted designer goods en route to a post-work happy hour on pretty much any given day?


On Sale Wednesday at Gilt.com: Alice & Olivia Double Strap Mini
Retail: $297, Gilt price: $124; Courtesy of Gilt Groupe

Thankfully, there’s hope for the rest of us. Recently launched by Harvard grads Alexis Maybank (a former Bay Area resident and eBay alum) and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson (who has had tenures at both Bulgari and Louis Vuitton), Gilt Groupe is one very cool—and still under-the-radar—luxury fashion discounter. The sales are by invitation only, well edited, and stock both popular and up-and-coming luxury brands such as Carolina Herrera, D&G, Trovata, Asprey and Tibi. Clothes and accessories are only one season back or current and sold in limited runs at between 50 to 70% off. And unlike most sample sales, items are returnable should something not fit. To get in on the action, register at www.gilt.com/7x7 through next Wednesday.

Here’s a sneak preview of some of Gilt.com’s sales through the rest of the week:

Tuesday, 06.10.08
 Malo (men’s)
 Badgley Mischka (beachwear-women’s)
 Links of London (mens)

Wednesday, 06.11.08
 Delman (shoes-women’s)
 Alice and Olivia (women’s)

Thursday, 06.12.08
 Ralph Lauren Accessories (men’s)
 Ralph Lauren Accessories (women’s)

Friday, 06.13.08
 Luca Luca (women’s)
 White & Warren (women’s)