We told you, if you weren't taking an actual vacation this summer, you'd be spending the money online shopping, did we not? Online shopping has officially become a contact sport, in that we are being contacted, via email, with invitations to fantastic online sample sales.

In an effort to look perpetually chic for various events, our girls' weekends or just the random girls' night out, we indulge in the shopping. And the latest hot thing in online shopping is the online sample sale. These occasionally-exclusive, always distracting emails pop up weekly or daily to offer you usually high-end brands at discounts between 40%-70% off the retail prices.

HauteLook tells us "The most exclusive sales happen in private" - they allow you to sign up for free, and have offered brands such as Iisli, Decades Two, and Alice + Olivia. HauteLook does not require someone else to "sponsor" you - you may just sign up at the site, and will then receive daily emails with their sales.

Gilt Group is more exclusive, and to become a member, you must have a current member "invite" you. Although there is a link offering Today Show viewers an opportunity to sign up. Notsoexclusive - who hasn't watched The Today Show? Featured brands include Vera Wang Lavender Label, Thakoon, and Banfi Zambrelli.

Regent's Secret - another exclusive site, where you will need to be invited by an existing member. But if you look more closely, there is an option to register as a non-referral. Brands include Chelsea, Walter, and See by Chloe.

The exclusivity thing is very big, and makes people feel special, so that is some good marketing on their part.

Top Button "For fashion democracy" is more of a social site, complete with blog, user profiles etc., and is less focused on shopping than the other three sites. Some of the brands include Giorgio Armani (fragrance), LaRok, Gaiam and Bare Necessities.

Like anyone else, I adore getting email. So having these shopping opportunities just pop up in my inbox is always a treat. I'll click on the link, do a quick scan: very cute, very cute, would make me look enormous, very cute, I'm not allowed to buy any more eyelet clothing, etc., and then continue on about my business.

I haven't bought anything yet, but still look forward to the special emails, and am confident that my resistance will crumble like cookies if I see a subject line with the words "Christian Louboutin starts now!"