Advice to those just starting handbag collections...

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#181
remainsilly said:
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. :)
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Love your sense of humour.
 
#184
1.) Buy a bag that you love AND that is practical! I have some handbags I adore the look of (Mulberry Alexa, Celine Phantom), but which are extremely hard to use (for example the Alexa has an opening that drives me crazy and the Celine is so heavy and giant).

2.) Look at your lifestyle. If you don't own a car, maybe a (heavy) handheld bag is not for you and something with a shoulder or crossbody strap would be more practical.

3.) NEVER impulse buy. Research the bag you want to buy in advance through purseforum, youtube etc.

4.) What kind of leather do you like? If you are going for a buttery soft one, you can not be afraid of scratches. If you want your purses to look great for a long time, go for more robust leathers such as Caviar in Chanel or Saffiano in Prada. Also, materials such as suede and lighter colored bags WILL look worn more quickly.

5.) Always consider if your purchase is going with a lot of things from your wardrobe.

6.) I personally would only spend a lot of money on classic styles and colors.

7.) Some brands such as Balenciaga are great to buy pre-loved. The leather only gets better with age and the resale value is not as high as it is with Chanel etc, so you can find great deals.

8.) Buy handbags in a variety of styles so you have something for every occasion (clutch, handheld, crossbody, tote etc).

9.) Don't buy anything just because it is on sale!

10.) And the most important thing: enjoy and use everything you own! ;)
 
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#185
BerlinArtGirl said:
1.) Buy a bag that you love AND that is practical! I have some handbags I adore the look of (Mulberry Alexa, Celine Phantom), but which are extremely hard to use (for example the Alexa has an opening that drives me crazy and the Celine is so heavy and giant).

2.) Look at your lifestyle. If you don't own a car, maybe a (heavy) handheld bag is not for you and something with a shoulder or crossbody strap would be more practical.

3.) NEVER impulse buy. Research the bag you want to buy in advance through purseforum, youtube etc.

4.) What kind of leather do you like? If you are going for a buttery soft one, you can not be afraid of scratches. If you want your purses to look great for a long time, go for more robust leathers such as Caviar in Chanel or Saffiano in Prada. Also, materials such as suede and lighter colored bags WILL look worn more quickly.

5.) Always consider if your purchase is going with a lot of things from your wardrobe.

6.) I personally would only spend a lot of money on classic styles and colors.

7.) Some brands such as Balenciaga are great to buy pre-loved. The leather only gets better with age and the resale value is not as high as it is with Chanel etc, so you can find great deals.

8.) Buy handbags in a variety of styles so you have something for every occasion (clutch, handheld, crossbody, tote etc).

9.) Don't buy anything just because it is on sale!

10.) And the most important thing: enjoy and use everything you own! ;)
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Fantastic advice
 
#193
This is what I say when my friends ask me about starting their own handbag collections:

1. No matter how tempted you are, don't buy fakes. To me, it's like buying a CD from an artist that you love.

Support the artisans and the designing thoughts that goes into the bag which you love, not the shady sweatshops.

2. Buy according to your budget. There are always other brands that can offer you the look, the leather, and the price you're looking for.

3. Build your collection slowly. You'll cherish each and every piece that you buy. :smile1:
 
#194
Have fun with it. Don't let it consume your entire life. I've noticed a lot of people on this thread posting about how they were happier when they just had a few bags or telling people not to start.

The minute any hobby becomes stressful instead of fun and is not making you happy anymore, stop. If you aren't getting any kind of pleasure out of the bags you do have and are only thinking about the ones you don't, what's the point? When you get those, you'll be equally as unhappy and only want more.

Bags should be fun.
 
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#195
Kyokei said:
Have fun with it. Don't let it consume your entire life. I've noticed a lot of people on this thread posting about how they were happier when they just had a few bags or telling people not to start.

The minute any hobby becomes stressful instead of fun and is not making you happy anymore, stop. If you aren't getting any kind of pleasure out of the bags you do have and are only thinking about the ones you don't, what's the point? When you get those, you'll be equally as unhappy and only want more.

Bags should be fun.
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Great advice!
 
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