Advice to those just starting handbag collections...

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#136
rainrowan said:
If there is a designer you are obsessing over to what may be an unnatural degree....say, you cannot afford the bag -- do not go to that designer forum for more than short periods of time. It's okay to look but when it starts impinging on your ability to sleep or be rational about it, having it in front of you is just fuel to the fire that's in your brain.

I've been in that situation, and it was one of those situations that started out pleasant enough looking at all the types of bags, until one sees others who have the ability to own not one but a great number beyond our wildest dreams -- it can really make someone who is generally uncompetitive turn into a green eyed monster and emotionally insecure with what others have and what one doesn't have. :greengrin::cry:

It's sort of like Facebook when you're friends with the Joneses, after a while.... :rolleyes:
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Oh that is so true! Had to ban myself from the Hermes forum... Some of those ladies' collections are unbelievable!!!
 
#137
I think it's hard to separate whether you really want a bag, vs. whether you want it because everyone else has it or whether buying that brand will give you a status boost. I say, if you must have a bag with a hefty price tag, clean out your closet and itemize everything that you've spent money on but never used. Sell that stuff at a loss to raise some money. THEN buy your bag. The process really makes you evaluate whether you really want to put in all that effort just for a bag.
 
#139
Great thread! I agree that TPF makes you spend more. When I first got into LV I thought I'd get a speedy and NF and be done. I never considered charms or SLGs and now I have a little of everything. But I didn't lose my mind and my collection is only 10 items which only includes 4 full size bags.

My philosophy was not to have more full size premium designer bags than days of the week (7). So in theory I could wear a bag everyday and get good rotation. I don't include pochettes or contemporary brands (i.e. Coach, Dooney etc) in this limit. For me this has kept me from doing too much impulsive buying and I sell items to fund new purchases so my line-up changes which makes the 7 limit not so restrictive.
 
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#141
Don't look at other people's collection of purses.
Don't get caught up in limited edition collection hype.
Don't spend more than you can afford.
Don't buy something that is going to sit in a display.
Don't... buy anything you don't love! Don't grow to like it, love it on sight!~
 
#142
slowlikehoney said:
Oh that is so true! Had to ban myself from the Hermes forum... Some of those ladies' collections are unbelievable!!!
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True the H forum should come with health warning!:D though I actually find it quite soothing to look at bags and relax. Especially vintage ones. I also love the modelling shots as you can get a clear idea of the bag in context. I never buy anything unless I've checked it out in person, so many things beautiful in themselves, just don't look that good on me.
 
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#143
Iwantaspybag said:

When “Collection” is a Dirty Word
-Don't think of it as a collection. Use, use, use!
-It's not art, it's not stamps, it's not figurines. It's something that is meant to be used.
-Don't start.
-Stay off of TPF! It only fuels the fire. I don't care what anyone says. Be afraid! Be very afraid!
[FONT=&quot]-Don't get caught up in the "collecting" thing. It's SO easy to get sucked in and start thinking prices you would have cringed at a year ago are perfectly reasonable.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]-Don't justify bag purchases by telling yourself that they are "investment" pieces. There's really no such thing. Even if they're brands that constantly appreciate in price (Chanel, Hermes, LV), don't expect to get the equivalent of what you paid for or more in the resale market. You'd easily get sucked into paying so much or more than what you can afford because of this mentality. [/FONT]
-Don't try to compete with anyone. Someone will ALWAYS have more bags, better bags, more expensive bags......[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
-There are some serious collectors on this board with significant collections. Don't try to keep up or think you have to have a certain number.
-Not all tPFers can afford their collections. Some return bags after they post a reveal. Some put bags on credit cards. Don't go into debt for your collection.
-Don't be upset if nobody else around you is interested or care about your handbag collection.[FONT=&quot][/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Handbag Divorce or When it is Time to Sell[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]-Sometimes you will lust after a bag online only to find it isn't quite right irl. Just move on. Don't try to make yourself love it in person because you want it to live up to the fantasy.
- If you buy it and have doubts after, let it sit for a couple days. If you still have doubts, return it if you can or sell it. You will probably feel relieved. But if the thought of returning it makes you sad, then keep it if you can afford it.
-Use your bags. If you are not reaching for one for any reason, sell it.
[FONT=&quot]- If something doesn't work for you, sell. There's no point in hanging on to something that doesn't suit you in some way, even if, and especially if, you paid a lot for it.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]-If you don't use your bag within a certain timeframe (I set mine for a year)...sell it!!!! Don't collect it. Use it.[/FONT]
-Sell any bags you don't use, and remember why you didn't use it for the next purchase. Don't make repeat mistakes.[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
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Thanks Iwantaspybag

Must have taken you ages!

I particularly like 'handbag divorce' loved the title!
 
#144
Everything that has been posted here is excellent advice and there is really nothing new to add, so I will just emphasize the things that have been learning experiences for me the 2 or so years that I have been bag collecting.
1. Don't settle - I did this once because the bag I wanted required a wait list and I got impatient, so I got a relatively cheaper "inspired" substitute which I now have to give away because it has very little resale value. I ended up not wanting my holy grail bag when it finally became available but I did pay the price for settling.
2. Don't impulse buy - when I first started my collection, I would basically go to the mall with the intention of buying a designer bag without putting any prior thought as to what I was looking for. In the last few months, I have been reselling some of those bags at a considerable loss because I didn't put any thought into the longevity and functionality of the bags.
3. No paying $$$$ for light color bags - when it comes to white, ivory, yellow, baby blue, etc. (beige excluded), it's a complete waste of money unless you simply have the disposable income and don't mind buying a new one every couple of years, or you baby your bags to a ridiculous level. When it comes to these colors, I either avoid them or buy coach, MK, or similar price range.
4. Buy bags that fit your lifestyle - if I know that I'm not a socialite going to galas and fancy dinner parties and such, then I don't need to fill my closet with Birkins, exotics, and clutches covered in Swarovski crystals. I mostly need casual bags that can translate well to a business casual office setting and maybe one or two small night time bags.
 
#146
What an excellent thread!

1. Don't buy right after love at first sight. Sometimes you may feel differently the next day!

2. SLGs can be your enemy if you go crazy with them, but they can be your friend in moderation.

I'm in love with the pink/coral Chanel Valentine charms bag, but have only seen it preloved for $2500-$3000. I also know it would only be a special occasion bag for me (not for daily use), so instead I purchased the Chanel Valentine charms key pouch/coin purse for less than $200! I needed a key pouch anyway, and now I get to enjoy this one every day, no matter which bag I'm carrying. :)
 
#149
1. Do a lot of research before you buy, there are so many bags out there, make sure you buy something you really like e.g. official website, youtube reviews, purse form, try at store, list pros and cons etc.

2. Start from the classic styles, there has to be a reason why so many people love them
 
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