Look for pre-loved bags. They are very plentiful and the best way to get something that is no longer in production. But be careful because there are many counterfeits out there.
Advice to those just starting handbag collections...
- Thread starter isabellam
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I agree with grietje!
My advice:
1. Go with what you love.
2. Do not get caught up in the volume.
3. Don't think of it as a collection. Use, use, use!
I always have start a saving plan before I go buy the bag I want.
I realized some contemporary brands have plenty of sales during the years. I usually would wait until sales goes on.
I realized some contemporary brands have plenty of sales during the years. I usually would wait until sales goes on.
The thing to keep in mind is, if you end up buying a bag you dont like, you can always re-sell it. Especially if you're just starting out, some may not really know what their style is in handbags. Over time I think you get a sense of what you like and what fits in your lifestyle, i.e I like to now buy bags that can be worn cross body or slung over the shoulder. When I first started buying I didnt even think about that.
Great advice here.
1. Don't shop at sales time unless the bag you have wanted all season is still there. Buying at discount just for the label's sake can be the biggest waste of money EVER.
2. For a quality check on the actual bag, check all possible potential weak spots on the bag (even on mega-buck bags). Handles, hardware, corners and stitching.
3. Never be pressured by sales people to buy or be rushed, no matter how pushy, pretty or handsome
"Quality remains after the price has been long forgotten" Aldo Gucci
1. Don't shop at sales time unless the bag you have wanted all season is still there. Buying at discount just for the label's sake can be the biggest waste of money EVER.
2. For a quality check on the actual bag, check all possible potential weak spots on the bag (even on mega-buck bags). Handles, hardware, corners and stitching.
3. Never be pressured by sales people to buy or be rushed, no matter how pushy, pretty or handsome
"Quality remains after the price has been long forgotten" Aldo Gucci
Don't be upset if nobody else around you is interested or care about your handbag collection.
Do a search on the Purse Forum for the bags you're interested in and read the feedback. That's helped me a lot.
Make sure what you have to carry fits in the bag. If you can't check this out in real life, make a paper representation of it using the measurements provided. Scotch tape and scissors are your friends! I have been bitten by things not fitting in the bag I thought I wanted sooo many times. Obviously you don't have to make a 'paper' bag that will actually hold anything, just something to give you an idea. This is also helpful if you can't picture how large a bag will be - it's one thing to think "Oh, 19 inches, I can do that" and another to actually see IRL what nineteen inches is. It's huge, unless the bag slouches or drapes nicely.
- It is NOT a competition!
- The bags will not remain pristine forever. Scratches on leather/hardware happens (not to be confused with quality issues.)
For me, a small, edited collection of fabulous is far better than a big collection of mediocre.