I started my bag collection "seriously" about ten years ago, after my mom's passing. At that time, I was feeling depressed, of course, but I went on with house, work, friends...but on my free time I couldn't concentrate on reading, for instance. My husband bought a beautiful bag for me and I started looking at different brand websites offering clothes, bags, shoes and I discovered a colorful world, specially in purses, which was not a consolation, of course, but a sort of entertainment. I used to read about craftsmanship, leathers, brands, models, history of the best known maisons and since then, I have made a nice collection which, on the other hand, has been a good investment if I decided to sell it, but today I am not interested, I enjoy myself wearing my handbags!!
When did you start your bag collection?
- Thread starter LucyMadrid
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I started my bag collection in 2018/2019. The first bag I purchased was a graduation present for myself. I have bought 4 bags since then and hopefully adding a Chanel classic flap to my collection this year. In between bag buying, I have also started building on my jewelry collection from the big fashion houses as well.
Since 2000, I believe. I owe my love of handbags to my mom and my dad's 5 sisters...we are a bag loving family. 
It started with my mom who was somewhat into bags. She never bought any super high end bags, but she would buy from designer brands such as DKNY and Tory Burch, or just well crafted Italian leather bags by less known brands. We have a very different taste, so I didn't really care too much about her bags. However, in 2017 she bought a Tory Burch bag that she regretted. I really liked it so she gave it to me, which was the first time I saw a quality difference compared to my H&M bags. I guess this is how the ball started rolling because I bought myself another Tory Burch bag shortly after. Fast forward to today and I own LV's, YSL's, Chloé's and bags from Lanvin, Jil Sander and so forth. I still have and use the initial Tory bag. 
I think I started my bag collection in high school when I was about 16 with Longchamp (back in 2004). At graduation and right after I got my first premium designer bags, LV Speedy 25 in DE (at a fraction of what they cost today) and Prada Nylon. Now, at 33, I can proudly say I have around 40–50 bags (mostly LV, Gucci, YSL, Valentino, Prada and Chloe) and apart from a handful gifted by my parents, they have all been bought by me to me!
You've got quite a good collection. Congrats.!!
It started with my mom who was somewhat into bags. She never bought any super high end bags, but she would buy from designer brands such as DKNY and Tory Burch, or just well crafted Italian leather bags by less known brands. We have a very different taste, so I didn't really care too much about her bags. However, in 2017 she bought a Tory Burch bag that she regretted. I really liked it so she gave it to me, which was the first time I saw a quality difference compared to my H&M bags. I guess this is how the ball started rolling because I bought myself another Tory Burch bag shortly after. Fast forward to today and I own LV's, YSL's, Chloé's and bags from Lanvin, Jil Sander and so forth. I still have and use the initial Tory bag.
That's the question. When you start into bags, you never get out, as designers make purses more and more attractive every year. There are people who are keen on stamps and invest a fortune on stamps(which is a good investment, by the way). Some of us buy bags, beautiful items which can be used and resold if you are careful. It is not a waste if you buy the correct thing. A friend of mine uses to buy a couple of brand bags every season. Then she puts them at the resale market, and buys another couple of bags of the following season.
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I'm a late bloomer. Only 5 years ago. And it's all down heel from there. 
Well, not really, I only do it like once a year(regretfully).
Well, not really, I only do it like once a year(regretfully).
Mine started in late 2019/early 2020.
I live in a place and work in an industry that is predominantly male, and I've always felt a lot of pressure to be... idk, more androgynous? So I kinda let go of the really feminine stuff and just admired it from afar.
I took a year off work in 2019, and then the pandemic hit in 2020. Social pressure wasn't a thing in my life anymore, and I started to discover more about myself and get into things I'd never considered getting into before... one of them being beautiful handbags
I just feel more myself these days. I love that I've been able to embrace my more feminine side, and I love that I've surrounded myself with beautiful fashion and handbags!
I live in a place and work in an industry that is predominantly male, and I've always felt a lot of pressure to be... idk, more androgynous? So I kinda let go of the really feminine stuff and just admired it from afar.
I took a year off work in 2019, and then the pandemic hit in 2020. Social pressure wasn't a thing in my life anymore, and I started to discover more about myself and get into things I'd never considered getting into before... one of them being beautiful handbags
I just feel more myself these days. I love that I've been able to embrace my more feminine side, and I love that I've surrounded myself with beautiful fashion and handbags!
I think I am going to love reading the responses to OP's question. Great thread!
I will be 51 later this month, and really started my collection in 2019 after having a hysterectomy. My weight was an issue before menopause, but I somehow managed to feel stylish because I still had a defined waist. However, with instant menopause, my body changed dramatically, and I felt frumpy.
While my body may be difficult to dress, handbags always fit. I already had a some Coach and Burberry bags, but found myself admiring Loewe and Bottega Veneta. Their under the radar elegance, casual chic and fine craftsmanship resonated with me. 2-1/2 years later I've added a Loewe Puzzle, several Bottega Veneta bags (Tomas Maier and Daniel Lee) and a Givenchy Antigona. These bags elevate my outfits and help me feel put together. I'll never claim to be a stylish woman, but love studying the design and craftsmanship of designer bags. It's a fun hobby!
I will be 51 later this month, and really started my collection in 2019 after having a hysterectomy. My weight was an issue before menopause, but I somehow managed to feel stylish because I still had a defined waist. However, with instant menopause, my body changed dramatically, and I felt frumpy.
While my body may be difficult to dress, handbags always fit. I already had a some Coach and Burberry bags, but found myself admiring Loewe and Bottega Veneta. Their under the radar elegance, casual chic and fine craftsmanship resonated with me. 2-1/2 years later I've added a Loewe Puzzle, several Bottega Veneta bags (Tomas Maier and Daniel Lee) and a Givenchy Antigona. These bags elevate my outfits and help me feel put together. I'll never claim to be a stylish woman, but love studying the design and craftsmanship of designer bags. It's a fun hobby!
I started around 10 years ago. I decided at that time I need a good quality bag that can last a long time and I can pass it to my daughter. I did a lot of research prior to buying and decided to go with LV. But too much research is not good either 
because I got influenced by people who said Speedy is a classic and a must have. So I bought Speedy in mono. I did not like it. The opening was too small for me and hand carry only annoyed me. I sold it, but I still stuck with LV because I found their bags to be very strong. I am not very careful with bags so I need strong bags. I have bought and sold many bags since then. Currently I have 11 luxury bags, 2 hiking and walking backpacks and many many reusable shopping bags (lots I got for free). I learned not to be influenced by what people say is a must (my Chanels are not black!). I dont buy bags with the intention of giving it to my daughter in future anymore. My now teenage daughter has a different taste. She thinks a lot of my bags (LV, Chanel, Hermes) are ugly
because I got influenced by people who said Speedy is a classic and a must have. So I bought Speedy in mono. I did not like it. The opening was too small for me and hand carry only annoyed me. I sold it, but I still stuck with LV because I found their bags to be very strong. I am not very careful with bags so I need strong bags. I have bought and sold many bags since then. Currently I have 11 luxury bags, 2 hiking and walking backpacks and many many reusable shopping bags (lots I got for free). I learned not to be influenced by what people say is a must (my Chanels are not black!). I dont buy bags with the intention of giving it to my daughter in future anymore. My now teenage daughter has a different taste. She thinks a lot of my bags (LV, Chanel, Hermes) are uglyMy mom has always been into purses so I grew up around beautiful bags. I started my own collection in 2007 with a Dooney & Burke bag I bought from a friend, but I really got into purses about 10 years ago when my parents gifted me an LV for getting into grad school.
The fun part is my mom and sister are also into purses, and we all have different styles, so we get to admire each other’s bags. Sister is into anything super trendy/cool, Mom is very much into classics, and I’m somewhere in the middle.
The fun part is my mom and sister are also into purses, and we all have different styles, so we get to admire each other’s bags. Sister is into anything super trendy/cool, Mom is very much into classics, and I’m somewhere in the middle.
Of course you can claim being a stylish woman!!! Never mind if the shape of your body has changed. You can dress yourself with elegance. There are many options in the fashion market for everybody's body. And of course a good handbag and good shoes help a lot.
Not sure of the exact year but I do remember buying my first designer bag, an LV Cabas Piano. I drove two hours to get it and I had my young daughter with me. She is now almost 30!
I did not know anything about the LV brand but I had purchased what I thought was a fake Looping on Ebay. I traveled to Neiman Marcus in the hopes of getting it authenticated. The SA was very kind and said they didn't authenticate, but she shook her head gently at me to indicate that my Ebay bag was indeed a fake. At that point I became determined to have the real thing, and the SA helped me choose the Cabas Piano.
I did not know anything about the LV brand but I had purchased what I thought was a fake Looping on Ebay. I traveled to Neiman Marcus in the hopes of getting it authenticated. The SA was very kind and said they didn't authenticate, but she shook her head gently at me to indicate that my Ebay bag was indeed a fake. At that point I became determined to have the real thing, and the SA helped me choose the Cabas Piano.
Wow this is a great thread! I got into handbags when I bought my first coach purses in 1997. I was working on Wall Street and wanted the Coach soft but structured briefcase so I could fit in. That is when they were crafted in the USA and the leather was unbelievable. Tory Burch was my girl for awhile. Still have her bags, very well made.
I took a break and then started up again in 2015. Bought my pre-owned LV speedy 35's in Monogram, DE and my unicorn, a black epi 35. I loved classics. Then the Gucci boston bags joined me in red, navy and dark brown.
Then I discovered Chloe. A Marcie, 2 Paddingtons and a Paraty. Then the Prada Galleria in black. The Salvatore Ferragamo pristine hobo in Bronze.......I am a purse Ho. End of story.
Is it a love affair or addiction?
I am new and was blown away when I found TPF. you all are so knowledgeable and I love getting educated on all these brands and styles. It is definitely a cool hobby.
I took a break and then started up again in 2015. Bought my pre-owned LV speedy 35's in Monogram, DE and my unicorn, a black epi 35. I loved classics. Then the Gucci boston bags joined me in red, navy and dark brown.
Then I discovered Chloe. A Marcie, 2 Paddingtons and a Paraty. Then the Prada Galleria in black. The Salvatore Ferragamo pristine hobo in Bronze.......I am a purse Ho. End of story.
Is it a love affair or addiction?
I am new and was blown away when I found TPF. you all are so knowledgeable and I love getting educated on all these brands and styles. It is definitely a cool hobby.