The Vintage Shoes I Dropped Everything to Buy

I'm always in two minds about revealing my deepest shopping secrets. If I reveal all, then everyone will know I rarely pay full price, and that I, a fashion editor, sometimes make shopping mistakes, but I feel it is my duty to use this space as a forum for secret-sharing (please feel free to share yours in the comments below). 

Today, I'm sharing the purchase I dropped everything to buy. I was in Los Angeles, and after a visit to Saks Fifth Avenue, I fell in love with a pair of black Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Slingback Pumps ($910), but wasn't too fond of the price tag. 

I left the store feeling dejected. Why didn't I remember to save a shopping budget for this trip? I went out for dinner that night, but all I could think about was the shoes. 

I hopped into bed at about midnight and started googling to see if I could find the shoes cheaper elsewhere (my usual trick). Sadly, I couldn't, but what I did find was TheRealReal, an authenticated online luxury consignment store. To my shock, there were pages and pages of Manolo Blahnik slingback heels, for prices as low as $100. I found this patent black pair for $170 and checked out before I even realised what was happening.

By the time I arrived back in Sydney, my shiny new shoes were there waiting for me and they were better than I'd hoped. While they were described as having 'minor scuffing', it was clear they'd never been worn. It was my first time shopping on TheRealReal, so maybe it was beginners luck, but I think I just kick-started my new shopping addiction.

Keep scrolling to shop a pair of Manolo Blahnik slingback heels for a fraction of the retail price.

Opening image: Harper & Harley

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