After reading Stephanie Rosenbloom’s piece on flash sale sites in Friday’s New York Times I’m convinced the woman is my mama — as in the “my mama” who “told me, you better shop around.” In the article, Rosenbloom does some old fashioned gum shoe Google reporting/comparison shopping, dispelling the myth that flash sale sites don’t have the rock bottom prices we assume. (Cue Daddy now: “You know… when you assume, you make an ‘ass’ of ‘u’ and ‘me’.”)

Today, I was inspired to do my own sleuthing, and found pretty much the same thing.

Upon taking a gander at the offerings on Gilt, Hautelook, and Ideeli, I found the same pair of Dolce Vita boots for $199 on Gilt, and $174 on Hautelook. And there were more price differentials in the dueling Dolce Vita events. On Gilt, the Dolce Vita ‘Rosetta’ pump was $99 today; on Hautelook, they were $87. The ‘Jada’ Bootie? $119 on Gilt; $105 on Hautelook. Etcetera, etcetera…

But lest you think Hautelook is the secret “end of the rainbow” destination for best prices, we found them selling the same Joseph Abboud wallet at $6 more than it costs on Ideeli. (That’s about the price of a Grande Starbucks order!)

So  it seems “my mama”  knows best: Shop around.

The Cut & Business Insider had thoughts on Rosenbloom’s article too.

Everything! Yes, 10% OFF EVERYTHING! Saw a cute fall coat you have to have? Want to pick up on the latest color-blocking trend? Need those to die for pumps? Today is the day!
More…
>Spring 2012 Fashion Week Coverage
>Shop Fall ’11 Gucci, Prada, Burberry — starting at 20-40% off – on Bluefly
>MTV VMAs Watch: Beyonce is Pregnant; Lady Gaga Wore Flats
>Get inspired by Giuliana Rancic’s amazing shoe collection
>The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton Wore McQueen; is Now a Duchess.

Subscribe to our emails? You have access to our private clearance sale! Extra 20% off all items! That’s up to 75% off! Don’t worry, you can still sign up and gain access!
More…
>Spring 2012 Fashion Week Coverage
>Shop Fall ’11 Gucci, Prada, Burberry — starting at 20-40% off – on Bluefly
>MTV VMAs Watch: Beyonce is Pregnant; Lady Gaga Wore Flats
>Get inspired by Giuliana Rancic’s amazing shoe collection
>The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton Wore McQueen; is Now a Duchess.

Every needs to treat themselves! Do so today with our Fly Day sale! Shop an extra 10-15% off dresses, sportswear, outerwear, shoes and sweaters!
More…
>Spring 2012 Fashion Week Coverage
>Shop Fall ’11 Gucci, Prada, Burberry — starting at 20-40% off – on Bluefly
>MTV VMAs Watch: Beyonce is Pregnant; Lady Gaga Wore Flats
>Get inspired by Giuliana Rancic’s amazing shoe collection
>The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton Wore McQueen; is Now a Duchess.

Let’s face it, the warm weather is slowly becoming only memories. We have to embrace the cold even if we don’t want to. Get a head start today! Take an extra 15% off outerwear! That’s up to 75% off brands like Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Prada, Cole Haan, Marc New York and MORE!
More…
>Spring 2012 Fashion Week Coverage
>Shop Fall ’11 Gucci, Prada, Burberry — starting at 20-40% off – on Bluefly
>MTV VMAs Watch: Beyonce is Pregnant; Lady Gaga Wore Flats
>Get inspired by Giuliana Rancic’s amazing shoe collection
>The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton Wore McQueen; is Now a Duchess.

We love you! So we are showing our love with $30 off and free shipping! Enjoy!
More…
>Spring 2012 Fashion Week Coverage
>Shop Fall ’11 Gucci, Prada, Burberry — starting at 20-40% off – on Bluefly
>MTV VMAs Watch: Beyonce is Pregnant; Lady Gaga Wore Flats
>Get inspired by Giuliana Rancic’s amazing shoe collection
>The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton Wore McQueen; is Now a Duchess.

Hold up! Shoes and handbags starting at $39.99 with designers such as Miss Gustto, Rebecca Minkoff and Furla? Use this to justify your need for more shoes and handbags.
More…
>Spring 2012 Fashion Week Coverage
>Shop Fall ’11 Gucci, Prada, Burberry — starting at 20-40% off – on Bluefly
>MTV VMAs Watch: Beyonce is Pregnant; Lady Gaga Wore Flats
>Get inspired by Giuliana Rancic’s amazing shoe collection
>The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton Wore McQueen; is Now a Duchess.

Chris started the trend. Why don’t you pioneer a new one too? Today only we’re having extra 10-15% off dresses, shoes and men’s suits. Set the style standard.
More…
>Spring 2012 Fashion Week Coverage
>Shop Fall ’11 Gucci, Prada, Burberry — starting at 20-40% off – on Bluefly
>MTV VMAs Watch: Beyonce is Pregnant; Lady Gaga Wore Flats
>Get inspired by Giuliana Rancic’s amazing shoe collection
>The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton Wore McQueen; is Now a Duchess.