What have you learned through your handbag addiction?

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#211
Things I've learned:

-Quality over quantity. 'Nuff said.

-Really ask myself: Do I like it, or do I love it? Is it classic enough that I won't easily get bored of it? Do I already have something similar to it? Is it practical? Lightweight? This keeps me from impulse purchases.

-Research, research, research. It gives me a better idea of the quality of the bag and any points that I may not have noticed.

-Trust my instincts. If I ever have any doubts about a bag after purchasing it, I don't try to rationalize keeping it because those doubts will continue to surface again once the "bag lust" wears off. For instance, I didn't really like how a particular bag had a breakaway zipper and tried to convince myself that I'd get used to it. In the end, it kept bothering me and I sold it. Lesson learned!

-To stop chasing so much and enjoy what I have. I will always love bags, but there's more to life. :smile1:
 
#212
Love this thread. What I learned is probably a bit different from most TPFers here. For me, I learned that the bags that I purchase on impulse, on sale AND in person are what usually works for me. I love the thrill of the find. I have to stop browsing and purchasing online and should just bring my card or money when I have it to the outlets and do some happy shopping.
 
#213
I agree: great thread for introspection! I drastically reduced my collection when it was starting to seem like I was collecting rather than enjoying using the bags. One can only rotate so many times. I also learned that lifestyle has to be a major factor in purchasing a bag. I don't need to get every purse I love seeing on someone else, as it may not even work for me.
 
#218
1. I've learned not to buy a cheaper version of the bag I really liked, as a place-holder until I am able to purchase that bag I really liked in the first place. Case in point: I was so obsessed with the Mulberry Alexa but had no means to purchase it (I live in a country where there is no Mulberry boutique and ordering online is a massive risk). So I bought a Cambridge Satchel in the meantime, because I really wanted that schoolgirl satchel look. I went to London last year and was finally able to buy my Alexa...now I never use the Cambridge satchel anymore! Sigh.

2. I 've earned that I can't carry white bags (or light colored bags). Ever. I'm too much of a carefree slob to take care of such bags :)
 
#220
1. Buy only iconic or classic shapes. Bags that are trendy won't last, so don't buy them.

2. Don't buy white or beige bags (they get dirty fast and wear poorly). Only dark shades or neutrals like taupe and red. Don't buy fabric or leather bags that are too delicate or that you constantly have to baby.

3. Buy for your lifestyle, not your fantasy. Beauty and practicality must coexist.

4. Go high-end for weekends/evenings and contemporary for work/travel.

5. Discreet logos are good.

6. It's okay to feel giddy at the thought of a new handbag.
 
#222
Love this thread!

1. I can only do shoulder bags or bags with a shoulder strap. And no open tops.

2. If I'm going to spend such a large amount of money, it's only going to be on classic styles and preferably ones that don't go on sale.

3. If I really love a certain style, there's nothing wrong with having it in multiple color variations.

4. No light colored bags. As much as I love a crisp white, it's just too high maintenance.

5. I really only get excited by beautiful neutrals, and I can never seem to have enough black bags.

6. I do not like to change wallets, so one wallet that will fit into all my bags.
 
#223
nycmamaofone said:
1. Buy only iconic or classic shapes. Bags that are trendy won't last, so don't buy them.



2. Don't buy white or beige bags (they get dirty fast and wear poorly). Only dark shades or neutrals like taupe and red. Don't buy fabric or leather bags that are too delicate or that you constantly have to baby.



3. Buy for your lifestyle, not your fantasy. Beauty and practicality must coexist.



4. Go high-end for weekends/evenings and contemporary for work/travel.



5. Discreet logos are good.



6. It's okay to feel giddy at the thought of a new handbag.
Click to expand...


I totally agree on this list!
 
#225
I've learned to embrace my addiction! But I can also think back to some of my earliest memories shopping with my mom or grandmother and gravitating towards handbags and shoes. I was just a wee little thing, probably 4 years old, but I have vivid memories of poring over purse racks and begging for Barbie heels. I wore clogs to kindergarten in the 70's because they were "heels" and I always carried a purse. I mean, I can't help it, I was born this way! And you know what? I could have worse addictions and it's not like my children are suffering because I like luxury bags (because I don't have kids!) It is what it is, and bags are pretty fabulous, so why fight it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top