Looking for veteran’s advice for someone new to handbags

[Thenichole]

Hello! I am new to the luxury world. I am looking for advice. I recently had an increase in income and am finally in my life in a position to buy nicer things. I got my first handbag, a Salvatore Ferragamo studio bag.

The reason I am posting is that I have a hard time figuring out how to spend my money. I do not just want to throw away my money. I could probably only afford to pay $5000 a year on handbags. I want to make sure I am spending money wisely. I want to buy luxury handbags for their quality. I am not into logos. I am actually really happy that I have limited income because I can be more thoughtful about buying a luxury piece. I am much happier with my Ferragamo than the Valentino Rockstud that I originally wanted to purchase. I feel like I change my mind every day on what I want to buy.

The hardest decision I have is whether to get trendy bags versus classic bags. I would love to own Hermes or Chanel, but I also enjoy Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent. For someone that does not have a lot of money, is it better to buy a trendy bag that you love more, knowing that you might not wear it in 5 years, or buy a more expensive “classic” handbag (that is not as fun) that I know will still be timeless and I can still wear for the years to come?

For example, a chain Cassette with a loud color would go more with my wardrobe today but a Chanel medium double flap in Caviar leather I can wear decades from now. Or should I just get a Chanel 19 which is at a more affordable pricepoint in a neutral color? Or should I save up for classic handbags and just buy “trendy” bags that are from lower range designers under $1000? That way I will not get sad paying so much and never using it again?

 

[WingNut]

From someone who went through the same evolution.....I started with the trendier, more fun bags. Ended up tiring of them rather quickly, then had to take a huge loss to sell. Now I buy mostly for timelessness/more classic designs. Even designs with a twist can still be classic. And absolutely, quality over everything. I still use bags I have had for more than 10 years and still adore them as much as I did when I first got them. AND they've held up well. So I say invest in quality vs. trendy. If you spend the money on trendy now, you won't have it for the classic when you need it. Once you have more money, you can splurge here and there on something more trendy and not feel bad about it putting you behind in your goals for other bags.

 

[leechiyong]

I’ve always been willing to spend more on bags I love than “classics,“ with the caveat that bags I fall in love with feature things I’ve always loved (neon, miniatures). I know I’ll wear them far beyond the trend.

 

[Christofle]

My advice is to take your time and try to narrow down what are your favorite aspects/characteristics of bags.

Next would he to really take a look at what’s out there:
Premier designer
Contemporary designer
Atelier made to measure / bespoke options

Then you can really narrow down your options!

Have fun and explore!

The old adage of carpenters works well “Measure twice cut once”!

 

[A bottle of Red]

You can get a bit of both, example a classic flap in a more fun color; or a second hand trendy bag in a bright color, that leaves more for a classic bag etc.
Plus you might not ever like the so called classics so get what you will enjoy.

 

[2cello]

I think you have to figure out what works for you. So I would suggest for your first few bags, you buy a mix of trendy and classic. And then see which ones you use more and which ones bring you more joy.

 

[Noorasi]

In any case I wouldn't buy a bag just because it's classic if it doesn't feel like it's your thing. I've seen plenty of messages here from members who have a classic Chanel or a classic Hermès but end up not using them, because the bag feels too grown up, too classic or something like that. Not saying don't get a classic design, but only a get a classic design you also happen to love!

Also, I love that you got a Salvatore Ferragamo bag, what a fabulous way to start your collection - really stunning and not the most obvious choice.

 

[JenJBS]

You 'could' wear that classic bag for decades... but will you want to wear that classic bag for decades? I'd rather have a bag I love that is no longer 'on trend' than a classic bag that I don't love.

Maybe try some of the trendy bags in contemporary designers, not premier, so that they don't cost as much if you only wear them for a few years instead of a few decades. I thought I wanted a round bag (trendy). Was looking at a Ferragamo round bag. But I bought a Rebecca Minkoff round bag. Realized I loved the idea and look of the round bag, but it just wasn't functional for me. Much happier having learned that for a RM bag at $100 than a Ferragamo bag at almost $2000.

 

[serenityneow]

Quality is non-negotiable, but with that box checked, I recommend buying styles and colors you love and know you would use A LOT. I personally don't care about what is current/on trend, and still use a Marni Trunk bag (for example) all the time because I still love its aesthetic and find it incredibly practical. It's edgy and works from day to night, which is a huge plus for me. I also still often get compliments when I carry it, which helps but isn't essential for me. I personally like that I've never seen anyone else carry one. I don't personally like Chanel flaps but, for me, it would be a negative that I see them all the time. I want something that feels more unique to my personal style, not just "lux."

I personally recommend not spending a ton on evening/special occasion bags. I have a few too many of these that I fell in love with aesthetically, but for the price per wear, I feel like I overspent. They are also hard to unload on the resale market.

 

[Thenichole]

Thank you all for the great advice. I have also looked at the preloved market for bags. It is crazy how some trendy bags can be way cheaper when they are from seasons ago. I think from taking in all the advice, my next bag will be a timeless model but in a fun color or material that will fit my style more. As much as I would love to own a black chanel CF, I probably would only wear it a few times a year and I would rather spend that amount of money on something that I can actually see myself wearing.

 

[Norm.Core]

I think understanding your personal style and what works for you is a good place to start. I’ve also purchased “classics” in the beginning... but it didn’t really work since I’m not very classic and felt I was playing dress up instead. Whereas the ones I thought were a trend then still is very much me and those bags stayed and lingered and I still love/use them now.

For me, I made bag mistakes to get to this point to know exactly what works for me. And that’s ok. Not all purse purchases is the perfect bag, regardless of price point or prestige.

 

[Amazona]

Buy what you love and will use.
If f.e. a Chanel flap doesn't speak to your soul, then you are completely free to pass up on buying one. There is no law every bag lover has to have a C flap. You don't have to follow the herd. There is no pre-tredded path everyone must walk on.
Just remember and accept that if/when you get tired of a trendy bag after the trend has gone by you will most likely lose money selling the bag.
How about you get the BV Cassette bag in a neutral that will go with your wardrobe and accentuate the bag with a bright colored twilly? Or get a bright colored bag, like red that is timeless and will go with many types of clothing - you can bring color to a monochrome outfit or have the bag be a part of a more colorful ensemble.
There is always contemporary as well - you can get the high end classics you feel like will be in your forever collection and find contemporary pieces to satisfy your thirst for a trendy style. A contemporary bag is also a good choice for when you want to experiment on a new style of bag and you're not sure if you really like it or want to carry it. Try it out and it you love the style then go for the high end version (or just keep the contemporary if you love it!) or, if you hate it, you'll know it's probably not worth paying big bucks for a high end bag in the same style.
Preloved contemporary is even better financially as you might lose a little money selling it but nowhere near the prices you would with a high end bag.

Do things your own way. We can only give you recommendations but you are the one that sets the lines and limits to your own style and purchases.