Originally Published 2/19/10. For the Full Dappered Giltman.com disclosure, click here.
UPDATE: As is always the case in marketing, nothing is totally as it seems. New York Magazine recently looked into the discount fashion websites Gilt, Gilt Fuse, and Gilt Man, and found that they had a few tricks up their sleeves. Are these minor… “deceptions” something that would impact you and me? Probably not since we’re not buying $1400 suits. I’ve been nothing but happy with all of my Gilt Purchases so far. But it’s still a great read and good stuff to know. Check it out before you join up. And surprise, you really don’t need an invitation. Here’s the original Dappered Post on Gilt published January 28th, 2010:
GiltMan.com is a free, members only luxury style website that somehow, someway, can offer discounts up to 70% off retail to its members. Everything from suits, to shoes, to bags, to watches. Premium designers like Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Burberry, and Cole Haan. Hickey, Jack Spade, John Varvatos and Ben Sherman. New sales launch every day, and here’s what makes it interesting: the sales are only active for a limited time, with limited quantities.
Stuff can sell out quite fast but if you see something you like and move on it, you can get, say… a $110 pair of shoes for around $50.
Yes that’s speaking from personal experience.
The deals are rare, they’re exclusive, and it’s kinda fun to see what they’ll be offering up every day.
You don’t need to be invited by a current member but it seems to help speed up the process of getting an account. It appears they only take a certain amount of non-invitees at a time. Full disclosure here: Dappered gets a credit for every person that signs up and purchases something through GiltMan.com, so know that there’s a cherry on top for us too. But in all honesty, it’s a pretty good and especially unique way to save money on luxury goods.
That, and it’s totally free to sign up and browse.
Still not so sure? Here’s a screen shot of what a sample day would look like once you get in the door:
Five style scenarios mined from BR's quiet 30% off code.
Tropical wool suits. Core temp pants and shorts. It's quiet and it's quick. Not promoted…
$12 smooth Gap active tees. New Nodus GMTs. 30% off those Ledbury shirts if you…
New tech oxford trousers. Spring ready layers. Suede shoes from... Alden and Rancourt.
Cheap to splurge worthy. From all tech to 100% cotton, and lots in between. The…
During the process they expect to "conduct business as usual."