Do you like designer clothes, but find them prohibitively expensive? Do you appreciate curated selections of clothing? Are you a fan of easy online shopping? If you answered yes to any of these questions I’d like to introduce you to my new favorite website, the Real Real. The perfect blend of a high-end vintage boutique, curated e-tailer, and flash sale site, the Real Real is a members-only, luxury resale shop consigning clothes from the closets of women who probably spend a semester of college tuition on a single handbag.
A few months before the launch I spoke with co-founder Marcy Carmack (also a friend) about her experiences as a stylist, visiting the closets of women around the country. I mentioned how a book I recently read extolled Palm Beach as a goldmine for high-end pieces on resale, finding them in such accessible places as community thrift shops and the local Goodwill. Marcy echoed this sentiment, having experienced it firsthand.
Wouldn’t that make for an epic shopping spree? Criss-crossing the country in classic roadtrip style, hitting up the thrift stores and charity shops that orbit wealthy enclaves and receive their cast-offs.
The next best thing is hitting up the Real Real. Their ability to solicit clothing on consignment online means that you get unfettered access to those magical Palm Beach thrift stores, and similar ones across the country. The beauty of the situation speaks to my inner econ nerd. It maximizes the value of these clothes – taking them out of a low-traffic, undervalued markets, and making them available to discerning fashionistas at a price they’re willing to pay. Everybody wins: I get access to beautiful pieces formerly prohibitively priced and physically impossible to reach; someone else gets to make a little extra money; and the Real Real has a viable business and gets to perpetuate the wonderful cycle.
How it works: the Real Real’s 72-hour sales feature premier designers (such as Balenciaga, Chanel and Louboutin, to name a few) and themed sales, while the ongoing Warehouse Sale ranges from luxury casual wear and designer diffusion lines to denim, and gently-worn accessories.
To better illustrate this, behold some gems on sale RIGHT NOW:
Balenciaga Wrap Top, $225
3.1 Phillip Lim Sequin Jacket, $185
Missoni Red Dress, $195
Swarovski Peacock Brooch, $150
And the shoes, oh the shoes!
Marc by Marc Jacobs Polka Dot Pump, $100
Prada Wedge Sandal, $100
Yves Saint Laurent Sandal, $125
If you want to join (unless you’re the same shoe size as me, then maybe stay away?) click here for membership. You can find out even more about the Real Real from the website. Happy shopping!
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PS: don’t forget to enter my giveaway! Win free jewelry from Sheyna.com!
*Edited 7/27 9:20am to reflect the following correction: the Real Real offers clothing 10 years old and younger, and does not sell vintage.
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