Woman Manifests Dream Designer Bag, Finds It for $14.99 in Thrift Store

Everyone knows that thrifting can be hit or miss, but sometimes sifting through the racks of clothes can lead to an epic find—as demonstrated by Monica Paulino in a viral TikTok video.

With the clip racking up over 134,000 views, the 31-year-old (@monicampaulino) can be seen bending down on the floor in Goodwill in Marin County, California, while showing off a beige leather bag. But it’s not any old bucket bag; luxury brand Mansur Gavriel supposedly made it.

With the logo, a tag stating it was made in Italy with the feeling of “high-quality leather,” there is no reason why Paulino from Alameda shouldn’t believe it is real.

She told Newsweek: “I have compared the bag to photos of the bag on the designer’s website and it looks identical. I am pretty confident that it is authentic!”

The item is retailed at $595, but Paulino managed to take it home for just $14.99.

“I love Mansur Gavriel and this style, but I have never wanted to splurge and pay full price,” she said.

According to the brand’s website, the bag in the video was one of the first items to gain recognition when the company was founded by Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel in 2013. Today, the bucket bag and tote are considered “iconic silhouettes.”

During the clip, Paulino points to the origin of production as a telltale sign, giving her even more reason to believe the bag is the real deal. Indeed, the Mansur Gavriel products are designed in New York and made in Italy, just like the one in the video shared on June 14.

The clip captioned, “holy cow the thrift gods bless you when you least expect it,” has received more than 4,300 likes and left many viewers envious.

Paulino, a small-business owner, told Newsweek that she thrifts at least once a week. She said: “You have to go often to get the good stuff!”

According to the comments, not everyone has the same luck when it comes to thrifting. One commenter posted: “There’s NEVER anything at my Goodwill.” Another wrote: “What! My goodwill could never.”

A third commenter added: “That would be 49.99 at my thrift store. Behind the counter next to the spanx leggings from 3 weeks ago for 29.99. So happy people are still finding treasures, we need a thrift reset.”

But patience is a virtue, and finds like this one often come when you least expect them. Paulino mentions in the video that she has been ‘manifesting’ the item since last summer. Her secondhand shopping videos not only make people jealous but also inspire them to shop sustainably.

“Ugh every time u pop up on my feed, it makes me want to impulsively go to the thrift,” wrote a fourth user.

Do you have a monetary dilemma? Let us know via li**@******ek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.