With our shrinking savings and flagging 401(k)s, we worried we were going to have to do all of our holiday shopping at Target — or worse, regift! But then we received an email inviting us to join ideeli, an exclusive, upscale shopping community. We absolutely love how ideeli grants us access to the most sought-after fashion, home and beauty products at ridiculously reduced prices.

We signed up for free and started getting the scoop right away, thanks to email alerts of upcoming sales. Think buttery leather Bulga bags at up to 68 percent off (we chose a bold blue Tasia for $318, marked down from $865), and Christian Lacroix shoes, bracelets and belts at up to 72 percent off.

Not into ready-to-wear? The site also features other stylish items, such as Le Cherche Midi candles that are guaranteed to set the mood. In fact, just last week we added a touch of Tuscany to our guest room with Signoria Firenze bed linens; a $930 Camelia Bouquet Queen Set was priced at $374 — belissimo!

Jealous? Don’t be — we scored you an invite. Simply click here and type in “vivmag” by Jan. 31, 2009.

Tags: beauty products, Christian Lacroix, Florence, Italian Renaissance, Medieval Italy, Midi, Queen, Signoria, Tuscany, USD