Don't buy a bag just because it is a 'classic'. Just because it is a classic bag does not mean it will work for you or work with your style. This is why I don't own Chanel. They are classics, sure, but they just don't mesh with my personal style.
Advice to those just starting handbag collections...
- Thread starter isabellam
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This is sooo true. If I stick with "classic", I will be carrying a bag I don't like!
Enjoy the process. Learn about the designers and their different styles. Leave your credit cards in the car and wander through a store just to look at things. Have fun. At the end of the day, they're just bags. They come along with you through your daily life, but they shouldn't be the focal point.
I don’t ‘collect’ as such, but I like a bag to fit the occasion. All we really need is about 4 bags in total and they should cover any eventuality.
I don't see anything wrong with buying the same style bag in different colors if the bag really works for you.
It's OK to buy a trendy bag that you love as long as you love the bag and don't care if it's "in" or not.
No matter how beautiful the bag is, make sure it is functional for you. If it isn't you will be frustrated every time you use it.
Don't be afraid to buy preloved. The quality of all brands has declined in the last 10 years. You can find some beautiful older bags with phenomenal leather these days.
I agree with everyone who says to research the bag before you buy. There's tons of info in this forum and YouTube. Keep in mind that some YouTubers are paid for their opinions.
It's OK to buy a trendy bag that you love as long as you love the bag and don't care if it's "in" or not.
No matter how beautiful the bag is, make sure it is functional for you. If it isn't you will be frustrated every time you use it.
Don't be afraid to buy preloved. The quality of all brands has declined in the last 10 years. You can find some beautiful older bags with phenomenal leather these days.
I agree with everyone who says to research the bag before you buy. There's tons of info in this forum and YouTube. Keep in mind that some YouTubers are paid for their opinions.
This is exactly how I feel. I love having a very small assortment of bags I love and knowing I have a bag that’s suitable for every occasion. I’ve curated an assortment that fits my personal style as well as my lifestyle and I enjoy carrying each one immensely when the occasion arises.
I’m curious which 4 bags do we need. I have a top handle, tote, crossbody, evening and travel bag. Which four types of bags do you think we need? I’m trying to downsize but not sure which one to get rid of.
I’m trying to make a small collection of bags. I have 5 in my collection right now. I have a top handle, clutch, tote, crossbody and travel bag. I would love to hear about your collection and how you curated your collection to fit your lifestyle.
It sounds as if you have a bag that is suitable for every occasion! My small collection consists of similar styles. I have always loved top handle/ handheld bags. I have an Alma PM in DE and a Mon-Monogram Speedy 25. These Classic styles in canvas are my favorite LV bags. I have a classic Medium Lady Dior in black Lambskin with gold hardware that I absolutely love. This bag is perfect for daytime dressy events, as well as weekends and nice evenings out. It’s so iconic and beautiful and the size is perfect. I have a Chanel M/ L Classic Flap in Beige with gold hardware that is also beautiful for daytime occasions and evening outings. I tend to carry this bag more often in warm weather months for some reason. Again, the size works well for me and I love it’s timeless aesthetic. My crossbody go-to is my Alma BB in DE. I love this bag so much! I love that it looks great when I’m dressed up or down. The shape is so flattering and the hardware is substantial and beyond beautiful. This little bag holds a lot, too! It’s great for day trips and weekend outings. I get so many compliments on this bag. My clutch is a YSL Kate in black leather with gold hardware. It’s simple, classic and elegant. I frequently take it to events, dinner out and use it for special occasions. It’s roomy for a clutch and it always looks so chic! And finally to round out my collection I have a YSL Medium Niki in black on black. This is my only shoulder bag. Shoulder bags have never been my style, and they rarely stay on my shoulder, but this one is pure perfection! The leather is amazing, and the bag is sophisticated with a little “ edge” if you will because of the black hardware. I wear this for daytime, strap doubled with business attire, and it’s a perfect weekend bag because it can be carried cross body. It’s very versatile! It holds a lot without getting heavy or looking bulky.
I curated my collection after accepting that I love hand held bags and bags that are smaller in size. These styles and sizes best compliment my personal style and suit my lifestyle. I like designs that are classic, iconic and timeless. I enjoy carrying each of these bags and I find them all to be very versatile as well as functional and beautiful.
I think we just look at lifestyle and establish categories. I write a whole blog post about it, let me see if i can find the link...
I would say, buy a few pieces preferable classics as they will age with you. Always in fashion as they are classics, specially if we can’t afford to buy a bag every season, Brands like LV and Chanel we pretty much safe on the purchase, or if you wish to resell after years of use.
Beware of anything described as 'classic'! Sometimes classic=frumpy...not always, but sometimes.
I know this is a very old thread but after reading everything I can add that skippers remorse is real. Wanted a cf for ages and found € 2.000 very hefty. Still want the bag, price tag now is € 6.050. Every price increase increase I'm still bummed while the bag is slowly phases more and more out of my financial realm. If you know your style well and / or it's a bag from a house that has hefty price increases, get the bag now. It will only go up in price.
If a house that you adore comes out with a new style that you love, get the bag because you like the look of it. If you have to think about a bag being classic in the long run, you don't know your style well enough to go the premier route. Give the same style a try with a high street look a like. If you discover that a certain style might be on it's return or doesn't suit you in the end, sell your premier bag before prices drop even more.
Know the difference between a want and a need, and spend accordingly. Not everybody has money to burn. It's okay to save up for a bag. Nothing wrong with a bag in multiple colors. But you need a roof over your head, food and love. Bags shouldn't be the most important thing in your world. If there is no money to burn and you max out a credit card to get the same bag in a third color or keep your bag in a box in the back of your closet because it's too valuable too use, then you might asses why you bought them in the first place.
Do you want a pristine collection on your shelf, do you buy bags because you actually want to use them? Do you buy the bag because you've accomplished something or to fill a void? It's easy to say that there's a small hole in your collection but asses if you are getting the bag for the right reasons. There's a difference between retail therapy and being a compulsive shopper. Shopaholic is a fun movie to watch, debt is not a great state to be in. If you can't say no to a bag while feeling guilty about what you own, it's time to take a break. If you think your spending habits are getting out of control, watch BBC documentaries about shopping and people being in debt. If you're getting nauseous after a few episodes, you'll know enough.
If you made it this far, thank you for letting me think out loud.
If a house that you adore comes out with a new style that you love, get the bag because you like the look of it. If you have to think about a bag being classic in the long run, you don't know your style well enough to go the premier route. Give the same style a try with a high street look a like. If you discover that a certain style might be on it's return or doesn't suit you in the end, sell your premier bag before prices drop even more.
Know the difference between a want and a need, and spend accordingly. Not everybody has money to burn. It's okay to save up for a bag. Nothing wrong with a bag in multiple colors. But you need a roof over your head, food and love. Bags shouldn't be the most important thing in your world. If there is no money to burn and you max out a credit card to get the same bag in a third color or keep your bag in a box in the back of your closet because it's too valuable too use, then you might asses why you bought them in the first place.
Do you want a pristine collection on your shelf, do you buy bags because you actually want to use them? Do you buy the bag because you've accomplished something or to fill a void? It's easy to say that there's a small hole in your collection but asses if you are getting the bag for the right reasons. There's a difference between retail therapy and being a compulsive shopper. Shopaholic is a fun movie to watch, debt is not a great state to be in. If you can't say no to a bag while feeling guilty about what you own, it's time to take a break. If you think your spending habits are getting out of control, watch BBC documentaries about shopping and people being in debt. If you're getting nauseous after a few episodes, you'll know enough.
If you made it this far, thank you for letting me think out loud.
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