I read an article recently (I will try to find it) that the prices for handbags have gone up a certain percentage this year and the main reason is because the fashion houses CAN!!! It is crazy, we will pay whatever the price is for the latest 'it' bag!
The designers send over their latest bags to the celebs (free) they carry the bags, they hire paparazzi to photo them carrying the bags, sell to celeb mags and we all have to have it!
So back to the old, if you love it, then carry it. If not, its not worth the huge price tag.