Buying a handbag is thrilling, joyous and an experience worth celebrating that us bag lovers are all familiar with. The rush of a new purchase is truly unlike anything else, especially when you’re walking away with a bag you’ve had in your sights for a while. Though the feeling is exceptional, it’s a dangerous, fleeting one at the same time given how addicting it is. Similar to getting your first tattoo, the itching feeling of getting another fast approaches. We’re a fan of impulse buys because they’re purchase you make with your heart as opposed to your mind, but too many of them is risky.
If there’s a will there’s a way, so if you’re desperate to get your hands on the newest bag that’s caught your eye then there are practical steps to take – and also things to avoid. For those of you buying your first bag, or for those of you that need to curve your spending habits, or for those of you with a full-blown handbag addiction, keep reading. Trust us, we’re cheaper than therapy.
When buying a new handbag, there are a bunch of contributing factors that go into the decision process. First and foremost, you have to love it. Yes, practicality is important, but if you were buying a handbag for the sole purpose of carrying your essentials, then you wouldn’t be buying a luxury one. Fall in love with a piece that you’ll not only use every day, but makes you feel proud to carry it. It becomes a part of your identity. Confidence really is key – and quite frankly, we don’t talk about it enough. Feeling good, beautiful and fashionable does wonders for our self-esteem. Carrying something as gorgeous as a Chanel Classic Flap, for example, makes us feel gorgeous too. If you aren’t madly in love with the investment you’re making, then don’t buy it - especially if it’s your first bag or one that’s a little over your budget. Save your money, resist the urge to whip out your credit card and have patience that your dream bag at a good price will come along. Never settle ladies – and that applies to all aspects of life.
Now let’s talk about the bag you’re absolutely obsessed with, but can’t really afford. We’ve all been there. We’ve all sat at our tables crunching numbers, putting spare 10ers aside for our “bag fund” and contemplated the fact that maybe if we just didn’t eat for 3 days then we could afford it. Deep breaths. Don’t worry, you can totally make it happen, but in the nicest way possible, don’t be dumb about it. Make an Excel spreadsheet. Calculate your expenses (yes, that includes groceries – we do not skip meals for handbags) and see what amount is left over that you can put away. It’s also important to find the best deal. We get it, walking into a Chanel boutique and having the full experience of purchasing your bag brand new is an exhilarating feeling, but you have to think rationally. The reselling industry is the way forward, not only will you save money, but you’re also helping the environment. It’s 2019 and if you don’t live under a rock then you would be aware of the fact that the planet is dying. To say that we’re absolutely f*cked would be an understatement. Re-using and recycling makes a difference, especially when it comes to fashion given that this industry is the second biggest polluter in the world (next to oil).
With the reselling industry, you have to be careful. Imagine your dream Lady Dior has just gone up for auction. You’re not super familiar with the auction company and the images are slightly blurry. But you’ve been waiting for this specific bag for what seems like forever, and it’s priced well within your budget as well. You feel your heart beat a little bit faster and your fingers twitching on your credit card. “Do I risk it?” you ask yourself. We’ll answer the question for you; DON’T. Do your research into the companies you give your money to. Trust your instinct, if you feel like it’s remotely sketchy, odds are you’re probably right. Read company reviews, call or email with enquiries and ensure that you’re giving your money to a legitimate business – like us. ;)
On the topic of reselling, another factor to consider when buying a luxury handbag is the resale value. Though we like to think that you purchase your dream bag with the intent of keeping it, handbags are also investment pieces. We all have that one bag that we’ll never sale. Regardless of how old, how worn, or how out-of-style it may be, there’s always going to be that one handbag that has sentimental value. Whether it’s the first luxury handbag you ever bought, a gift from a loved one, a piece affiliated with a specific time of your life, or one attached to a memorable story, it’s that accessory you know you’ll never get rid of – even if it’s been sitting at the very back of your closet for 10 years. However, you can never go wrong with making a wise investment. Even if you’re not the reselling type, it feels good knowing that you haven’t lost money. On the other hand, if you’re the kind of individual who buys, loves and sells handbags like no tomorrow, then you’re definitely not a stranger to the reselling concept.
Classic pieces from brand’s like Chanel and Hermès hold the most value. When one thinks of Chanel, the Classic Flap and the Boy bag are the first images that cross your mind. Just like with Hermès, the bags you’ll instantly think of are the iconic Birkin and Kelly. They’re timeless classics rooted in history with fascinating backstories that will never be erased. Bags don’t just hold their value because they’re pretty and well-made, there are many factors that go into creating one of the holy grails.
Of course, we take pleasure in purchasing limited edition or seasonal pieces that become the new hot trend. The only issue with these pieces are that their popularity is fading. Bags come in and out of trend and eventually, most styles become a thing of the past. Though true that fashion is constantly recycling trends from previous eras, most consumers find something special and romantic about buying vintage – given that it’s the OG and not the re-vamped version. Take the Dior Saddle bag, for example. A beloved late 90s – early 2000s trend that was often seen on the arm of Carrie Bradshaw and Blair Waldorf, eventually the bag ran its course. That is, until Maria Grazia – Chiuri debuted the new-and-improved version in her Fall 2018 collection for Dior and now we can’t seem to get away from them. The resale market for the Saddle bag skyrocketed and vintage Saddle bags from the original era were marked up in price. Consumers chose to invest in the older version because it just felt more genuine - and to be fair we can’t exactly blame them.
Whether you’re saving your pennies, fuelling your addiction, or on the hunt for your next handbag, it’s important to make the correct decisions and do what’s best for you. We’ve all been there at one point or another, but buying the bag of your dreams should be an invigorating experience – not a stressful one. The universe works in mysterious ways and we’re strong believers in karma. With patience and the proper research, the right bag will come at the right time. Happy smart shopping!
