Online news: eBay to launch sample sales, and Isabel Marant arrives at Net-à-Porter

(1995-2010 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Following the success of sites such as Gilt and Rue La La, online auctioner eBay is entering the sample sale game with Fashion Vault. Plus: Isabel Marant finally widens her reach, as does J. Crew.

Auction and retail site eBay has long been an online shopping favorite, serving as treasure trove for vintage bargain hunters and re-selling platform for sought-after collections, such as H&M's designer collaborations. Also, designers Norma Kamali and Narciso Rodriguez have launched capsule collections for eBay in the past.

Now, the auctioner is really positioning itself as an online fashion destination, launching a sample sale site called Fashion Vault in March. Boutiques with heavily discounted designer items will be online on a weekly basis to start with, and shoppers need to be registered with eBay to take advantage of the special offers.

Sign up on the site in order to receive updates on the sales.

http://fashionvault.ebay.com

In other online news, notoriously exclusive designer Isabel Marant has arrived on designer portal net-a-porter.com. The first delivery includes boots, jewelry, jackets, skirts, tops, and dresses. With the French brand planning its first 'overseas' boutique in New York next month, Marant's strict policy of limiting her collection to a very select group of customers seems to be melting.

J. Crew, the preppy brand that was only available in North America up to now, is also going global on Net-à-Porter this week.

http://www.net-a-porter.com