Let Me Borrow That Lifestyle

It seems anyone can live the luxury lifestyle these days. You can buy designer coffee at Starbucks for $4, or borrow that coveted (not to mention latest) Louis Vuitton handbag from Bag Borrow or Steal.

Two new companies have recently cropped up in the cyber marketplace, that will be über exclusive themselves - and they are Gilt Groupe and Ideeli. These companies will be online sample sales, but for members only, as well as being by invitation, which will
come from the company or current members. Both companies have recently received solid funding, Ideeli for $3.8 million and Gilt for $5 million that will help them be leaders in this market.

Another truly exclusive online fashion community by invitation only is Couture Lab started by Venezuelan investor Carmen Busquets,
who is also a founding investor in the popular shopping site net-a-porter.com, where she still holds a 31% investment today in the company. And, the reason this one hand selects buyers is because only so many products are made, making one-of-a-kind accessible in a world of mass produced fashion. Their website states that their mission is "Bringing the essence of old-world couture to the modern day. To keep the global traditions of craftsmanship alive as we move between cultures; to evolve while relying neither upon fashion nor trends, but pure individuality; to be part of the world of luxury while reflecting its history and creation." Members only isn't new in the world of fashion samples sales. There's the global sale Billion Dollar Babes that lands in major cities in the U.S., as well as Australia and Dublin, but members-only online is fresh and we're looking forward to borrowing that lifestyle at sample sale prices.