Guilty of not using high end handbags after acquiring them!

[Masteryoda]

I have found that there is a certain price point at which I will regret a bag acquiring wear and tear and eventually wearing out. Any bag over $2,500 or so makes me feel that I cannot put that bag on the ground, I cannot use that bag in the rain, I cannot get dirt on that bag, I cannot scuff it in anyway, etc. So I don't buy bags in that price range anymore. I have learned my lesson the hard way. (I have several very high priced bags sitting in my closet that I do not use)

I now have a lot of coach bags which I consider disposable and easily replaceable, and a lot of balenciaga bags, which are under my "stress" price point and I am willing to wear everyday. I have bought these bags over many years and they are in various states of wear and tear.

I will never pay more than $2,500 for a bag under any circumstances, but that is an arbitrary number and is just my arbitrary stress price. I simply would never use any bag enough to justify a bag that is $5,000. I also would not think that bag was worth the money, but that is a matter of my income level, my taste, my lifestyle, and my values etc. It is a personal opinion of mine nothing more.

This actually makes sense! It seems that bags under 2k, even tho still expensive, start to seem so much less when compared with a 3k bag! It's good to have a comfortable price point.

I give every bag of mine it's turn. I do not buy fragile bags tho. Chanel's seem to be a brand that IMO doesn't look as nice with a worn out look. Especially the flap. They're such a dressy bag that they look best in pristine condition. So it makes sense to put it away and only bring it out on occasion. If its a tote, I would say to use it more often...it's def for more everyday wear...just guard the bag so no one can reach in!

The LV I would bring out to use on a regular basis because a little wear n tear often gives each bag character.

 

[scumone]

My most expensive bag only costs several hundred dollars so it probably isn't comparable, but I am exactly where you are but for a different reason. I'm not afraid to ruin my bags or for them to show wear, but I fear being judged because of where I live and the industry I work in. It shouldn't, but it makes me feel guilty when someone makes a comment about something being "fancy" or expensive or when I feel like I am more fortunate than someone else.

 

[uadjit]

I totally hear you. I do this all the time. I've actually found that I am more comfortable buying pre-owned bags from premiere designers that already have some wear on them because then I don't feel as bad when the inevitable happens and they get scuffed or dirty or whatever.

I recently bought an LV Portobello GM precisely because I wanted a bag that would withstand wear and the elements. I felt a little iffy about paying so much for coated canvas but I'm not afraid to throw it over my shoulder and head out the door without checking the weather report and that's priceless.

 

[Coach Lover Too]

I am SO glad you started this thread OP.

 

[papertiger]

I think it's quite common among tpfers.

Let's face it, some bags are made to be used (and look better for it) and then there are bags for collectors.

I let some of my bags sit in closet a while. Then when I've forgotten how much I've spent (usually when I've just spent more on something else) use it. Sometimes those become my favourite. I also have a couple of old/less expensive bags I can use at a muddy rock festival or for carrying bricks etc just so I can be comfortable when I'm not in bag-safe environment. I don't think there's any point in fighting your own nature

Maybe you friend has a point, except don't sell you SC, just buy a pre-loved old Speedy or the like, just to use for everyday and then take the others out once a week or so.

 

[Antonia]

Just be careful when using your bags
You should show your bags the love they deserve! I mean, you bought them to use them. & over time if your Chanel starts to show some wear just send her off to the spa.

This is so true, thanks for posting! I love that comment about the spa! I need to send myself to the spa first-lol!

 

[Antonia]

I am totally guilty of spending too much money on one bag on occasion. :shame:

I learned my "stress" price the hard way remember, by overspending.

I have a python gucci bag sitting in my closet, a gorgeous alexander mcqueen clutch in my closet that I treat more like a museum piece than an accessory, and a judith leiber evening bag sitting in my closet that I have used once and am afraid to use, because I am afraid of losing a stone on the bag.

So....I think I can relate to your thread!

OMG, those Judith Leiber bags are works of art....if I could afford to, I'd buy them all and just put them in a glass case like a museum! I would never use them!!

 

[Antonia]

Omgosh, I can SO relate to this!
I'm sitting here as I type, contemplating selling two Chanel bags, one that has never been carried and the other one less than half a dozen times. I'm constantly reaching for my less expensive bags while the more expensive ones sit in the cabinet.

I'm always afraid someone might spill something on one while we're eating, or try and steal one while I'm shopping. I'm so paranoid and I'm starting to think the expensive bags might not be for me. I've been through this cycle before and I thought I'd learned my lesson. I love the Chanels and LV's (and I do carry the LV's quite often) but for some reason, I'm constantly reaching for the Coach's and AW's. I just seemed a lot more relaxed when I carry them.

Glad to know I'm not the only one!

I definitely think everyone should have at least one worry free bag for those days when it's pouring rain, or you have to run a quick errand, etc. I always hate bringing my good bags to the grocery store because for one I refuse to put them in the carriage...and secondly you're touching food, etc. then you have to reach for your bag to pay and I don't want my dirty grocery hands touching my nice purse-lol!!

BTW, if you have to, sell only one of your Chanels....you may regret selling them both so pick the one that makes your heart sing and keep her!!

 

[Antonia]

Hey, thanks to everyone who's posted-I really appreciate the advice!!

 

[Masteryoda]

Also, I find LV Empreinte leather to b worry free. Unless of course u scrape a corner of the bag across a wall...then u will get corner rubs. But everyday wear n tear is no prob! I live in FL...it rains a LOT. Sometimes I forget my umbrella. I've actually put my Empreinte Metis over my head for a rain shield! Works in a pinch! Water just beads off...it dries itself off. It's a tough leather.

 

[julietdeltalima]

This is one of the main reasons I only buy high-end clothes and bags (and cars!) secondhand--you hit the nail on the head! The one time I bought a brand-new car, I was a nervous wreck for a month because I KNEW something TERRIBLE was going to happen to it ANY MINUTE. Nothing did, of course... but the next time I bought a car I went with "certified pre-owned" (BMW's term, not mine) and had none of that anxiety, even though I paid more for the used BMW in '08 than I did for the brand-new Honda in '99. I guess in my mind the fact that the item "survived" in the original owner's hands successfully enough for it to be resellable means that the New Car (Purse, Skirt, etc.) Curse has been defeated, and the pressure is off me not to let anything happen to the "new baby." I know this is totally irrational, but it mysteriously works for me. Go figure.

 

[dcooney4]

Interesting thread! I have my more expensive bags that I rotate but don't use as much as my lesser priced bags. I enjoy taking out one of my more expensive bags and having it be in mint condition. Since I don't use them as often I have stopped buying them and just enjoy the ones I have.

 

[missywinter]

Omg! The most ex bag that i ever bought is gucci tote bag classic... and i only use less than 5 times..

Even though mine is not as ex as chanel...i can totally understand how you feel... i feel stress bcos i save the money in a hardway. And i cnnt afford to have scratches or stain on it.. i believe aft some useage...u will get used to it
. I have a LC that i bought online preloved as my everday office bag...even i got stain,i will not so.much heart pain.

Now.this thread make me feel that i should not aim any branded bags anymore bcos a few hundred dollar bags,i also nv use it often...

 

[BgaHolic]

Hey Antonia! I can't really relate to your question. I'm guessing that by wearing these two particular bags you might be feeling self conscious around your friends/coworkers and family. My suggestion is to always buy "things" that match your lifestyle not the lifestyle someone else lives. If you bought them wanting to be a part of "that" lifestyle, I understand but that might be where your uncomfortable feeling comes into play. My suggestion to you is if you truly love these two bags you bought, keep them and wear them at least twice a week then aim for an additional day and feel comfortable wearing them.

When it comes to making an obscene $$ purchase, I can understand! I bought myself the Gucci Marrakech bag which is quite heavy empty (21/2 lbs) and, while I was able to afford the bag, I felt somewhat guilty spending such a ridiculous amount of money over it! Well, if it helps, I got over the price and wear it constantly. No one has a clue who makes the bag but when they ask and I tell them, they get ridiculously excited. Time to go and enjoy your new purchases!

 

[Antonia]

Also, I find LV Empreinte leather to b worry free. Unless of course u scrape a corner of the bag across a wall...then u will get corner rubs. But everyday wear n tear is no prob! I live in FL...it rains a LOT. Sometimes I forget my umbrella. I've actually put my Empreinte Metis over my head for a rain shield! Works in a pinch! Water just beads off...it dries itself off. It's a tough leather.

I would never guess that Empreinte leather would be so tough but you are a brave girl to use it that way!!