Welcome to our How to Shop Like series, where we spotlight personalities within the fashion industry and take a deeper look at how they shop—think all the best insider tips and tricks. This week we're chatting with our own style editor, Camille Freestone, about her obsession with shopping pre-owned and vintage fashion on The RealReal.
Coveteur's associate style editor, Camille Freestone, is known for showing up to edit meetings and market appointments in some truly fierce fashion finds. Turns out, Freestone is a self-proclaimed "master" at shopping The RealReal, so of course we had to know more. Ahead, how one Coveteur editor owns online vintage shopping, all her secrets for scoring amazing pieces, and the items to add to your cart ASAP.
Keep Tabs on What You Like
"The 'heart' feature allows you to watch your favorite items. It's not like your (timed) shopping cart; people can still buy something if it's marked as an obsession. Specifically, this is great for ruminating on larger purchases. Do you still like the item two weeks from the initial influx point of sartorial dopamine? Plus, you'll be able to see if anything gets marked down, which it likely will, especially if it starts on the pricier side. I recently bought an Alexander McQueen dress that started at $385 but was down closer to $200 by the time I snatched it."
Be Specific
"Though I will occasionally spend hours scrolling through every jacket The RealReal is currently offering, a specific search is much more efficient. As a fashion enthusiast, this often entails phrases like 'Tom Ford for Gucci' or 'Phoebe Philo for Celine.' However, it can be as simple as 'pleated miniskirt.' You can also save your searches to easily keep tabs on them. I've scored a few items this way, specifically rarer pieces or smaller brands whose items are less prolific on the site."
Don't Forget to Check New Arrivals
"Occasionally, take a glance at new drops on the site. Hardcore vintage shoppers will often skim good stuff right off the top before you've even had a chance to look for it. I don't have the time nor the mental energy to watch this all the time, but I will periodically click on the New Arrivals tab simply to check in."
Filter by Size, but Don't Be Too Specific
"There's nothing worse than finding a piece you're obsessed with at the right price only to find it's nowhere close to your size. I leave my size filters enabled (you can add these when you create an account) at all times to avoid this feeling of regret. Although I will recommend casting a wide net. Designer items, specifically when they're vintage, tend to run small. I also tend to gravitate towards more oversized items so I have a few sizes checked."
Work the System
"You will likely not reap a ton of financial benefit from selling on TRR, but I will take payment in the form of store credit in order to justify more expensive purchases. Also, be sure to watch for deals. I've been offered $100 credit simply for selling in-store during a specific time frame."
Don't Get Caught Up in Trends
Sure, you can get a CHANEL classic flap for *slightly* below market price, but that's not why most of us are there. I'm much more interested in scoring a Dries vest from three years ago down 70 percent from its original retail price. By the nature of supply and demand, the trendier items will go for more money. This is where I like to test out silhouettes I'm intrigued with that aren't, per se, 'on trend' at this very moment—though that doesn't mean they won't be in a few months' time."
My Proudest Finds:
- A Prada blazer purchased for $112.50.
- An Alexander McQueen dress purchased for $270.
- A pleated Miu Miu skirt purchased for $72.
- Miu Miu caged sandals purchased for $295.
- A Prada sweater purchased for $136.50.
- A Helmut Lang denim jacket purchased for $145.
Shop Camille's Current Picks:
Patterned Mini Dress
D'Orsay Pumps
Halterneck Knee-length Dress
Wayfarer Tinted Sunglasses
Virgin Wool Wide Leg Pants
Crew Neck Mini Dress
Striped Midi Length Skirt
Knife Mules Bow Accents Mules w/ Tags
Printed Mini Dress
Printed Bateau Neck Blouse
Vintage Midi Length Skirt
Vintage Leather Frame Bag
Photos: Courtesy of Camille Freestone
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