We all know that one person who can always find the most unique handbag or classic pair of designer shoes. When you ask, they tell you it’s from TheRealReal, and then you hear how much of a steal it was and your jealousy doubles. We get it, most of us don’t choose to spend our valuable free time scrolling through TheRealReal like social media or your favorite newsletter. The site updates with thousands of new items twice daily, 10AM and 7PM EST. Sifting through the inventory in search of one special find can feel impossible. 

Here’s some general knowledge to make your TheRealReal fashion finding journey more streamlined and successful:

1. Come with a vision in mind. 

Sure, you can enter by clicking on one of the site’s general tabs: “Handbags,” “Shoes,” etc. Even TRR’s curated edits can seem like a promising place to start. The “Editors’ Picks” edit is often interesting, but the true price steals and less trendy, unique pieces are seldom found here. Soon you may be overwhelmed by miscellaneous aesthetics, sizes, and prices. The most effective way to optimize your TRR searches is to do a little homework beforehand. If you aren’t the type to make a vision board, look to others for inspiration. Ralph Lauren blazers for fall. Stewart Weitzman boots for Winter. Tom Ford sunglasses for spring. Missoni dresses for summer. When you know what you’re looking for, defining your searches and sifting through the results becomes much more manageable. 

Much like with dating, knowing what you want and don’t want is the easiest way to narrow down your shopping search. In the age of social media, we all stalk our dates online before meeting in person, the same should be said for our handbags. If you see an item you love in your online search for fashion inspiration, jot down the name and designer. These specific details can be input into the search bar to populate all of TRR’s results filed under those specifications. With a little bit of luck on your side, your dream designer piece at the right price will be amongst the results.

2. Refine Your Searches

The search bar isn’t the only way to find what you’re looking for on TRR. You don’t even have to use it on every hunt. Entering one of the aforementioned general tabs can populate an endless sea of options. It’s important to maximize the filter tabs beyond the general “Categories” distinction. Setting and saving your shoe, clothing, and ring sizes will ensure that you don’t fall in love with something only to find it won’t fit. This feature can be turned on and off if you’re in the mood for some ambitious tailoring though. 

The price filter is also helpful for keeping items out of budget from tempting you too much. If you are shopping on a budget, setting the “Condition” filter on the lower end will offer plenty of affordable designer finds. Conversely, if you want your resale designer items to feel brand new, set the “Condition” filter on the higher end. 

For those following our previous suggestion of shopping with a vision in mind, the “Designers” and “Colors & Patterns” filters can be especially helpful in refining your results. Red boots, Burberry coats, animal print dresses, blue Manolo Blahnik pumps. Start your search as precisely as you can to avoid wading through the whole site in search of something specific. 

3. Start building an “Obsessions” page. 

TRR gives you the option to “heart” items, which will save them to your “Obsessions” page. Instead of adding items to your cart as you shop, tap the heart icon. This way you won’t lose your shopping progress when your cart times out after twenty minutes. Unless of course you find a must-have piece and need to check out immediately before someone snags it out from under you. The beauty of the “Obsessions” page is that you can always revisit your items and build a dream wishlist over time. 

Sometimes a fabulous find doesn’t come at a feasible price. Once again, luck comes into play here while shopping on TRR. For those willing to gamble on their find not being bought out by someone else, you can wait, and be rewarded with price drops, sales, and discount codes. Keep checking back on your “Obsessions” until the price is right. This method may result in a fair amount of heartbreak, but your wallet and your sense of accomplishment will be much richer when you look like a million bucks at a fraction of the price. 

4. “Similar Products” are your friends.

Sometimes when you start shopping with a curated vision in mind you can find an item that almost fits the bill, but is slightly off. When you find an item you like, scroll to the bottom of the page and explore the “Similar Products” section. It’s there that you may find an item you love just that little bit more. TRR curates a selection of additional recommendations based on the designer, size, color, style, and price (mostly) of your currently selected piece. This is the easiest way to find more of what you love and compare options against similar listings. If you’re a perfectionist shopper, this feature will be your best friend. 

5. Patience is key with “Saved Searches.”

Maybe you don’t need to search TRR’s vast inventory or Pinterest for inspiration. Maybe a “Similar Product” just won’t do. Maybe you’re looking for the 2011 patchwork tweed Chanel flap bag, I know I am. We love a shopper with an exact vision in mind. These specific cases are often an exercise in patience. The exact item at the right price may take time to find. This is where “Saved Searches” comes in handy.

If lady luck doesn’t strike on your first search, come back the next day, or the day after that. TRR allows your exact search specifications to be saved and revisited in the future, pulling all updated listings related to the search each revisit. The more committed and extended the search, the bigger the pay off when that illusive item is finally secured. A well deserved dopamine hit from the hunt.