So I have noticed that there has been some interest here in online consignment and particularly TheRealReal (TRR) and, as a long time buyer, have been meaning to post some tips for a while. On my trip to New York last month I picked up a few things I had ordered to my sister's and continue to be pleased with my stalking there.
But first Random WIWs:
1. Me striking a blogger pose and with a daring use of belt.
2. Dressed up for New Year's (Shana tova!).
3. Nili Lotan pants and Derek Lam top picked up cheaply at TRR.
4. DH and I went to South Tel Aviv last week (Yafo actually).
Comments and suggestions always welcome!
BUYING TIPS if you are interested in TRR
1. TheRealReal's entire model is based on regular price reductions. They allow you to save liked items and they will tell you if the price goes down, so if you are patient you can find great prices.
2. Most but not all items are returnable - pay attention to this since buying second hand always is an additional risk.
3. They give label information, measurements, fabric, and condition information but usually NOT style names. This can work to your advantage, as it did for me in my stalking of Nili Lotan pants. If you are after designer jeans, you can find excellent prices on things like Frame, Agolde, Mother etc. if you are willing to hunt.
4. They are doing a huge volume business and mistakes can be made. I have found items where one measurement is strangely out of line with the others and successfully taken the risk that it was a mistake. Similarly they sometimes pin things funny, so don't go by the picture alone.
5. If you are patient you can often find the exact item listed on another site to get more details and style name.
6. Be aware shipping is not free and take it into account with the price.
7. I highly recommend looking at diffusion lines such as Etoile Isabel Marant or M Missoni, as well as less "hot" designers like Helmut Lang for some incredible bargains.
Hope that was helpful, let me know if you have any questions and would love any additional tips you might have picked up!
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