My latest tips for shopping on The RealReal

Y’all know how I love The RealReal. Well, I’d say it’s a love/annoyed sort of relationship. But like with any relationship that is net positive, one learns to work around the annoying bits as best as one can. And that’s why I’m here to share a few of my latest tips for shopping on The RealReal.

There’s no reason to pay full price for certain things

I get it, there are special things/special sizes where you just can’t find it on The RealReal. But there are also a whole slew of things that you just have to look at The RealReal first. Trust me on this! You will find great quality and much, much lower prices on The RealReal for things like:

• Cashmere sweaters- but particularly for standard colors like black, cream, grey and navy. Seriously, cashmere sweater prices are getting nuts. I’m not talking about Uniqlo or The Gap quality- if you want a really good cashmere sweater from a good brand, it’s going to cost you. But not if you go to The RealReal!
• Blazers- 100% wool blazers for $30. Enough said.
• Un-cool brands- I’ve written about this before but if you can look past the “cool” brands of the moment, you are going to find some bargains. This will require some research and an open mind. But if you are willing to skip Khaite and look at Allude instead, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
• Shoes- some people are freaked out by wearing used shoes. I used to be one of them! Until I found a pair of Tod’s loafers for $36- rather than $600. I got over my squeamishness!
• Pants and skirts- people, I think, are reluctant to buy these two items online without trying them on- especially if they are final sale. This means amazing bargains if you…

Measure yourself (trust me on this)

I know, it’s a hassle- you’ve got to find the measuring tape, come to grips with your waist size (it’s what???) and write it all down somewhere (I suggest using a reminder notebook.) But it will save you a lot of grief, returns and money. The RealReal doesn’t really give measurements for sweaters- but they give quite reliable ones for skirts, pants, dresses, sometimes jackets.

So now you know your measurements and what you want (e.g. navy wool pants)- start going through the options and make a very informed purchase decision. You’ll also start to know which brands fit you well- another good piece of info to put in your little notebook.

It’s great for lower priced trendy items

One of my favorite tips for shopping at The RealReal is picking up items that you probably aren’t going to wear a ton. For example: I spotted Becky Malinksy wearing such cute Manolo Blahnik gold ballet flats in one of her posts. Yes, they are $845. Was I going to pay even $100 for gold shoes? No way. But I could do $52.50!

Same thing for a red sweater- very “in” for Fall. Red isn’t one of my colors- usually. I’m a neutral gal through and through. But for $30, I picked up a Neiman’s cashmere sweater for $30. Just watch- it will end up being one of my most worn sweaters this Fall!

Shopping is one thing- selling at The RealReal is entirely different

I currently have about 30 items listed (or about to be) on The RealReal, and it has been an eye opener. Once I’ve gathered my thoughts on best practices, I will report back!