The life of a fashion editor is just as glamorous as one would imagine it to be—cool parties and freebies—with one big caveat: Most editors and stylists can�t afford the clothes they wear. Not everyone has Anna Wintour's $100,000 clothing allowance. So how do they do it? Private sample sales for members of the media allow editors to look the part for a fraction of the price— think 90 percent off retail. Sales are usually by invitation only and your name is checked at the door, but there are ways inside. Just keep checking with your conscience to make sure you don't cross the line.


Manolo Blahnik
Aim: To get sandals for $100
How: The sale takes place every season at the Warwick Hotel from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.. What insiders don�t know is that the doors open up to the public after 11 a.m.. The only ones who know about this well-guarded secret? Loyalists who are in with the store clerks and friends of editors.

Sigerson Morrison
Aim: Shoes for $50
How: Sigerson advertises their sale every season. What you may not know is that the day before it opens to the general public, there�s a press sale that offers deeper discounts. There�s a publicist at the door with a clipboard, but if walk up with confidence and stand on line like you belong, odds are they won�t hassle you.

Aeffe
Aim: Narciso, Moschino, Alberta Ferretti, and Jean Paul Gaultier
How: Similiar situation with Sigerson except there�s no publicist at the door. They assume that if you know about the sale the day before it officially happens you belong. Walk right in and shop.

Chanel
Aim: Current season bags for $100, gowns $200...need we say more?
How: This sale is so exclusive that many editors aren't invited and, frankly, you probably won't be allowed in, but if you know someone in the industry, getting on this list is worth calling in favors.