I started working for Nordstrom during my college internship days, then went on to work for luxury brands such as Fendi and Diane von Furstenberg. Needless to say, I acquired a lot of “stuff” over the years. In May of 2014 (before Marie Kondo was a “thing”), I decided to de-clutter both my life and my closet, and part with the things – although beautiful – I didn’t need. That is when I found The Real Real.
The Real Real
The Real Real is a luxury consumer experience that isn’t just about buying designer items, but also reconsigning them, so you can share your designer pieces with someone who will treasure them as much as you did. They employ 100+ brand authenticators, gemologists, horologists, and art curators to inspect thousands of items each day, so you can be sure every item you purchase and consign is 100% authentic.
Embracing The Sustainable Lifestyle
Fast forward six years later, I have consigned over 150 luxury items with The Real Real. Without realizing it, by consigning the designer pieces I no longer needed in my life, I was embracing the sustainable fashion lifestyle.
In early 2019, Daytona Beach Mom was chosen to be an influencer for The Real Real, and we are so excited to help other moms become more conscious about their clothing. Here are two tips I have learned through my long standing partnership with The Real Real.
1. Opt for high-quality pieces over fast fashion alternatives, in the resale and retail markets.
Less is more. When you invest in the craftsmanship and high-quality materials that luxury brands are valued for, you’ll extend the life of your items, eliminating the need to constantly replace fast fashion pieces. Plus, you’ll have the potential to get return-on-investment if you decide to sell coveted pieces. A staggering 2.5 billion pounds of textiles are saved from landfills due to the resale industry. When you shop luxury consignment, you go the extra mile by disrupting the cycle of “buy, use, dispose, repeat.”
2) Consign what you no longer love, and donate the rest.
Once you fall out of love with that Louis Vuitton handbag you inherited, that chic Alice + Olivia dress you wore one time or those Valentino boots you splurged on but never found the occasion to wear, it’s time to move on. Give your luxury items a new home by consigning them, and feel good about the fact that one more item has been saved from the landfill. Spring is here, and with it the inevitable spring cleaning begins. Dress better and cash out by checking to see if any of your designer pieces are on TRR designer list.
After exploring the Real Real, checkout Updating Your Mane Game.
XOXO
