Advice to those just starting handbag collections...
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1. WAIT!!! I have never purchased a bag without waiting at least thirty days. If I don't still feel the love on day 30 as I did on day 1, it's not for me. Also, if you really can't afford it, hopefully during this "incubation period" rationality will kick in.
2. Also, don't buy with the idea you can re-sell it and receive some type of reasonable value for it, especially if it's a trendy "it" bag. Never count on your bags selling, especially at the price you want them to. Many ppl feel like if they are going to pay close to retail, they may as well buy retail. [I personally never sell, I love all of my beauties]
3. Don't buy all bags "on trend." I don't have any "trendy" bags, I personally prefer classic pieces that will last and you will be able to still wear it in 20 years [someone before said you will not, as if it's absolute, there are still D&B bags from the 80's that people wear and still look beautiful]
4. Don't buy it just because it's brand name, especially one of these "fly by night" brands. I remember in the 80's and 90's everyone wore very expensive Used and Damage jeans, yes you would get talked about if you wore them now. However, your moderately priced and not as trendy Levi's from the 80's [if you can still pull them up over your thighs] are just fine. This same idea goes with handbags. I have bags from over ten years ago that are still just as beautiful [and socially acceptable] as they were when I first purchased them.
5. Don't buy for someone else, buy for yourself. Just because everyone else as a Louis Vuitton [which it really seems like EVERYONE has a Louis Vuitton] does not mean you have to buy one, unless you legitimately like it. Please don't buy whatever brand just to be with the in crowd or because "all the celebrities" are wearing them.
6. Higher price does NOT always equal higher quality. There are many mid-price handbags [*cough* Dooney *cough*] that are the same, if not higher quality, than many well over the top priced premiere brands [*cough* Louis Vuitton *cough*]
2. Also, don't buy with the idea you can re-sell it and receive some type of reasonable value for it, especially if it's a trendy "it" bag. Never count on your bags selling, especially at the price you want them to. Many ppl feel like if they are going to pay close to retail, they may as well buy retail. [I personally never sell, I love all of my beauties]
3. Don't buy all bags "on trend." I don't have any "trendy" bags, I personally prefer classic pieces that will last and you will be able to still wear it in 20 years [someone before said you will not, as if it's absolute, there are still D&B bags from the 80's that people wear and still look beautiful]
4. Don't buy it just because it's brand name, especially one of these "fly by night" brands. I remember in the 80's and 90's everyone wore very expensive Used and Damage jeans, yes you would get talked about if you wore them now. However, your moderately priced and not as trendy Levi's from the 80's [if you can still pull them up over your thighs] are just fine. This same idea goes with handbags. I have bags from over ten years ago that are still just as beautiful [and socially acceptable] as they were when I first purchased them.
5. Don't buy for someone else, buy for yourself. Just because everyone else as a Louis Vuitton [which it really seems like EVERYONE has a Louis Vuitton] does not mean you have to buy one, unless you legitimately like it. Please don't buy whatever brand just to be with the in crowd or because "all the celebrities" are wearing them.
6. Higher price does NOT always equal higher quality. There are many mid-price handbags [*cough* Dooney *cough*] that are the same, if not higher quality, than many well over the top priced premiere brands [*cough* Louis Vuitton *cough*]
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Oh I am loving this thread. Here are my lists of shoulda' coulda' woulda' to pass on to purse newbies.
1. Quality, Quality and more Quality. Remember this when you see the most adorable color bags. Look for the type of leather, canvas, lining and feel of the bag. If its too light or feels flimsy, well that is a clear sign that you may have a short time with that bag.
2. Brand Name doesn't always equal better quality. Brands like Coach and Dooney and Bourke are made very well and are on the lesser expensive side. Just because it says LV doesn't meant its made totally better than a D&B. Keep an open mind.
3. Storage is KEY! Most designer brands come with a storage bag. Thats for a REASON. It helps to keep dust and other elements off your bag. You'll cry if you see rub marks on your purses from storing them improper.
4. Try not to buy bags to have a collection, buy them because you like them and will use them. Its not some badge of honor to have 100 bags and 60 of them you don't use.
5. When buying secondhand make sure you look once, twice...three times or more at the bag. Some people aren't bag gurus and they don't take care of their bags. Look for stains, damage on the corners and most important to me, SMELL!
6. Like someone else said, buy colorful bags at cheaper prices and neutrals in more expensive price ranges. Neutrals will always be matchable and in style versus certain colors may not be right at times of the year or even with age.
7. One big one, Never ever buy on a whim. Do your research, check into bags long before walking in the store or ordering. I've found most of my bags actually have YouTube reviews that can give you a perspective on what it will be like using the bag. Walking in a store and just grabbing something is not smart.
1. Quality, Quality and more Quality. Remember this when you see the most adorable color bags. Look for the type of leather, canvas, lining and feel of the bag. If its too light or feels flimsy, well that is a clear sign that you may have a short time with that bag.
2. Brand Name doesn't always equal better quality. Brands like Coach and Dooney and Bourke are made very well and are on the lesser expensive side. Just because it says LV doesn't meant its made totally better than a D&B. Keep an open mind.
3. Storage is KEY! Most designer brands come with a storage bag. Thats for a REASON. It helps to keep dust and other elements off your bag. You'll cry if you see rub marks on your purses from storing them improper.
4. Try not to buy bags to have a collection, buy them because you like them and will use them. Its not some badge of honor to have 100 bags and 60 of them you don't use.
5. When buying secondhand make sure you look once, twice...three times or more at the bag. Some people aren't bag gurus and they don't take care of their bags. Look for stains, damage on the corners and most important to me, SMELL!
6. Like someone else said, buy colorful bags at cheaper prices and neutrals in more expensive price ranges. Neutrals will always be matchable and in style versus certain colors may not be right at times of the year or even with age.
7. One big one, Never ever buy on a whim. Do your research, check into bags long before walking in the store or ordering. I've found most of my bags actually have YouTube reviews that can give you a perspective on what it will be like using the bag. Walking in a store and just grabbing something is not smart.
My 2 cents.
Don't go for a bag just because it's gorgeous. Get a bag that works with your lifestyle and look. One that you can wear for years to come.
Check the different leathers and look at different price points. Examine the stitching, the hardware, zippers.
Understand what quality really means.
Just because something is leather, doesn't mean it's a quality bag.
Don't go for a bag just because it's gorgeous. Get a bag that works with your lifestyle and look. One that you can wear for years to come.
Check the different leathers and look at different price points. Examine the stitching, the hardware, zippers.
Understand what quality really means.
Just because something is leather, doesn't mean it's a quality bag.
Hey ladies! It's been a loooong time since I've posted, and this thread caught my eye.
When I was still in my pre-purchase phase I knew I wanted a quality wallet start my "collection" because I didn't want to walk around with a beautiful bag with a shabby wallet inside.. Also, wallets are often less expensive than a handbag, and it helps to get your feet wet, before the big plunge. Luckily, I was able to purchase my wallet and bag at the same time.. And there was no turning back[emoji58]
When I was still in my pre-purchase phase I knew I wanted a quality wallet start my "collection" because I didn't want to walk around with a beautiful bag with a shabby wallet inside.. Also, wallets are often less expensive than a handbag, and it helps to get your feet wet, before the big plunge. Luckily, I was able to purchase my wallet and bag at the same time.. And there was no turning back[emoji58]
I'd say, first, consider storage.
Because those 2 wall hooks will fill fast.
And tpf members talk about, "flap creases," "losing proper shape," & "resale value." Mixed with stuff about leather needing to breathe. Moths may come up in conversation.
All this will terrify & alarm newbies, if their storage plan isn't decided before the bags start piling up.
Try to install shelves using a carpenter's level & not too much swearing near small children.
Next, don't buy what you don't want.
There will be thousands of excuses for doing this. But all of them are insane.
Wait until you can buy what you do want, leaving some empty space for thought & dreams.
Try not to fill this space with awesome shoes, instead.
Third, enjoy.
If it's not fun, something has gone awry with your handbag adventure. Time to reevaluate & adjust.
Eat chocolate to ease any stress involved with this difficult process.
Try to avoid smearing chocolate onto handbags--but, if you do, there are plenty of stain removal threads here.
Hope this helps.
Because those 2 wall hooks will fill fast.
And tpf members talk about, "flap creases," "losing proper shape," & "resale value." Mixed with stuff about leather needing to breathe. Moths may come up in conversation.
All this will terrify & alarm newbies, if their storage plan isn't decided before the bags start piling up.
Try to install shelves using a carpenter's level & not too much swearing near small children.
Next, don't buy what you don't want.
There will be thousands of excuses for doing this. But all of them are insane.
Wait until you can buy what you do want, leaving some empty space for thought & dreams.
Try not to fill this space with awesome shoes, instead.
Third, enjoy.
If it's not fun, something has gone awry with your handbag adventure. Time to reevaluate & adjust.
Eat chocolate to ease any stress involved with this difficult process.
Try to avoid smearing chocolate onto handbags--but, if you do, there are plenty of stain removal threads here.
Hope this helps.
Keep all of your pens in a case!! Ink is deadly to clean, especially if you're talking about suede...
Bags are for using not for collecting or reselling...they are not art...before i found this Place i would never dream of selling a bag
Never buy anything you cant afford..save for it and make sure you can pay all other bills and have a fund for emergencies as well before you buy any luxury item
Never buy just because it is on sale...expensive mistake..only buy if you wanted it before it was reduced
You only need one or two bags for daily use...have a core colour in a neutral and a colour that fits with your colouring and the colours you wear....your bag needs to fit with you..not what others wear or what is trendy
Never buy anything you cant afford..save for it and make sure you can pay all other bills and have a fund for emergencies as well before you buy any luxury item
Never buy just because it is on sale...expensive mistake..only buy if you wanted it before it was reduced
You only need one or two bags for daily use...have a core colour in a neutral and a colour that fits with your colouring and the colours you wear....your bag needs to fit with you..not what others wear or what is trendy
1. Quality over quantity.
2. Buy classic and timeless designs. If you want to buy a trendy bag, choose a cheap one.
3. Don't buy a bag you don't really like just because it's considered an "it" bag and everyone has one.
4. Make sure you can afford the bags you buy and you don't have to get into debt to buy them.
5. Choose the type of bags that suit your lifestyle (working mother, frequent traveller, single party girl etc).
6. Don't buy a bag just because it's on sale and seems like a bargain. Take a minute to think whether or not you'd buy it if you had to pay full price.
2. Buy classic and timeless designs. If you want to buy a trendy bag, choose a cheap one.
3. Don't buy a bag you don't really like just because it's considered an "it" bag and everyone has one.
4. Make sure you can afford the bags you buy and you don't have to get into debt to buy them.
5. Choose the type of bags that suit your lifestyle (working mother, frequent traveller, single party girl etc).
6. Don't buy a bag just because it's on sale and seems like a bargain. Take a minute to think whether or not you'd buy it if you had to pay full price.
Don't buy a bag to "complete your collection"; something cool is always around the corner, and the cycle just continues!
i'd say, first, consider storage.
Try to install shelves using a carpenter's level & not too much swearing near small children.
Next, don't buy what you don't want.
There will be thousands of excuses for doing this. But all of them are insane.
Eat chocolate to ease any stress involved with this difficult process.
Try to avoid smearing chocolate onto handbags--but, if you do, there are plenty of stain removal threads here.
Hope this helps.
lol Good advice!
