The Real Trick to Shopping on The RealReal

The RealReal can feel like a giant closet with the lights off. There’s so much on it that it’s easy to give up. But once you know how to search it, you start finding real gems.

Here’s exactly how I shop it.

1. Filter heavy

This is the big one. Filter by your size. Filter by condition. Filter by price. Every filter cuts out things you’d never buy, so what’s left is stuff you actually want.

2. Learn the designers you love

Pay attention to the designers you keep going back to. Once you know them, you can filter by designer too. Your options get much more focused, and that’s where you find the gems.

3. Check new arrivals every day

If you don’t have anything in mind, get in the habit of looking at new arrivals. It’s sort of my nightly ritual. I filter by my size and see what’s new. The best pieces go fast, so checking often means you see them first.

4. Save your searches

Always hunting for something specific, like a “black slouchy bag” or “size 8 loafers”? Save that search. You’ll find it under your Obsessions, ready to check anytime without setting up the filters again.

5. Heart everything and watch the count

I heart everything I love. The site shows how many hearts each item has, and that number tells you a lot:

• Few hearts? Keep watching it. It will likely get marked down again.
• Lots of hearts? Move fast. Other people want it too, and it could be gone tomorrow.

6. Beware the TRR graveyard

Nothing haunts you more than your TRR graveyard: the pieces you passed on and still think about. My rule now is simple. If you can’t stop thinking about it, get it. So many times I’ve finally gone back to buy something, and it was gone.

The quick recap

1. Filter by size, condition and price.
2. Filter by the designers you love.
3. Check new arrivals often.
4. Save searches for the things you hunt for.
5. Heart items and watch the heart count.
6. If you can’t stop thinking about it, buy it.