Sustainable luxury fashion with The RealReal (and how you can earn $$$!)
Written By Jenny Wu on
If I had to pick a mission statement for this blog, it’d be “to help others make smart choices“, whether it’s on skincare products, makeup, or even fashion.
In celebration of National Consignment Day, I’d like to share why consignment is the smart, sustainable way to shop for fashion, and why The RealReal is one of my go-to retailer.
Why sustainable fashion
Sustainable fashion is a fast-growing trend that focuses on reducing the amount of resources consumed and wasted at every stage of the fashion life cycle, from manufacturing to retail to disposal.
This is a big deal, because the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world (source), and the average American throws away 70 lbs of clothes a year (source). Some brands are addressing this environmental problem by producing higher quality items that will last longer, while others are investing in production processes that won’t harm the environment. So how does consignment fit in the picture?
- You’re decreasing the demand for new production. By consigning or buying something used, that’s one less new piece that needs to be manufactured, which means less raw material consumed and less potential pollution during the production process, but more money in your pocket!
- You’re reducing potential waste. Most consignment stores feature higher end brands, which typically use higher quality material that will last longer with the proper care. For the same price as a flimsy Forever 21 shirt, you can get something that will actually survive your washing machine and last you decades. Or if you’re consigning, then that’s one less awful shirt someone else needs to toss away because they bought your awesome shirt instead.
Why The RealReal
The RealReal has partnered with Stella McCartney to introduce National Consignment Day to help raise awareness for sustainable fashion and educate fellow fashionistas on how easy it is to be a part of this movement:
- Hassle-free consignment. Got high end items you no longer wear? Schedule an in-home pickup, checkout selling apps, or send in items for free to them to get a quote of how much you can earn. Or if you’re in the DC area, you can schedule an appointment to get a free valuation at their office. Reduce waste and earn some extra cash with minimal effort, it’s a win-win for everyone!
- Donate. No high end clothes to consign? You can still contribute to the sustainability movement by donating your gently used clothes to local organizations. I used to donate at least 2 large bags each year, but have stopped since I became more mindful of my shopping habits.
- Buy preloved. I rarely shop for clothes now, but when I do I mostly shop at consignment stores or online at The RealReal. You get the best value for the quality, and sometimes you can find some amazing pieces!
That’s why The RealReal is one of my favorite consignment retailers to shop at – they have an amazing selection with new items added daily, plus a dedicated authentication team to make sure what you’re buying is the real deal.
My favorite pieces to buy on The RealReal are shoes and accessories, particularly scarves. Their descriptions and photos are fairly accurate and their prices extremely competitive, with frequent coupon codes from 20-30% off already reduced prices!
I got these gorgeous pair of Dolce & Gabbana gold glitter heels for $100 thanks to a 20% off coupon, which was a total steal considering it’d retail for at least $1000! The Hermès silk plissé scarf was slightly pricier at $180 after a 30% off sale, but it’s still more than 50% off retail ($395) plus it was in mint condition!
First time shopping at The RealReal? Use my referral link and get $25 off for your first purchase! I get a $25 credit too :)
Things to watch out for
The only issue I struggle with sometimes is sizing, as sizes across brands aren’t always consistent. They do provide measurements for each piece so definitely refer to that instead of defaulting to your regular size – I’ve ended up with a few too-small or too-large pieces as a result.
I also would not purchase big ticket items like jewelry or handbags. Fakes have gotten extremely good in recent years, and yes even with their dedicated authentication team a few fakes might still slip through. For your own peace of mind, I just wouldn’t take the risk.
With their frequent sales and seemingly endless inventory, it’s hard not to want to buy everything. But just because consignment shopping support sustainable fashion doesn’t mean you should just throw money at them. Think about what you actually need and what will bring you joy. If you have any hesitations about the item, it’s ok to say no!
Sustainable fashion is easier than you think, and no matter which method you choose, know that you’re making a difference and helping our environment! Let me know how you incorporate sustainable fashion in your life, or if you’re a fan of buying preloved, let me know what your favorite retailers are! Hope you all have a great week!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Camilla
We're on the same page, Jenny! Did you watch The True Cost on Netflix? It totally got me into secondhand clothing and some of my favorite pieces are from Goodwill! I once found a new with tags Madewell dress for $7, which I get compliments on constantly. I've never shopped on the Real Real but I may pick up something pretty for the holidays, so thank you for the referral link!
Camilla || Gracefulface.com
Jenny Wu
I did not, but I will now! One of my closest friends got me into secondhand clothing and it’s really amazing what great pieces you can find!
I recommend their shoes and accessories department, especially during their frequent sales! I hope you find something you love! <3
Shireen L. Platt
We donate a lot; clothes, shoes, books, toys, you name it and we try our very best to donate or recycle. I am a huge supporter of buying second hand however hubby on the other hand is very strongly against it. He doesn't like the idea of buying someone else's crap or so to speak. He understand the whole environment factor but he is a supporter of buying and investing quality pieces that last us for decades instead of buying second hand. I guess/ hope we both are contributing in our own ways? LOL!
Jenny Wu
Yay, you go girl! I can see where your husband is coming from, as I feel the same way when I do buy brand new items. Either way, it’s less waste so it all works out! :D
Lindsey Elyse
I had no idea it was national consignment day yesterday! I love the mission behind your blog ;) Sustainable fashion is something we definitely need to start looking into as a society because the amount of waste from fast fashion is absolutely ridiculous!
Great post :)
Jenny Wu
Aww thanks so much Lindsey! :) I had no idea how much waste the fashion industry produced and it definitely makes me more conscious of my shopping habits!
Kay
Such an important and inspiring post, hun! I personally don't mind buying pre-loved clothes at all, a lot of the time they're in perfect condition and you can get them for such a good price. I try to keep my wardrobe to a minimum anyway, as to be honest I am not huge on fashion and I prefer to keep a small amount. Thanks for sharing, lovely! xoxo
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Kay! I agree, it’s much easier to dress when you don’t have as many options, plus it means less spendings and more savings for quality prices you’ll actually wear!
Merel
Thanks for introducing me to this! Really cool.
X Merel
www.andathousandwords.com
Jenny Wu
Thanks Merel! Hope you’ll find something you love on there!
A Very Sweet Blog
Excellent post! I started becoming more aware of this when I started blogging. I've found some great items on eBay and I sell my clothes there as well. I've tailored down my wardrobe (goal capsule closet) and I really think about a garment before buying it.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much lovely! Before The RealReal eBay was my go to for preloved items and I found one of my favorite winter coats on there! I’m working towards a capsule wardrobe as well, it makes dressing up so much easier!
Samantha
My sister used to go to consignment store all the time and give her clothes there, but I don't have any high end stuff, so I stick with donating or more recently, selling on Depop. I try to buy from there as much as possible too, but sometimes I can't find the things I want, so I end up turning to stores. Never really considered a consignment store though, so I'll be sure to check it out and see what they have!
Sam / My Beauty Cloud
Jenny Wu
It’s a bit like treasure hunting when you go, you never know when you’ll find something amazing! I’ve been wanting to try sites like Depop but it’s sometimes hard to judge the quality/size from the pictures they post, selling on there is a great idea though!
Mili
I've repurposed some of my old clothing but it usually ends up as pajamas or donated lol. I'll definitely click over to that site to see the 40 different ways to repurpose! I always assumed the pieces on the realreal were super crazy expensive but I'm pleasantly surprised that they're reasonably priced! Well reasonably priced for luxury products lol
Mili | sharmtoaster
Jenny Wu
Haha I wear my old t-shirts as pajamas as well! The RealReal seems to always have a 20% off code and frequent 30% off sales, but if you want you can wait for their 50% off sale which happen a few times a year! :D
Sabiha
Oh wow those D&G shoes are stunning - perfect for parties xx
franklyflawless.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you! They’re a favorite of mine for attending weddings!
LindaLibraLoca
I love to buy pre-loved, but don´t have the time to spend as long as I used to browsing thrift shops. But I don´t buy much clothes anyway and I donate everything I no longer love, so I don´t feel as bad.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Jenny Wu
Oh goodness I could spend all day thrift shopping, it really takes time to go through all the pieces! I don’t buy as much clothes either, and when I do it’s because it’s something I actually need rather than want.
Cat L.
Jenny, we are twinning as I'm also a big fan of Real Real. My friend introduced me to the site last year and I'm on it pretty much every day now. Most of the days just browsing. I have my eyes on a camel Celine bag but it's still out of my price range so I'm hoping it goes on sale, fingers crossed. I have tremendously enjoyed this post Jenny. Beautiful photos and gorgeous selections. Those Dolce shoes are stunning!
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Jenny Wu
Aw yay Cat, and thank you for the kind comment!! For a while I was religiously following The RealReal daily as well, but have stopped since putting myself on a spending ban. Fingers crossed that the bag you want goes on sale soon, or that they have one of their big sales again!
Anika May
This is so helpful, thanks for sharing these tips - loved reading through and learning :)
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
Jenny Wu
So glad you enjoyed it Anika! :)
Rowena @ rolala loves
Thanks for this intro to the RealReal Jenny! I believe that sustainable fashion is really the way of the future or it should be. I've sold a bunch of stuff through Thredup but I'm still looking for a place to sell some of my designer pieces and this sounds like a solid option that I need to explore.
Jenny Wu
I agree Rowena! I do like that The RealReal tries to make the selling process as easy as possible, I've sold stuff on eBay before I knew about The RealReal and it can be a pain sometimes!
lesley kim
I have never tried RealReal but I want to now!
Lesley-Kim
Jenny Wu
You can find some real gems on there for great prices!
DaIndiaShop
Wow... this footwear is beautiful...
Jenny Wu
Thank you lovely!
Miki
I love vintage and TheRealReal is a place I purchase from as well. Love your glittery heels. What a great find. :) Those are classic and you'll be able to wear for ages!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you Miki! It's always so exciting when you find a great pre-loved piece for a great price!
Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty
This was a very helpful post. I really like to find good deals on quality items. I hadn't heard of Real Real.
Jennifer
Jenny Wu
Glad to hear that Jennifer, hope you find something you love on there! :)
Alyssa
I actually try to be more sustainable as much as possible. I wish The RealReal is available in my country. But right now I embraced the minimalist lifestyle when it comes to clothes, I only buy what I need. And I stick to basics as much as possible so it'll last more than just one season :)
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Heidi
I don't buy clothes much, just when I need new ones. I'm so bad at buying just because "hey that's nice!", so I usually don't have much to donate or sell. But when I don get rid of clothes, I always donate them to somewhere. But that RealReal sounds so good with high end clothing! Sadly it doesn't work in my country.
Heidi ✨ | Heidi’s Planner