Gilt Trip
Luxury Online Sample Sales

There is something old-fashioned and chivalrous about buying clothes for a woman. It shows your knowledge of her style and body, your facility with fashion and culture and—most importantly—your willingness to spend. Unfortunately, your willingness to spend usually outstrips your knowledge of her style. While we're not here to help you figure out what makes the woman (or women) in your life tick, as the holiday buying season truly shifts into gear, we can point the way towards more informed counsel.

Introducing the Gilt Groupe, an invitation-only online guide and network that organizes members-only sample sales. Once you're in, you'll be notified of upcoming sales by email—then it's first come first served. Each sale lasts for 24 hours online (or until everything sells out) and discounts of 50-75% make gifting all the sweeter. The roster of participating labels includes Zac Posen, Chaiken, Allegra Hicks and Judith Ripka (ask your girl if you're confused), so Gilt Groupe will either have that perfect prize, or if you send her a membership, serve as an ideal stocking stuffer—it's the gift that keeps on giving.

And just to make sure you're not clueless about what you're about to purchase, Gilt Groupe produces a short video on each of their featured designers.

That should take care of her style. As for her body, you're on your own.