Help a husband out

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MISAOK

Member
Feb 13, 2016
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My wife is an amazing woman with one flaw - she almost never treats herself. She likes nice things and loves it when I get her nice things as gifts, but she is very hesitant to spend money. Basically, the only luxury goods she owns are presents from me. I have decided that she needs to slowly replace her old bags with new designer ones. My plan is to get one per year.

In the past couple years I've gotten her a Chanel Classic Flap (I think medium size) in black, and I replaced her 11-year-old and falling apart Burberry wallet (basically the only luxury product she ever bought) with a nice new one from the same company. I thought these were both safe choices given that she admires Gabrielle Chanel and already bought a Burberry wallet before. But now I've exhausted all the low hanging fruit and I don't know what to target next so I've joined this forum to ask the experts - you!

If you were in my position, what 4-5 purses would you target next? A bit about my wife: early 30s, professional woman with MBA, doesn't like to show off, favours classic style over trendy, 5'7 and slim but not skinny.
 
I would recommend checking out the Top 5 bags or Top 5 brands threads for ideas. If you want classic style then the bags listed there has stood the test of time and are generally favored by many women. Kudos for being a thoughtful husband.
 
I agree that having someone hint is a great idea.

Some suggestions: Working women like Prada - particularly the Saffiano totes. The SDJ sac de jour is a great bag for work or play without a lot of obvious branding or doodads.

And, every woman who likes Chanel is usually pretty happy to have a second one. Does she like neutrals? Perhaps one in beige or taupe? If she needs a bigger bag you could get another black in jumbo. Or you could go for red which is very popular.

In any case, keep the receipt and encourage her to exchange / return it if she isn't happy with it.

And you get major kudos for spoiling your wife! 😄
 
I would say it depends on your budget bracket, the climate you live in (i.e. leather-cracking sun, leather-rotting tropical humidity, leather-cracking freezing temps), also how much she carries around (iPad or Netbook or even Mac Air? Change of clothes? A-4 files? Baby stuff?) and what´s the maximum weight she likes to schlep.

I can recommend the Mulberry Bayswater (strictly shoulder or hand-carry bag, not crossbody) in any of the classic colours (black, chocolate, dark blue, or oxblood): full leather, elegant and businesslike but can be toned down to casual, very spacious and expandable. I have a ten-year-old tooled chocolate version, often used in all weather, and it shows almost no wear and tear.

Also, the Chloe Marcie medium (in hand-carry/shoulder, and also that + crossbody strap option) is also a tank of a bag, has one big zipped + a phone inner compartment, plus a spacious outer flap compartment, the leather and hardware are top quality, it´s spacious and it ages beautifully.

If you´re considering Louis Vuitton, have a look at these models: Retiro NM, Estrela, Siena, Mazarine (this last one comes also in full leather, not just canvas), and especially the men´s line for businesslike offerings!
 
You are a very thoughtful and kind husband! :) does she have a Pinterest board? Is she into handbags or jewelry? It does help to ask those closest to her to figure out exactly what she likes :)
 
I agree anyone who loves Chanel will want more. I have a fendi selleria which I'm a big fan of. The selleria is lovely and they make a couple of styles. LV or Faure le page canvas is great as a everyday bag. I use a totally mm for travel and when I need to carry a lot.
 
Don't think about the 5, just think about the next 1.

I think you need to involve your wife in these decisions, she is obviously a very intelligent and professional woman and will appreciate the process, it will still be a gift

Take her shopping for an occasion (birthday, anniversary etc). If she likes her Chanel start there...
 
Don't think about the 5, just think about the next 1.

I think you need to involve your wife in these decisions, she is obviously a very intelligent and professional woman and will appreciate the process, it will still be a gift

Take her shopping for an occasion (birthday, anniversary etc). If she likes her Chanel start there...

+1 Make it a date. Have breakfast/brunch/lunch and then take her shopping. There are so many beautiful bags and everyone will have their own opinions about them but it's your wife opinion that should matter most! Have fun!
 
The 5 top picks for such a great gal would be.
Go with the classic looks as they never go out of style.
1. Chanel
2. Bottega Veneta
3. Hermes
4. Furla
5. Louie Vuitton

Any of these designer carry beautiful high quality handbags.
Hope you find the perfect style for you wife.
 
I totally agree about taking her shopping. Watch how she reacts, see what she grabs for, etc. You can either buy it on the spot or go back and purchase it later, or sneakily have the SA ship it to you at your home.
 
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