Help! Buying my first designer handbag. Advice needed.

[Doubleaey]

Hi guys,

this is my first time on here. I’m buying my first designer handbag but I’m really confused about which one to buy. I love the YSL envelope shoulder bag and the Kate bag. But I’m unsure if that should be my first one and the colour I should be getting. I want something neutral as a first bag. Also I’m unfamiliar with designer trends so I don’t know what’s good these days. I don’t mind what kind of brand but I just want something trendy and fashionable. Please give me suggestions as to what I should consider as an option. Thank you!!

 

[JenJBS]

Smart to go for a neutral for your first designer bag. What neutral do you wear most? Also, do you wear more gold or silver jewelry; as that might affect which purse you get, based on its hardware.

Do you want a more formal look, or more casual? How big do you need it to be? Is this an everyday work bag, or an evening bag?

Sorry for all the questions, but the answers might help with getting more specific recommendations.

For a first bag I'd suggest avoiding the highest level bags - Hermes, the iconic Chanel bags. YSL seems like a great designer to start with.

You may have already done this, but if there are some high end department stores near you, I'd suggest going there to look at the different brands in person, feel the different leathers, see how the bags look on you.

If at all possible, try the bag on before buying it. Just looking online, I wanted a BV The Pouch, and wasn't interested in the smaller Pouch 20. Then I tried them on and switched which one I wanted, based on how they looked on me.

 

[foxgal]

There are LOTS of options! And you’ll find really great info here. Since this is your first foray into designer bags, this is what I’d recommend (based on my years of trial and error!)

Think about what bag you are using now. What style is it? What do you like or not like about it? Does it hold everything you need? Think about what you’ll use it for - work? Everyday? Special occasions?

Once you’ve got a style and size nailed down, and a budget, look in the forums for bags that fit that bill. Look at YouTube reviews - they can be really helpful. If you have stores you can try them on, go play with them. See if you can fit what you carry comfortably in them. You’ll know it’s right when you try it on.

You mentioned the YSL envelope and Kate - both of these are classic and simple, and still on trend (though the tasseled Kate is better just for a going out bag imho, not work or everyday). I think YSL is doing some really great bags now. I have a YSL toy Loulou and love it. Check out the threads on these bags in the Saint Laurent forum.

Gucci is also huge right now. Louis Vuitton is classic. My 2 cents!

 

[papertiger]

Have a whiz around the forums on tPF. You will soon see the most popular models that each brand has to offer.

YSL is a good place to start because they are a fashion brand first and foremost and their bags a very cool-girl. Part urban fashionista, part rock-chic(k) (if that's your aesthetic).