If you had to start collecting all over again, what would you do differently?

[ManilaMama]

I would advise myself..

- Save for the big guns in your wishlist first because boy, the price increases are astronomical!!

- Dont bother with "delicate" bags that scratch or get ruined easily because you will cry like a baby when you ruin them!

 

[BleuSaphir]

I would advise myself:

1.) Buy it for you genuinely love it.

2.) Don't worry about resale value.

3.) Don't buy it for the name sake or trend of popularity.

 

[sneedonist]

I would not buy purses off the internet without seeing it in person. I have a bag right now sitting in my closet that is not the size I thought it was going to be, and it's a bag I haven't carried, a total waste of money.

 

[remainsilly]

Dear earlier self,

Pay more attention to bag weight--
Won't stop you from buying anything.
Or really hinder use much.
But seems wise.
And you need to lean that direction more.

Beware the siren song of scarves--
Will buy. Maniacally.
Even when you refuse to like any bags in certain stores.

Also, avoid that can of d.i.y. wood stain.

Love, later self.

 

[cjj]

1) Understand that I will rotate bags with the season so I really only NEEDED 4.


2) Since I only NEED 4, save and buy EXACTLY what is on my wish list and DON'T settle due to an item being on sale, being "the look or color" of the season (have faith in my taste and don't be afraid others may think it's boring) or that there will never be another bag like that one (there will ALWAYS be another bag you will fall in love with).


3) Don't sweat it... it's only a bag.

 

[Tuned83]

Think about each purchase thoroughly (no impulse buying)
It has to be love not just like
Save to go big (don't buy several less expensive bags)

 

[Cityfashionista]

I would only buy the highest end designer bags that are classics and have high resale value. I wouldn't bother buying other designers. I have many designer bags but I only use my Hermes & Chanel bags. I use my lv my Celines & Alexander McQueen clutches rarely as well. The others I N er use any more so I don't think I'd buy them if I was starting over.

 

[Amazona]

I'd take more time. In my early days I went with feeling and very little research. I didn't take my time, think, use Google - and had never heard of tPF! This is such a great resource and a good place to get truthful reviews and opinions as well as mod shots.

 

[collegechic]

-Try out a bag shape before you commit a huge amount of money to a designer bag to findout it doesn't work for your lifestyle
-Buy what you love not what everyone else loves

 

[applecidered]

- Don't have your mom buy your first handbags for you (I kid, but I have a handful of Coach in my college days that I can't bear to part with since my mom got them for me! Even if it suits her style more)
- Check inside "Made in" labels
- Buy fewer handbags or don't look at sales anymore, lol

 

[Rocket_girl]

There are a lot of different bag-buying philosophies represented in this forum, but I think it's safe to say most of us have seen our approach change over the years.

Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently if you were starting your collection again?

If I started a collection again, I'd know I was starting a collection and be more thoughtful/deliberate about what *truly* fits the life I have right now (see thread: what was I thinking- bags you regret buying).

I loved bags, I was buying bags yet not consciously building a collection. From reading this forum over the years,it seems that many of us fell into the concept of 'collection' much the same way.

A collection is something you grow into- You build and earn it one mistake / success at a time. Having read posts by young women saying "I'm 20 and want to start my collection" along with 'I like A, but that might look too young when I'm 40, so maybe B might be a better choice'. Makes me want to say "nooooo, buy for NOW- be young, adventurous, a bit silly or frivolous. Buy for your passion and your young self - you can't know who you'll be at age 40, and it's sort of sad to think of skipping right over who you are now to buy for your guess at who you might be in the future, prematurely aging your bag choices in the process. It's about the journey AND the destination- embrace the journey. That's where the joy is!

 

[Usagihime]

1) Save, save, save for the bags I really want! Keep the eyes on the prize!
2) More research, try on the bag in person first and really think about whether it is a good fit. If I am still dreaming about it a few days later, it is a good sign it should be on the wishlist. Also, periodically revisit the wishlist to see if my mind has changed about it later on.
3) Don't buy something just because it is on sale, if I am are currently saving for something big!
4) Buy bags that are lightweight so my neck and shoulders don't suffer, not too large in size since I'm only 5 foot 3.
5) Buy good quality bags that will last for a long time! I used to buy smooth patent leather because it is shiny and smooth, but the quality just isn't there.
6) NO wristlets! Much rather get small crossbody bags.

 

[Emily1830]

1. Don't buy fabric bags or snakeskin bags.
2. Instead of that tweed Chanel flap, get it in leather.
3. Buy only classics.
4. Buy more cross body bags.
5. Don't buy more than one clutch.

 

[BlueCherry]

Don't join tPF and remain in blissful ignorance of all the beautiful bags that exist.....

 

[bernz84]

For me, it would be don't try to collect anything just to have a big collection. Buy what you know you will use.

Save up for something better, even if it will take longer.

Referencing the first point, I hugely regret spending money on SLGs, especially wristlets, key pouches/cles, and makeup pouches. I had them because they were cute but I found myself forcing to use them. The only high end SLG I liked and kept is my Louis Vuitton wallet. However, I like my Kate Spade card case and Launer key holder, both of which I didn't spend too much on, thankfully.