Just Starting a Collection

[birkenstocksandcode]

I finally reached a point in my life in late 2019 where I had the means to responsibly buy a few luxury handbags, and I'm trying to slowly build a collection (adding 1-2 bags/year).
Currently in my collection, I have:
- LV Neverfull MM DA
- Saint Laurent Envelope Medium Dark Beige
- LV SpeedyB 25 DE

And next on my wishlist is a Cherry Lady Dior

I've seen so many beautiful bag collections on this Forum, and learned so much from people who have been seasoned handbag lovers and purchasers.
Are there any threads for newbies, or just other people in general that are just starting out on building their collection?

Also for experienced handbag collectors, do you have any advice for someone just starting out? My dream would be to have a capsule collection of 5-10 bags that is versatile and frequently used.

 

[tashinto]

To a certain degree, we're all newbies lol there are tons of brands I don't know anything about but there are some brands I know a lot about so don't worry about that. That being said, it's important to keep your personal style in mind when creating a collection for yourself and your own style will change throughout the years too! As far as your list, I would maybe look into adding a Chanel piece as they do go through price increases and one day will price themselves out in terms of anything near affordability. Also don't fall in the trap of only getting neutral colours like black and beige, maybe have 1-2 bags that are coloured or just unique.

 

[AuroraSeraphina]

I’m just ‘starting’ my collection (first one in 2016) and am at 3 now (Givenchy Antigona, LV Alma BB and Gucci convertible micro GG dome). I’m quite content with this collection but have been eyeing a Chanel classic for the past 1/2 years but doubt I’d have enough to rationalize a leap. Been obsessively contemplating a preloved Celine nano for the past few weeks...had considered it before I got my Givenchy but I never liked the bigger sizes so it didn’t win...now the nano is looking enticing...sigh...

 

[suburbanprincess97]

I am just starting my collection! I started it in 2015 and this year have a told of 4 designer bags. I have the LV Alma Bb, LV neverfull MM DA, Gucci Dionysus in the mini size, and a YSL Envelope WOC on the way in the mail! For me now I'm interested in buying more expensive bags that will take longer to save up for (dior, fendi, Chanel). Also when I buy current bags thinking about what future bags I would like to buy to avoid redundancy in my collection!

 

[birkenstocksandcode]

To a certain degree, we're all newbies lol there are tons of brands I don't know anything about but there are some brands I know a lot about so don't worry about that. That being said, it's important to keep your personal style in mind when creating a collection for yourself and your own style will change throughout the years too! As far as your list, I would maybe look into adding a Chanel piece as they do go through price increases and one day will price themselves out in terms of anything near affordability. Also don't fall in the trap of only getting neutral colours like black and beige, maybe have 1-2 bags that are coloured or just unique.

Yes, I have been eyeing Chanels for the past year, but the idea of forking over 7000 dollars for a single handbag is a little too much for me. I also don't really want to deal with the stress of buying preloved bags right now, and Chanel bags are barely cheaper on the resale market. I eventually want a M/L Classic Flap and also a mini, but from the way I see it, I'd rather spend maybe 8-9k in two years when I'm hopefully further along in my career and earning a little more than pay 7000 right now.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Really really look at a bag & make sure it fits your lifestyle. The weight when it's not empty, how it's carried (shoulder/ crossbody/hand), size- does your stuff fit well, do you like stiffer/boxier or softer saggy leather.
Color is great but make sure it suits your wardrobe.
Look carefully at quality as well- designer doesn't mean well made unfortunately.
And various materials can be longer or shorter wearing. You can't use an exotic bag for every day; some leathers bubble in rain etc.

I love my bags, but a few are really heavy & boxy so they mostly sit unused.

 

[JenJBS]

A couple things I'd suggest, you're already doing: Focus on neutrals, but add at least a few colors. That Cherry Lady Dior is beyond beautiful! And get at least a few different brands. You've chosen exceptional brands.

I'd also at least look at contemporary brands. There are some extremely high quality and gorgeous contemporary bags. And while I'd never suggest a counterfeit, so many bags are 'inspired by' other designer bags. So it can be way great way to check out if a style is right for you, at less cost. For example, a Rebecca Minkoff Edie instead of a Chanel Flap. Or a Coach circle bag, instead of a Ferragamo circle bag. A Mansur Gavriel Cloud Clutch or Mini-Cloud rather than a Bottega Veneta Pouch or Mini-Pouch. (The MG Cloud clutch actually came out first, I believe...) Etc.

To get enough use out of my 'evening bags' to make them worth the price, I also carry them to church.

 

[jchuynh]

This is my collection from 2010 until now . Small but I am really happy

 

[880]

I finally reached a point in my life in late 2019 where I had the means to responsibly buy a few luxury handbags, and I'm trying to slowly build a collection (adding 1-2 bags/year).
Currently in my collection, I have:
- LV Neverfull MM DA
- Saint Laurent Envelope Medium Dark Beige
- LV SpeedyB 25 DE

And next on my wishlist is a Cherry Lady Dior

I've seen so many beautiful bag collections on this Forum, and learned so much from people who have been seasoned handbag lovers and purchasers.
Are there any threads for newbies, or just other people in general that are just starting out on building their collection?

Also for experienced handbag collectors, do you have any advice for someone just starting out? My dream would be to have a capsule collection of 5-10 bags that is versatile and frequently used.

Congratulations! I advise go slow; only buy what you absolutely love; buy in person if possible so you can inspect and try on; and, dont settle. Your idea of a cherry red lady Dior sounds lovely! IMO, hardware can make or break a bag for me, so I make sure the HW is what I want.

 

[cecchetti]

Really really look at a bag & make sure it fits your lifestyle. The weight when it's not empty, how it's carried (shoulder/ crossbody/hand), size- does your stuff fit well, do you like stiffer/boxier or softer saggy leather.
Color is great but make sure it suits your wardrobe.
Look carefully at quality as well- designer doesn't mean well made unfortunately.
And various materials can be longer or shorter wearing. You can't use an exotic bag for every day; some leathers bubble in rain etc.

I love my bags, but a few are really heavy & boxy so they mostly sit unused.

i agree

I bought a beautiful black Versace with matching purse which at first I used every day!

but it’s SO heavy on its own without my things in it, I changed back to my Jimmy Choo

I Will use the Versace but it’s nappa so not during English winters where it rains all the time, the bag will get ruined..if my friend Does gift me the fake Chloe I’ll try to get that through the rubbish season, otherwise wear my Ted Bakercords body under my shearling coat