designer goods for better prices
While this is not your typical blogger like “Zara or Amazon round up” of where to get the latest luxe accessories on a budget, this is a post for all the girls who love an expensive detail or designer good smiling back a them in their closet.
But if no ones ever told you,
…you don’t have to go broke buying quality and designer goods. Keep reading to learn where I find those splurge worthy purchases for much much MUCH less.
We all love a brand name. Everyone does and if you say you don’t, the lie-detector-test determined that was a lie. I myself have been on the hunt for a little Jaquemus type bag but still am not 100% convinced I need to spend $600 on a purse that could never fit a wad of 600 $1 bills in it. Instead I’ve continually looked to The Real Real to help me find gently used designer goods for prices that I swear, will not break your bank and you’ll love forever and ever, which is more than you can say for any overpriced bag of the moment that I swear is not worth the money.
For Spring/Summer 21, I’ve gone ahead and begun ordering beads off Etsy to make my own jewelry since macrame and (luxe) summer camp inspired accessories seem to be the thing to wear with your color blocked swim suit, but for all the other important OOTDs this year and years past, I’ve purchased on The Real Real.
Some of my favorite finds on TRR include my Eos Box Clutch from Cult Gaia and Celine Luggage Phantom Tote. I also purchased my first pair of vintage looking Ray Bans on the site as well and love the color combo of light lilac and amber lenses. Had these purchases been made at RayBan, Cult Gaia, or Celine, my wallet would’ve combust at the thought of throwing down a whole lot of cash for these super luxe accessories. However the price of these gently used items were more than reasonable and I’m still incredibly happy with my purchases. Each find was something I had my eye on for awhile and when I was finally ready to hit purchase, the total cost was way way WAY less than what each item retailed for. The 20% off code on TRR is also really convenient when you just want a little extra taken off the bill, although sometimes it doesn’t always apply to the spendy-ier items.
My secondhand Ray Bans pictured above were $40 and used to retail for $190. A TRUE STEAL.
My EOS Box Clutch was $175 and was in impeccable condition. I would’ve paid $300 for it brand new. Shop more secondhand Cult Gaia here
Finally my big spend for my Celine which used to retail for almost $4k was a reasonable $1100. It had lived a life and had minor signs of wear and tear but honestly, I’ll take a deeply discounted bag that has been around the block more than a few times because the thought of me scratching it or adding some wear to it, really gives me anxiety! Getting an expensive bag for a big discount is worth the previous wear and tear. If you’ve ever damaged an expensive purchase and felt terrible about it for weeks (this can’t just be me right?), buy used and you’ll feel much better about actually using your luxe item instead of only taking it out for special occasions. Find your own Phantom Tote here
Instead of throwing down $4,490 plus shipping and taxes, I’ve only spent roughly $1315 for luxe items that will last me a lifetime and I will happily wear out again and again and again. Thats why I love The Real Real. You CAN have the closet and style you’ve been looking for, all while staying in whatever your budget is. What truly makes this secondhand transaction special is that you’re buying into the idea that expensive, brand name, luxury items don’t have to sit in someones closet fo years, just collecting dust and not being appreciated. Though its on each industry and company to regulate how many purses, shoes, accessories and clothes get produced each year/season, the consumer can buy into having a gently worn luxury item that still has so many days and nights left to be worn in it.
The “big girl splurge item” that comes first to my mind is a Birkin, and if you know anything about how you normally used to go about acquiring one, it was an ordeal to say the least. AND it was unbelievably expensive for just the starting bag. But if you want a two toned, vintage, or custom Hermes Birkin or Kelly bag, you can find SO. MANY. OPTIONS. on TRR (and Poshmark!) for a fraction of what you would find them for at any Hermes store. The fact that there are so many consignment Birkins just sitting in warehouses makes me wonder why anyone would buy one directly from Hermes. Seriously check these out.
If you’re looking to add some sparkle or brand name something to your closet, I highly highly highly recommend checking out The Real Real for your not so splurgey buy. They have a few locations where you can shop or pick items up directly, offer a 20% off code (REAL) on most things, and each item goes through a comprehensive authentication process so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the real thing.
