What motivates all of you to buy a particular style?

[prestwick]

I have been doing some thinking about what attracts each of us to a certain style(s)? Is it age, lifestyle, inventory in one's locale, climate we each live in, pricepoint, a friend's opinion, magazine ad or seen worn on a celebrity?..It would be interesting to see if there are any patterns in our buying...For me right now, I am TOTALLY in love with VENETA, the ease and weightlessness when wearing them, the transition from day to casual evening..the fact that they are seasonless ( could have been purchased yesterday or 4 yrs ago, and no one would know, unless you buy a seasonal color)and the fact that they are TOTALLY understated.. I am a mid fifties unemployed "shopper", who has always been in love with the line and at this point in my life It doesn't matter which person or friend wears what..You always feel good wearing your BV bag..no question..said and done

[BookerMoose]

Definitely not inventory in my locale... not in the Canadian BV wasteland!

I bought my first Montaigne because I fell in love with the shape when I saw a picture of a Montaigne in magnolia somewhere on the internet back in October. I had certainly never noticed any BVs IRL, or even heard about BV, before seeing that picture.

So I started looking for a Montaigne on eBay (I didn't know then any Canadian stores carried BV - although now I really doubt they would have had any Montaignes I would have wanted anyway). A Montaigne came up in noce shortly after I started looking (like a few days later). Although I always had black bags in the past, I didn't know if I would ever find one in black so I just went for it - I just had to have a Montaigne, any Montaigne, at that point... Another Montaigne then showed up in nero on eBay within a week (before I had even received the first one) and so I got that too - and then a third showed up in bianco on eBay a couple of weeks later again, and so I bought that one too (and thereby completed my beagle-inspired tricolour trio). And it turned out that I loved the Montaigne when I got it - which was a good thing in the circumstances with so many bought and on their way at once (including a fourth carmino from BlueFly)!

The weird thing is that I have been steadily watching eBay ever since and have only seen two other Montaigne on there the whole time since my buying frenzy in October/November - one ebano one came up several months later, and there is that pink one with a BIN at an outrageous price of $2600 or something which I doubt will ever sell at that price... So it really seems like my tricolour trio were totally sent to me by the BV fairies!!

[blugenie]

For me, I am most attracted to the shoulder styles as my lifestyle and locale are very casual so hand-helds feel too formal. I too am smitten with the Veneta, and Sloane for its gorgeous draping, and the drama of the large Julie tote.

As far as motivation towards BV in general, I have long been aware of the brand but my tastes & income had to catch up with the brand too. Oddly for the longest time I was shy about carrying handbags - it felt like I was "pretending" to be grown up carrying one so I only used wallets, tiny messengers or book bags until almost 30. Weird, I know. I experimented with Chloe when I first discovered tPF but eventually became concerned with longevity of style - I was frustrated with my newfound fickleness. I think that's why BV is now so perfect for me - I don't hesitate or feel buyer's remorse based on style. It doesn't draw unwanted attention except from knowledgeable SAs. I can appreciate it without judgment. And I feel grown-up finally (at 40+) and own it.

Definitely seeing a bag in an action shot helps establish lust - Sloane would not have been my HG had I not seen pics here from goyardlover & gglvs2shop - it was pretty on the BV site but in action it was . Actually seeing celebrities with BV worries me - whether it will cause BV to get "popular" - wow, does that word channel high school! But then I realize celebs are just more great action shots and I probably won't ever have to worry about seeing BV mass-produced or mass-faked - it just doesn't appeal to the masses, and that's just fine by me.

[BookerMoose]

Originally Posted by blugenie

Oddly for the longest time I was shy about carrying handbags - it felt like I was "pretending" to be grown up carrying one so I only used wallets, tiny messengers or book bags until almost 30. Weird, I know.

That is funny blugenie - I used to be just the same, except for me I would be okay with a shoulder bag, but anything handheld made me feel EXACTLY like you describe... like I was "pretending" to be grown up (and I am also past 40...). I think it might have been because my mom always carried a handheld purse... but she passed away almost 14 years ago now and I didn't get over this feeling until the last few months when I started carrying my cherished Montaignes. Weird is right!!

[mlbags]

Originally Posted by BookerMoose

So I started looking for a Montaigne on eBay (I didn't know then any Canadian stores carried BV - although now I really doubt they would have had any Montaignes I would have wanted anyway). A Montaigne came up in noce shortly after I started looking (like a few days later). Although I always had black bags in the past, I didn't know if I would ever find one in black so I just went for it - I just had to have a Montaigne, any Montaigne, at that point... Another Montaigne then showed up in nero on eBay within a week (before I had even received the first one) and so I got that too - and then a third showed up in bianco on eBay a couple of weeks later again, and so I bought that one too (and thereby completed my beagle-inspired tricolour trio). And it turned out that I loved the Montaigne when I got it - which was a good thing in the circumstances with so many bought and on their way at once (including a fourth carmino from BlueFly)! The weird thing is that I have been steadily watching eBay ever since and have only seen two other Montaigne on there the whole time since my buying frenzy in October/November - one ebano one came up several months later, and there is that pink one with a BIN at an outrageous price of $2600 or something which I doubt will ever sell at that price... So it really seems like my tricolour trio were totally sent to me by the BV fairies!!

So, BM, that's what happened to all the Montaignes in eBays - all scored by you, and nothing left for me !

You're right, I've been watching eBays and it's exactly what you said - no more Montaignes! So, if you should see one on a good deal, pass the lead to me?

[BookerMoose]

Sorry mlbags! But I promise I'm full up for Montaignes right now so if I see anything promising on eBay I'll let you know!

[lawbabe]

BookerMoose, talking about enabling-please keep your eyes open for me too- I unfortunately missed the last one you helped me with- my bid was a bit low (my whole weekend was ruined..), as I was hesitating about it's small size-I'd really love the larger/maxi size -I just live in this dream that some day I'll have it (maybe with the help of a lovely tpf-er

[Sum]

What attracts me to a bag is its design and craftsmanship. If it makes my heart skip a beat, whether it's designer or not, then I start to think of all the other factors, such as functionality, suitability to wardrobe/lifestyle, whether it can transcend seasons (the latter being necessary for bags needing price point justifications).

Finally, I try out whether the bag is comfortable to wear, and I assess how much maintenance I have to contend with - if I can live with these, then the bag comes home with me.

I am attracted to classic styles because I like the idea of the bags lasting as long as you want them to, as there is lesser risk of the style becoming dated. I love receiving items passed down to me, things that have so much love and history attached to them, and I nurture the idea of someday carrying on the tradition by passing on something beautiful to my future daughter/s.

[LLANeedle]

I prefer shoulder bags that also look good carried in hand or on the arm which is why the veneta, sloane and pyramid are my favorite styles. My first BV is a no name satchel style that sits well on my shoulder but it's not big enough for daily use so I use it for special outings when I don't need to lug a lot of stuff.

[jburgh]

Love the thread, thanks prestwick.

First what doesn't motivate me...seeing a bag on the arms of celebrities...that is a turn off. Makes me think the bag would not have longevity.

I am prone to extremes in my tastes...somewhat of an all or nothing gal. (Shhhh, Gemini). Jimmy Choos have been my outgoing, sparkly, shiny, eye-popping brand. And now that I have found BV, it satisfies my calm, mature, quiet, introspective, thoughtful side. This is why I am so drawn to the brand. The subtle elegance that doesn't draw attention from others. The relationship is between you and the bag, more private. But the reason I buy a certain style is not on a purely emotional level. A decision is also reflected in my value of practicality and craftmanship.

I chose the Sloane as my first BV because it was a shoulder bag. For me the shoulder bag is the most comfortable. Then, I really liked the way the closure overlapped...not too hard to get into, but then again, not too easy for others. I also love the shape and how it "puddles." Lastly, no logos gives it a streamlined look.

Now that I've been looking at the BV metallics, it looks like it could be a bridge bag, lol...flashy AND mature.

[Contessa]

What motivates me to buy a particular style?? Love at first sight!

And for me, I'd rather have 1 AMAZING, GORGEOUS, TO-DIE-FOR handbag than a collection of "so-so's" that do nothing to increase my heart rate.

[IntlSet]

Originally Posted by prestwick

I have been doing some thinking about what attracts each of us to a certain style(s)? Is it age, lifestyle, inventory in one's locale, climate we each live in, pricepoint, a friend's opinion, magazine ad or seen worn on a celebrity?..It would be interesting to see if there are any patterns in our buying...

GREAT post!

For me, age doesn't really have anything to do with it... I rarely encounter another 23 year old who carries BV (if ever, I don't think I have at all).

Magazine ads do influence me for clothes but not so much with bags. They inform me of what's new, but not of what's attractive: after all, they're paid advertisements. I'm more inclined NOT to get a bag that is ubiquitous on celebrities, especially celebrities I don't find especially classy, like Paris Hilton.

Lifestyle definitely affects me most, as well as availablity. Lifestyle because I need to actually carry to bag -- my bags earn their keep! And with availability, well, I am not someone who is okay with sitting on a wait list -- I need the instant gratification. I buy what's readily available because I always find something on the shelf or online that I want!

[guccimamma]

if it is an expensive handbag, i want something that will last for years...not trendy. i don't really subscribe to waitlists and "it" bags.

[mundodabolsa]

for me it's mainly that a bag has to make my heart flutter. I have to find it stunning, and therefore worth the expense. I have to be excited at the prospect of wearing and owning that bag.

then the rational part of my head starts to ask if it's pratical, if it's durable, etc, but the reality is that if I think it's amazing enough, I will find a way to rationalize the expense anyhow.

[Syma]

Bags are my weakness, and I think everyone has one weakness in life, be it shoes, couture, make-up, jewellery etc. I just love the beauty of a gorgeous bag and now love all the bags in my collection equally. I know when my DH says that you can only carry one bag at a time, why have so many??? but I think life is too short not to have fabulous accessories, sometimes just looking at my bags makes my day. The forum has definately helped in me making informed decisions when it comes to buying bags. BTW I am a shoulder bag girl and as well as a beautiful bag which makes your heart go pitter patter I prefer my purchases to be practical as well, there is no point in spending the $$$ if your too scared to wear it at the end of the day.