What Fashion Insiders Are Consigning For National Consignment Day
Think of them as super consignors. They’re the people you’ve seen on Instagram who always know the coolest new fashion line, how to wear something vintage in a completely unexpected way and how to keep their wardrobes constantly refreshed yet somehow also edited. The secret? A mantra like ours this month (and always): I shop, therefore I consign. And with National Consignment Day coming up this Monday, October 7 — the yearly national holiday that’s all about celebrating the positive environmental impact of consigning — it’s the perfect time to take a lesson from them and start consigning yourself. Ahead, inspo from model/designer Camilla Deterre, writer/editor/consultant/fashion person Alyssa Coscarelli and designer & illustrator Jenny Walton.
@camilladeterre
How would you describe your style in three words?
Simple, timeless, comfortable
What are your three favorite brands?
Prada (minus the last 1.5 years plus the latest collection), Eckhaus Latta, Patagonia
If you could raid anyone’s closet whose would it be?
Hmm, Mrs. Prada with a sprinkle of Steve Jobs
What are the top reasons you consign in general, and specifically with The RealReal?
It’s a great way to “recycle,” make room in your closet for the next season, and justify spending money. Specifically The RealReal because it makes the process so clean and straightforward.
How often do you like to consign? What is your preferred method?
I probably only consign once every couple months, and try to bring as much as possible. My preferred method is in-store. It’s close to my house, super easy process, and I like shopping on my way out 🙂
What is your consignment process? How do you decide whether to keep or consign something?
I go through my belongings when I realize I’ve been wearing the same exact clothes for two weeks, because that probably means I’m not interested in all the other options in my closet. There’s no real process here – just kinda look at things and think I’m over that, maybe I’ll still be that lady one day, etc.
What are you consigning for National Consignment Day?
This velvet/beaded sheer-ish Prada dress — I’m not a daily dress person but it’s very special. I bought her for a wedding and realized my boobs don’t really fit — I think I’ll miss her when she’s gone but she’ll probably have a better life elsewhere. This little Isabel Marant black dress — it’s almost like a school uniform, you don’t have to think to get dressed. We’ve done a lot together, but I just think it’s time.
Do you also shop consignment on the site? What is your favorite TRR find?
Ooo there are too many to be honest. I’m addicted.
Has consigning changed the way you shop? If so, how?
Yes, I hate shopping, especially online. But TRR makes it easy and guilt-free (planet & pocket).
What are your main reasons for buying pre-loved pieces?
The fashion industry is extremely wasteful — BUY USED! GO VEGAN!
@alyssainthecity
How would you describe your style in three words?
Vintage-inspired, yet trendy and evolving
What are your three favorite brands?
Prada, Loewe, (Old) Celine
If you could raid anyone’s closet whose would it be?
Alexa Chung, hands down. I imagine it’d be an ideal mix of vintage and designer.
What are the top reasons you consign in general, and specifically with The RealReal?
Because I work in fashion and as an influencer, there’s an expectation to dress in a way that’s on-trend and constantly fresh and inspiring, so consigning is a great way to let go of the old to make room for the new. Plus, it’s reassuring knowing those pieces you’re ready to part with will get a lovely second life, rather than going to a landfill or to a donation bin where you don’t know ultimately where those pieces will end up. Plus it’s a great way to make some extra money, whether I’m saving up for a vacation or for a new-season investment piece.
How often do you like to consign? What is your preferred method?
I try to consign every couple of months. A lot of my unwanted pieces go to charity sales that I hold with my best friend, but I like to put aside some of the more expensive pieces to consign on The RealReal so that I can get better value for them than we would at our sales, where we very much price things to sell. I prefer to just bring my pieces into the store because I’m not so great at planning ahead, and I like to browse the store often as I can 🙂
What is your consignment process? How do you decide whether to keep or consign something?
It’s really just a matter of if I think I’ll wear it again or not.
What are you consigning for National Consignment Day?
I’m consigning a Rosie Assoulin tie-dye blouse, which I love but just couldn’t get it to work for some reason. It ended up not working with my wardrobe the way I’d hoped but I know it’ll be perfect for the right person. I’m also consigning a few bottoms because unfortunately, I’m petite and often pants and skirts are just too big on me! And sometimes I’m just too lazy to tailor! So, to The RealReal they go 🙂
Do you also shop consignment on the site? What is your favorite TRR find?
Yes! I shop The RealReal often. My favorite find to date is definitely this Luigi Massoni vanity from 1968. I had fallen in love with it on Instagram a few weeks prior, so as soon as I saw it on The RealReal I didn’t think twice.
Has consigning changed the way you shop? If so, how?
Absolutely! I actually prefer to consign than shop things new/full-price — I love how I can consign items I no longer want to keep, and then look at it as putting that money to fund the next trend I happen to be trying. It’s circular fashion at its best.
What are your main reasons for buying pre-loved pieces?
I feel that buying pre-loved pieces is a great second chance to get special pieces from previous collections (read: “Old Celine!”) that you might not find otherwise. It allows me to discover previous collection items that I maybe even missed altogether the first time around (say, an older Loewe bag from a year when I could never even dream of affording Loewe), and can appreciate that much more now that it has some tinge of nostalgia. Plus, buying secondhand is one of the best ways to shop sustainably, so that’s a guilt-free added bonus, too.
@jennymwalton
How would you describe your style in three words?
Classic, Vintage, With a Twist
What are your three favorite brands?
Currently? Prada, Celine, Marc Jacobs
If you could raid anyone’s closet whose would it be?
I would go back in time and raid Audrey Hepburn’s!
What are the top reasons you consign in general, and specifically with The RealReal?
I consign in general because I love dressing in a very circular fashion and never throwing away pieces I’ve gotten my personal wear out of, but I hope that someone else might enjoy.
What is your consignment process? How do you decide whether to keep or consign something?
The typical way I decide to consign a piece is if I haven’t worn it in the past year. Then I know it might be time for it to move on to someone else’s wardrobe.
How often do you like to consign? What is your preferred method?
I consign every few months typically. Since I live in Soho it’s easy to visit the store!
What are you consigning for National Consignment Day?
I’m considering consigning a pair of Bottega Veneta glitter heels, which I’ve worn so many times but I think I’ve gotten a really great amount of wear out of! I also have a slight addiction to glitter heels so feel like I might need to slightly lighten my load. Same for a pair of white Prada heels that I once wore with a Simone Rocha coat to her show in London — these as well I feel like I’ve worn so many times. I also got a few new shoes from The RealReal so feel like it’s time to switch some out! I’m also thinking about consigning a Prada scarf that I got at the Prada outlet outside of Florence. I’ve worn it in so many different ways and combinations that I think I’m ready to move onto a new neck scarf color combo!
Do you also shop consignment on the site? What is your favorite TRR find?
I love to shop consignment! My favorite finds recently that I brought on my last trip were a beautiful multi-color Miu Miu leather purse which I wore together with a Miu Miu printed top to the Prada show a few weeks ago in Milan.
Has consigning changed the way you shop? If so, how?
Consigning has definitely changed the way I shop. If you save for items that maintain their value (versus constantly buying less expensive options), it generally is much easier to extend their life cycle by giving to someone like The RealReal.
What are your main reasons for buying pre-loved pieces?
My main reason is that I’m a design fanatic and I love searching for older pieces that are hard to find. I definitely love the thrill of the hunt!
What are you waiting for? Start consigning!