When I received a gift card to The Real Real for Christmas, I was both excited and a little overwhelmed. What a cool and pleasant surprise!
The Real Real is the world’s largest and most trusted resource for authenticated luxury resale, making it easier for people to enjoy luxury in their own way while promoting sustainability in fashion.
Their mission to extend the life cycle of luxury items aligns with their understanding that the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters. This blend of appreciation for craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability immediately stood out to me.
At first, I had no idea where to even begin—there are dozens of designer brands on the site and countless categories to browse, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses, and accessories.
But I quickly realized I wanted to focus on wallets. While I do have a good number of purses (including one Kate Spade bag, but nothing else designer), I figured a wallet would be a practical and timeless investment. Wallets can be used for years, and they transition seamlessly between different handbags.
Even when I narrowed my search to wallets, I was still faced with hundreds of options, which was both fun and slightly daunting. Eventually, I honed in on two brands, then one brand, and finally one specific style.
But even then, the selection remained vast! Wallets from different years had variations in design—Marc Jacobs, for example, served as the creative director for Louis Vuitton from 1997 to 2014, meaning some pieces reflected his distinct style.
Even wallets with the same signature pattern had differences in hardware (painted vs. brass) and the shape of the front flap (straight, curved, or pointed). And of course, because these items are pre-owned, they come in various conditions and price points.
After careful consideration, I purchased the Louis Vuitton Sarah Damier Azur Wallet with painted hardware. It was in very good condition and, to my delight, was on sale—marked down even further from its consignment price!
Typically retailing for $735, I was able to snag it for around $400. I based my decision on the level of wear, the pointed front flap (which I preferred), and the classic Damier Azur checkered design—an iconic print that has remained stylish year after year.
While my particular wallet didn’t come with its original dust bag, The Real Real provided one, which I appreciated. Many items on the site do include their original dust bags, but this wasn’t a deal-breaker for me.
The entire shopping process was seamless, and I’ve already started browsing for other items just for fun. It’s fascinating to see what’s available and which items are trending among shoppers.
Although I don’t currently have anything to consign, The Real Real offers great options for those looking to sell, ensuring they receive a fair price while supporting the mission of extending the life cycle of luxury items.
I couldn’t be happier with my first shopping experience at The Real Real, and I can’t wait to start using my wallet! But first, I need to make sure my nails are looking perfect—because let’s be real, I can’t be opening my gorgeous new wallet with anything less than a flawless manicure.
If you’re interested in consigning with The Real Real, you can use my code to get an additional $100 on your item!
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