Today's Daily Deal is...

The first thing a college fashionista needs to know is how to shop successfully online. Online shopping, even "window shopping," can be dangerous to your wallet, but if you're careful it can be an awarding experience! The new trend is websites offering daily deals that are live for a few hours or until the item is sold out. I've recently become addicted to Ideeli, Gilt, and nomorerack and receive daily emails from these sites. This is dangerous in itself as the emails are sent to my iPhone meaning I can shop on my phone in class. I even secretly bought a purse from nomorerack.com last semester during a lecture. It makes me feel accomplished knowing I got an item at a great deal when others probably bought it for more at the department store or directly from the designer.

My favorite website is ideeli.com. It's free to become a member and my favorite thing about Ideeli is the wide variety of clothes, shoes, and accessories it offers at varying prices. The site will have deals for designers or specific items like boots (my favorite!) Today there are Fendi watches, some going for $499.00 and originally $1250.00. Even though that's a great deal that's still no where in my budget. On the other end of the spectrum are these sandals for $49.99 that I fell in love with immediately and are perfect for spring break!

Nomorerack.com is slightly different. There are only a few items up for grabs daily starting at 12 pm EST. I find that the site is mostly good for electronic or random household products instead of clothing, but nonetheless still fun and addicting. Be quick though, the popular items usually run out fast!

I find Gilt to be a bit more expensive than Ideeli, but I am in love with these boots!

Other sites I check out include plndr.com and the ever popular groupon.com. The important thing to remember is to not go crazy. If it's an awesome deal (I wouldn't consider the boots a great deal even though I can't stop admiring them) then go for it. Also read reviews, check out the material it's made with, and google the item to see if it's available anywhere else. This way you're unlikely to be surprised when the item looks different in person than online. Do your research. And don't get caught shopping in class!