Binge shopping might not be the best thing to do during an economic slowdown, but if we’re being honest-- we’re suckers for a good deal. Enter, Chicmi. This app keeps track of fashion sample sales, and they work with over 4,000 international brands and event organizers to give you the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of fashion steals. And now, the app also includes ONLINE sample sales! Yes, online sample sales exist. Best of all, Chicmi is completely free. 

HERE’S another perk,buying from sample sales will also reduce the carbon footprint from the fashion industry. Instead of wasting these products, they're being recycled into consumption and will serve a longer purpose before it becomes worn-out. So here’s the thing- some people get worried about sample sales, what does it really mean? High-end brands always test out their designs before anything goes into production, that’s where sample items come in. You know how you would draft a quick email but before hitting send you’d revise it? That’s exactly how sample items work, they’re a draft of the final product. Just like your draft emails, they usually don’t look too different from the final email. 

How does it work? 

When you open the Chicmi app for the first time, it asks you which city you’d prefer to have your feed be tuned for. The options right now are New York, Los Angeles, London, San Francisco and Toronto, but you can also go back and change it . That’s why I have the app handy on my iPhone for days we’re allowed to travel again and hey, who knows, my favorite brand is having a sample sale when I’m on my vacation in London. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve scored deals on this app.

The platform is really easy and helpful. For “hype” releases, those that sell-out immediately, Chicmi will disclose preparation guides so you don’t miss out on your favorite brands. Ever heard of Supreme or Anti Social Social Club? Yeah, those are the kind of gears kids these days are into, they normally sell out within minutes of launch if you don’t have your payments ready. The same goes for my Saint Laurent order, it’s always better if you have the first dibs than to get the leftovers, right? 

After discovering Chicmi, I’ve grown a habit of shopping only on sites that have sales. Well, at least I’m saving money right? Right now Chicmi is available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store, no fomo for Android users.