Unless you live in New York or Los Angeles, it’s really difficult participate in sample and private sales where designers offer their  designer brands for 50-80% retail prices.  Fortunately for the locationally cursed,  there appears to be a real movement towards online sales of this nature. Suddenly, my wallet feels a whole lot lighter.

Case in point:  If you’re craving a pair of flats, new website HauteLook is offering ScoopNYC flats at 65% off retail prices (+ few Stuartz Weitzman pumps at 50% of retail price).   Like most sample and private sales, the quantities are limited and the sales is only good for a few days/hours.  To access the HauteLook sales, register for free.  HauteLook offers a $10 finder’s fee, but we’ve opted to have you receive the finder’s credit, which should automatically occur after your first purchase.

And if you’re wondering what other sites have these sales, there’s also GiltGroupe.  This month, Gilt Groupe is featuring designers like Valentino, Botkier, and Vivienne Tam (but sadly, no shoes) so it’s also a must see and definitely worthwhile for those that crave the premium designer brands.  The third that I’ve aware of is Ideeli.com.   I read this about this site on Oprah’s April 2008 edition, but have yet to thoroughly check it out.

Anyhow, back to the Scoop NYC sale,  here’s a peek at some of the delicious offerings that are on sale right now and as of this post, appear to be good for another 16 hours:22 minutes: 23 seconds or if the shoe size/style runs out, whichever occurs first.  How’s that for instilling a sense of urgency in your shopping plans?

Scoop NYC quited white flats retail $165;  HauteLook price: $58

Scoop NYC leopard flats retail $165;  HauteLook price: $58

Scoop NYC copper flats retail for $175, HauteLook price: $61.

Scoop NYC zebra and tweed flats retail $165;  HauteLook price: $58