>> INSIDER WIRE —Net-a-Porter's designer outlet site The Outnet is launching this weekend, featuring over 200 brands marked an average of 40 to 60 percent off, and Vogue Daily has some specifics about what pieces will go for what price.  The Chloe Ines box clutch is going for $690 (originally $1,380), the Jill Stuart Lindsay cherry print dress for $232 (originally $465), and Marni Green elasticated band ballet flats for $253 (originally $507). [Vogue Daily]

UPDATE: Different outlets are reporting different launch dates — Refinery29 says it's tomorrow morning. [The Pipeline]

>> While $11,410 Balmain jackets are still selling out in less than 24 hours on parent site Net-a-Porter, The Outnet is preparing for launch next month by taking members, although no specific launch date has been announced yet.

Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet promises a lineup of more than 200 luxury brands including Christian Louboutin, Alberta Ferretti, Chloe, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, and Herve Leger when the proverbial doors open, a mix of merchandise from past seasons, classic pieces, and bestsellers resurrected from designers’ archives, all with average discounts of 40 to 60 percent.  For customers, “It’s going to be about ‘the find,’ and giving them what they may have missed buying in previous seasons,” Massenet said, adding that the company also plans to give some items away for free.

The site will offer one-off “pop-up sales” as a kind of online outlet for smaller labels like Temperley London, and fresh stock — in the categories of ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, and swimwear — will be added weekly.
*image: source

>> IN PRODUCTION —Natalie Massenet is pulling a Topshop on us and pushing back the launch of her designer discount site, The Outnet, from February to April.  Instead of discounting pieces that didn't sell on sister site Net-a-Porter, Outnet will "snap up ready-to-wear clothes that have been ordered — and then cancelled — by department stores as the recession bites.  Brands will be placed on special offer on different days, and surplus stock will be sold at up to 80% off." [Times UK]

>> IN PRODUCTION —Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter, has been promising her off-price "outlet for Net-a-Porter” site, The Outnet, since April.  She's been coy with details so far, except to promise designer goods at heavily reduced prices, but it looks like we've finally got a launch date: February 2009.  Until then, the site is up for those who want email updates. [Telegraph UK]

>> Even online, sample sales create a frenzy.  In order to keep up with the proliferation of online sample sale sites like Gilt Groupe and HauteLook, Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet announced today that she is launching TheOutnet.com (which I assume is a play on "outlet"), a high end designer sale site that is set to go live by the end of the year.  Let the games begin.