What have you learned through your handbag addiction?

[bonybynatur2003]

4 years ago I groaned when I bought my first coach at $169. This year I laughed when I bought my first Gucci at $1200...... OOPS! I've learned to get what you love, but not to buy on impulse. I always try to wait a month or two and I always try it on first. I thought I wanted the damier speedy 30, then tried it on and really want the mono 25.

[couturequeen]

Save up to buy the bag you want, not an imitation or inspired or a sale bag that looks somewhat like the holy grail bag. Waste of money and big waste of time.

Pay cash. Or pay of the credit card immediately after purchase.

If you need to feed a spending urge, get some underwear or earrings.

I like bags that can be carried in multiple ways. Any bag I get needs to be able to be carried on the shoulder.

Only leather is worth a steep price for me.

Keep handbag discussion with husband to a minimum.

[mockinglee]

I've learned that just when I think my collection is complete, I come across a deal I just cannot pass up. Every. Time.

[DiamondLyfe]

I've learned that:

1. My name is DiamondLyfe, and I am a purseaholic. I'm looking for a 12 step program.

2. There is no such thing as "this is my last bag". There is always another one around the corner. I WANT MORE AND MORE!

3. I actually have really good taste in bags. And I've learned a wealth of information from TPF

[Pursegrrl]

I've learned that a great bag makes an outfit!!! And your day!!

I've learned to trust my instincts, my taste and my wallet and not get swept up in trends. Actually I was like this with clothes and shoes too, before bags got in the picture.

I've learned it's an expensive addiction and so delicious!

[indiaink]

Oh, yes, of course. Thanks, ankorchick!

Originally Posted by ankorchick

I think it's 'Holy Grail.'

[photomj]

I've learned so much since joining the Purse Forum. I had just started purchasing Coach bags and ran across my first Kooba's. While researching them, I found tpf and my obsession grew!

I've now expanded to Kooba, Isabella Fiore, Hayden Harnett, Botkier...and even have my eye on a very expensive Chanel!

I've come to appreciate good leather and realize that the $200 bags they sell in department stores like Dillards and Macy's are really not that well made at all.

I also keep saying that "this is the last one". Yeah, right!

I can pretty much spot a fake bag now at ten paces!!

[tonij2000]

Quality trumps quantity any day!

[Violawas]

I've learned that in my search for the perfect bag I'm never going to find it. I always say this is the last bag I'll ever need because it's perfect, then after a few day it's not so perfect anymore. I have an addiction and this forum opened me up to new and better bags. I am trying to be smarter now and when I get that itch for a new bag I'm trying to wait also and not do so much impulse buying.

[childstar]

Hello everyone! Im new here but a certified bagaholic

1. I've learned that I like hobo styled bags & when I got my LV Damier Speedy30 I wasn't used to the shape of the bag & using a handheld one for that matter.

2. I've learned that owning just 1 high-end designer bag isn't enough so you're saving up for the next one.

3. ... That I'm only interested in LV & Coach leather bags as I find Prada, Gucci & Dior not worth it since most of the designs are just canvass or cloth.

4. ... that the smell of a new leather bag is divine

5. ... that LV is still the benchmark of high end bags

[JudieH]

I love reading everyone's responses thus far. Thanks for sharing! I found myself nodding my head in agreement with many of you.

Indiaink, I am so sorry to hear about your HH! That happened to me with Balenciaga. I really overdosed and purchased bag after bag after bag. Thank God I have been able to sell most of my bags and am now down to 2 (a Day and a messenger and trying to sell off the Messenger). Ironically, I started this obsession with a Day and now I am back to just wanting one B bag- a Day.

I am sure you will be able to resell your bags. Just consider it a lesson learned! At the very least, the bags were not terribly expensive, right?

[seahorseinstripes]

i have avoided myself from almost buying a fake on ebay

when i saw a bag that i like, i post in pf and ask previous owners aout their experience and from there i know if the bag'll suits my needs.

when i thought i saw a bag that i like, i'm still browsing on pf in case i found something that i like more so i won't regret buying the bag that i think i like

[gucci fan]

Originally Posted by choozen1ne

That I can look at a price tag that say $298 and think it is is a good price

me too, but now I'm think $500 is a great deal!

[princessaj0603]

Through my addiction I have learned to really embrace my own style and to not follow the trends of what everyone else is wearing and buying. I love the fact that I can just buy what I like because I like it and I do not care if people approve or not, I have finally embraced my style!

[misslola]

I love all the responses! I have to laugh, because I used to think $200 was a lot to spend on a bag. Now if it's under $500 I think it's cheap! It's all relative.