Affordable Sample Site Shopping: Gilt Fuse Launches Aug 12!

Do you love Gilt Groupe but end up doing more browsing than charging up the old credit card since even 70% off designer clothes still leaves a huge price tag?

Prepare to experience the thrill of bargain-scoring at its cheaper, yet still super chic, little sister site, Gilt Fuse.

On August 12, Gilt Fuse ("fusing fashion and affordability") goes live with its first sale. The site is about contemporary brands and has "a deeper inventory and significantly lower prices." I'm talking $75 to $150 here, ladies!

Gilt Fuse will work very much like the Gilt Groupe model, featuring looks from a single designer for just 36 hours at a time. The launch kicks off with sales from Plenty by Tracy Reese, Kova & T, Modern Amusement, CC Skye, TKO Orologi, RJ Graziano, and BCBG, all at prices up to 70% off retail.

UPCOMING SALES:

• Kelsi Dagger, 8/13 - The new little-sister line to footwear collection Pour la Victoire known for its platform booties, peep-toe Mary Janes and studded riding boots.

• LaROK, 8/14 - A Gossip Girl fave, the RTW line is all about mixing chic with rocker-chick. Spotted on New York-meets-Hollywood starlets ranging from Blake Lively to Scarlett Johansson, LaROK’s trendy jumpsuits, tunic tops, distressed skinnies and high-waisted minis exude a cool, downtown vibe.

All I can say is...thank you!

Gilt Fuse's first sale starts on Wednesday, August 12 at 12pm EST. Membership is by invitation only, but if you're already a Gilt Groupe member, you're in. And if you're not, click here for your exclusive shopping invite.

I know where I'll be at noon--who needs food when there is shopping to sustain me? Are you excited to check out Gilt Fuse?

Leanne Marshall's Collection Finally Arrives At Bluefly!

Remember Leanne Marshall?

Hop in your DeLorean and flashback to a time not so long ago before Project Runway was almost sued off the air to the series' most recent winner.

Surely after that very messy lawsuit, Christian Siriano's whirlwind success, and Kenley Collins' projectile-cat case, you have room in the corner of your brain to remember the quiet bespectacled brunette who described her design theory as "Holly Go-Lightly attends a Salvador Dali exhibit?"

Finally, after months and months of waiting, and a change in the show's network to boot, her collection for Bluefly has hit online shelves. The nine-piece collection features softly draped and sophisticated pieces in oceanic blues and corals. Each piece is made from eco-friendly materials, with prices ranging from a bit under $100 for delicately ruffled tops to almost $1,000 for an elegant empire gown.









But despite her bold style statement, there's a definite "deja vu all over again" kind of feeling when you look at the pieces, no?

The vintage-y meets architectural origami aesthetic was fresh and new just a short season or two ago, but style waits for no man. Or woman. Now, ruffles and folds and pleats have been turning up everywhere from the Oscar red carpet to your neighborhood Ann Taylor Loft.

Honestly, she had to sew practically every day on PR and produce a collection for the finale, couldn't she have sewn faster or something?

Love the the look of Leanne's line but not the price tag? Make it work! Check out these Leanne-inspired looks for less:



1. Moonlighting ruffle skirt, Mod Cloth, $39.99

2. Ruffle tank, Gap, $9.99

3. Soft petal dress, Forever 21, $36

4. One-button jacket, Bluefly, $82

5. Warehouse Concertina pleat dress, ASOS, $85.50

Project Runway fans, what do you think of Leanne's Bluefly collection? Worth the wait or should it be auf'd from shelves?

Happy Chic 4th of July!

"Holiday! Celebrate! If we took a holiday . . ."

Madonna on the iPod, sunny skies, fireworks and BBQs on the beach. Ahhhhh, long weekend here I come!

In celebration of the nation's birthday, show your patriotic pride in super cute red, white and fabulous looks that won't cost you a whole lotta Benjamins.



Have a safe and happy holiday!

Clutch Moves

Believing that "your jewelry should be priority number one when choosing your outfit," designer Amrita Singh combines her passion for bling with that other all-important accessory--handbags.

Case in point: Her Indian-inspired sari clutch has a glam goa jewel that adds a dramatic je ne sais quoi to any look from a pair of pegged jeans or classic LBD.

You might be stressing out about what to wear to so-and-so's wedding or wondering why suddenly every dress you see is strapless just when you're looking halter for a formal event, but when it comes to what to carry, it's in the bag.

Plus, this larger-than-it-appears clutch has plenty of room to stash your cash, lipstick, cell phone and credit cards. It's 11" in length when unrolled and 3.75" when rolled and looks much more expensive than it's $24 price tag (was $75).

It's just the thing to satisfy a modern girl's love for looking fabulously original.

Available for a limited time only at the HauteLook.com sample sale, going on now.