Best Daily Deal/Sample Sale Sites

Online sample sale sites are a great way to snap up designer goods (everything from shoes to home décor to trips abroad) at a discount. Many of these sites require an "invite" or referral link (or claim to require users to "request" membership, which is always approved)--but these are easy to find. Just Google "[the name of the site] invite," ask a friend who's already a member to refer you, or sign up for any of the sites through online sample sales blogs like Sample Sale Sites or this page at SheFinds. For fashion, check out Gilt Groupe (which also includes men's, children's, travel, and home décor sales), Rue La La, ideeli, Modnique, HauteLook, Swirl, and Beyond the Rack. Guiltless Purse specializes in discounted handbags and accessories. One Kings Lane focuses on home décor, gifts, and furniture. For travel, try Jetsetter.

If you'd rather stay closer to home, UrbanSpoils aggregates deals from local joints (plus restaurants, concerts, and events). If you live in a city, you should also check out the sites that specialize in "group buying" of local deals. Here's how it usually works: A retailer (or restaurant, spa, etc.) agrees to offer a great discount (like $30 worth of food for $15 at a local taqueria) if a certain number of people agree to sign up. (They almost always do!) The largest site, Groupon, harnesses the power of group buying in over 140 cities, from Seattle to New York. LivingSocial e-mails you with daily 50% off deals. Also check out BuyWithMe and SocialBuy, and keep your eyes open for more sites like these coming to your city.

Have you used any of these sites to get a deal? What's your favorite daily deal or local sale site?