THE HANDBAG GUIDE
Here are a few things to remember when buying a designer handbag. Mainly as they can be expensive and you need to consider the process.
1. Stop buying lots of cheaper handbags. If you were to add up how much all of them cost, it would equal the same as one really great designer bag.
2. If you can't afford it - wait until you can. Save up, make it a goal. It will mean more to you if you do it this way. Don't buy it if you will be in debt.
3. My dressing philosophy is wearing high end with high street. You can get a lot more out of your wardrobe this way. Style your designer bag back with cheaper clothing options. Your bag will become your core piece so when you choose it, make sure it can go with everything. Prints or plains, for casual or work, office to bar.
4. Try before you buy. So many of my clients are too scared to walk into a designer store. You have every right to walk in and ask to try a bag on. You have to see if it suits you before you begin the dreaming process. If you look at other people wearing it or in magazines - it may not be the bag for you. You must try it. And if you need to - try it multiple times before you decide.
5. Define the purpose. Do you need it to carry things for your children in it? Is it just for work? Do you need your partner to be able to carry it (this is for baby bags)? Do you want it to be classic or fun?
6. Love vs reality - I have bought handbags that look amazing but are totally impractical to use.
- Do you need a long strap so it can be worn cross body so you can be hands free.
- Security - does it need a zipper so it can be safely closed (think about this for travelling).
- Is it too small to fit everything you need a bag to carry? Or is it too big for what you need.
- Comfortable or uncomfortable? Does the strap hurt your shoulder, is it too heavy?
- Does the leather or fabric suit your life? Will it be too precious to use?
- Does the colour/size/design really allow me to get lots of wear out of it?
- Does the bag actually suit me or are you buying it to fit in?
7. Do not buy it if you are only going to wear it for special occasions. You MUST wear it all the time, and don't be too precious about it. Enjoy it!
I hope you don't think I am being superficial giving this advise about handbags. This one item has had a positive impact on me. I confidently would be happy to only invest in designer handbags over any other clothing or accessory item. It has taken me many years to realise this. They are not 'just a handbag' - they are a commodity and an universal language at the same time.
SHOP MY HANDBAG GUIDE
From affordable, functional, fun, classic to dreamy.
1.THE ULTIMATE / INVESTMENT / & dreamy
You might hear someone say you are “ridiculous, crazy, and stupid’ to spend this much on a handbag, but Time Magazine recently reported, “buying a Hermes Birkin is a better investment than stocks or gold.” These bags can be seriously hard to find - exclusivity, unparalleled craftsmanship and aesthetic refinement, in a disposable society, they are meant to last and a very sound investment. If you buy one of these bags, you will wear it for life.
TIPS: If you are desperate to buy a Kelly or Birkin, in many cases vintage bags are more accessible but worth more than buying them new - do your homework, check authenticity and research the rare colours and sizes as these will be a better investment and will justify the price.
2.FOR WORK/ SOPHISTICATED / WEARABILITY
A work bag needs to be simple, functional, and understated enough to be easily worn every day. And the essential thing is that it needs to be able to carry makeup, a curling wand, change of shoes, etc - big and practical! Start with black as this can be worn with everything, then expand your collection with a neutral.
3. MONOGRAM/LOGO TOTES
These monogram bags are an excellent investment as are the waterproof, scuff proof, tear-proof material is ideal for traveling (The Dior one is fabric so not as useable but still fabulous). Combine that with the fact that its shape, size, and simple design make it unbelievably functional for everyday use, and if you are making your first ‘designer bag’ purchase, I would recommend this is a great starting point. The only downside is security as they are ‘open’ - but this style is a must-own in a bag collection.
TIPS - these bags make wonderful baby bags, as fit everything!
4. ‘IT’ SHOULDER BAGS
I don’t like how handbags have become so “IT” status, as I see girls wearing them to fit in rather than loving the brand or the story behind why the designer made the bag in the first place. When you are buying a bag, buy it because you genuinely love it - not to be a clone. The ‘shoulder bag’ has become ‘status on your shoulder,’ so if you are looking for what to buy, these would be my favourites…..from a very long list. And I see these styles being worn for years to come, rather than just this season.
TIPS: Investment - the Hermes Constance / Cool factor - the Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch / Chicness - The Dior Montaigne / Bang for your buck - The Gucci Marmont or Saint Laurent Lou / My next purchase dream - The Chanel Denim Flap 19
5. MONOGRAM CULT
Similarly to the “IT” shoulder bag, these monogram versions are very popular. Most brands are going back into the archives and bringing back old school shapes, hardware, and finishes. Monogram styles are very wearable and can make your casual dressing sophisticated and cool. Many of these styles can also be worn cross-body, so really easy and comfortable to wear.
6. THE CLUTCH
I LOVE a clutch or pouch and find myself wearing these more than my handbags nowadays. The elegance and simplicity of them are perfect for casual dressing or when you need to dress up. If you want to buy something designer, but find it hard to justify the price of a more significant purchase, a clutch is a great starting point as it is much cheaper than a handbag. Take this Chanel pouch - you can buy for around $1,500 vs. a handbag that starts from $4,000.
7. fashion BASKETS
Baskets are now seen not only available as an alternative to plastic-free grocery shopping, but most designers offer one in their collection. They are now wearable as a fashion item, and I am pleased about that! Mainly as it's so convenient to carry a big basket! Not just for those sunny beach days either - you can wear all year round. And before you freak out about the prices of these designer versions, these are handmade from incredible artisans, so there is a lot of beauty in the detail.
8. AFFORDABLE DESIGNER
If you are new to the designer handbag concept or can’t afford one but really want to be able to - if you shop around, there are ways to get your designer fix. Here are a few brands that offer a cheaper entry-level price point than some of the more expensive brands, while remaining still very cool and desirable.
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