There comes a time in every fashionista’s life when you’re ready to make the vision board a reality. After years of saving different styles to Pinterest and screenshotting outfits from your favorite style gurus, you’ve decided to take the leap. It’s time to buy your first designer handbag! The process can be overwhelming for first-timers, but the biggest question asked is “Which designer bag should I choose?!”
This is exactly what happened to me when I started the process a few years ago. After hitting $100K in my first year as a full-time blogger, I wanted to treat myself to a luxury item. Ultimately, I chose the Christian Dior Saddle Bag and the Saint Laurent Small LouLou (more on the why later). And I’m very happy with my decision! It can be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with what to look out for. But if you’re on the hunt for your first designer handbag to add to your closet, use this as your guide.
We’re talking style vibes, people. Colors. Moods. Needs. Because let’s be real, shall we? These bags are not cheap. So it’s important to invest in a designer bag that fits your current lifestyle. Why purchase it if you won’t actually use it?! So, can you use this dream bag every day? Are you looking for a handbag that will elevate your 9 to 5 style? Do you want to invest in a quality tote bag for travel or weekend trips? Or are you envisioning an item that makes those date night looks and brunch vibes, POP?
Whatever your reason, the bag you choose should reflect it. If it’s everyday use, then try gravitating towards more neutral colors and a style that can fit all of your necessities. Your designer work bag can include a classic silhouette that’s perfect for the office and holds your iPad. The last thing you want is to not be able to use your first luxury purchase because it doesn’t meet your needs!
Now that you know what type of bag you’re looking for, let’s chat moo-lah. I remember being SHOCKED at handbag prices when I initially started my search a couple of years ago. Mostly because I saw these teenagers carrying around Gucci bags like they were nothing?! I remember asking my parents for a small Coach bag in high school and they actually cackled at me. But I digress. Of course, you’re able to find pieces that might be under $1000, but the smaller sizes didn’t fit my needs. I was interested in an everyday bag with a classic style from a high-end luxury brand- which meant I needed to step up my saving habits.
If you’re putting it on your credit card or using another buy now, pay later system, it’s most likely too much. Luxury items should be spent with disposable income because they’re nowhere close to being necessities. For real. It’s *not* that deep. Instead, set a percentage aside each month and save up for your style of choice once you have a set budget in mind! I know. That’s not as fun. BUT I promise it’ll be worth it! Generally speaking, a healthy budget for high-end handbags is anywhere from $2K-$6K. But it can definitely be more or less than that. (I absolutely LOVE my Marc Jacobs tote for travel and it’s under $400!) It’s all about what you’re comfortable with!
Although walking into a high-end retailer on Fifth Avenue can make you feel like an A-lister, in actuality, the experience might not be worth it. Wherever you choose to purchase your items, just make sure to do your research.
Perhaps the most obvious perk? You can guarantee that your bag is an authentic, luxury good when you purchase it directly from the retailer. And if you’re lucky enough to live by a flagship store, you can have the ~fancy experience~ in person. You can speak with a dedicated brand advisor about your choices and oftentimes you’ll be gifted with a glass of champagne after your purchase. Buying your designer bag new will also be able to provide better options down the road if you choose to resell.
Money. It’s that simple. Resale sites are known to have up to 20%-70% off the original price of 1000s of styles. And the bags are still in pristine condition. Why pay the premium when it’s unnecessary? Just to say you bought it new? Pride goeth before the fall, chile.
There are quite a few pros for buying vintage luxury items, but perhaps none as convincing as saving money. I saved $800 on my Dior Saddle by purchasing it on Fashionphile in Excellent condition. AND it still came with a box and dust bag! You can also use pre-loved sites if you’re looking for discontinued or hard-to-find items instead of praying they’ll come back in stock one day. They might be more expensive, but at least they’re available! And finally, buying your bag pre-loved is the greener option of the 2. With the constant overconsumption and production in the fashion industry, it’s nice to think your purchase can be sustainable sometimes. Buying secondhand helps reduce waste and is better for the environment overall. Sounds like a win-win-win in my book!
With the rise of “thrifting” culture, there are times when items are purchased for the sole purpose of resale. Trendy pieces that could be hundreds of dollars on a retail site can be sold out and overpriced on exchange sites past their value. For example, Telfar bags are known for their low costs and constantly fly off the shelves. Resellers can use sites like StockX and attempt to sell them for double the price, despite the items eventually coming back in stock (albeit way later).
Hence, why it’s important to research the true price of the item you’re interested in before purchasing. Additionally, buyers can also feel hesitant about choosing secondhand pieces because of the authenticity question. This, along with the lack of dust bags, can obviously affect the value of their bag down the line. However, if you’re buying from reputable resellers, you shouldn’t have an issue with authentication or finding items with their original dust bags/boxes to prevent damage!
Now that I’ve gone through the process myself, I feel like I’ll always buy pre-loved! Not only was it easy, but saving a few extra coins didn’t hurt! It honestly just makes the most sense to me financially. Plus, I love feeling a bit more at ease using my “new” bag out and about if it’s pre-loved.
If you decide to go with a vintage designer bag, you still need to be cautious. Use a reputable company over online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook groups to avoid scams. How long have they been in business? Take a look at their reviews and social media accounts to see how their clients interact with their content and share their experiences. Secondly, an authenticity guarantee is non-negotiable. Do they have a team familiar with counterfeit luxury items? If not, how do they assure customers are getting what they pay for? And finally, make sure you’re familiar with their return policy. You might finally get your hands on the bag of your dreams and realize it’s not exactly what you’re looking for (or the condition you were promised). A hassle-free return is always best when dealing with a pricey purchase.
I ended up going with Fashionphile because I loved being able to see photos of the actual item I would purchase. They took photos from every angle so I could see any visible scratches or scuff before clicking add to cart. I also loved their price alert feature where I could follow a few pieces I had my eye on and see when they’d drop in price or go on sale before purchasing. All of this in addition to the green flags from ‘what to look out for’ made the decision to go with Fashionphile super easy. While I’ve only personally dealt with Fashionphile, I’ve heard great things from all of the sites below. Great customer service, authentication practices, and lots of styles to choose from!
Many fashion bloggers will share that designer handbags can be a great investment- which they can be! According to WhoWhatWear, between 2003 and 2021, a Chanel Mini Classic Flap price increased by 500%, whereas gold increased by 400%. But that’s not the case for every brand or bag. The Holy Trinity (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès) are the best examples of strong resale value and financial returns. However, each brand below will still get you a lot of interest in the resale market if your items are taken care of!
If you’re looking for a designer handbag as a financial investment, look no further than the infamous Birkin bag. With an annual return of 14.2%, it consistently outpaces both the S&P 500 and the price of gold. Shockingly, the average person isn’t able to purchase $12,000 on a purse or get their hands on the iconic celebrity favorite. Sites like Fashionphile offer up the Birkin along with their other classic styles like the Kelly.
With one of the most recognizable brand logos in the world, Louis Vuitton is a titan in the fashion industry. Their best-selling items include the Neverfull, a tote seen on every upper-class woman in the suburbs (almost as a rite of passage). Nevertheless (slight pun intended) consumers always vouch for the durability of the bag. If you’re browsing LV for your next designer purchase, keep in mind their 3 most famous prints: Monogram Canvas, Damier Ebene Canvas, and Damier Azur Canvas.
To finish off the holy trinity of brands for designer handbags, we have the always elegant, Chanel. With price increases on a regular basis, it’s no wonder why the almost 100-year company remains on top for best designer bag investment pieces. The signature C’s can be found on their most popular options (and the best bang for your buck) the classic flap and the boy bag.
Ultimately, I chose the Saint Laurent LouLou as my first high-end designer bag because I’m a sucker for a crossbody. I was previously gifted the Tory Burch Fleming in black and figured it’d be a great addition. I knew the LouLou would be another item I could get use out of for everyday wear and the dark beige can work with a variety of looks. After researching the best brands and then styles by YSL, I knew it was the one for me. Note: I also briefly considered the YSL College and Envelope!
In addition to the Small LouLou, I also purchased the Christian Dior Saddle Bag in black. It’s a classic “body style” by the brand so I knew it would have great resale value over time! Plus, I loved how unique the style was as I rarely indulge in shoulder bags. I figured this was the perfect opportunity to take the plunge- and so glad I did! It stands out with the gold hardware and I’m already eyeing a few additional straps for more versatility.
I hope this was helpful as you start your search! If you end up purchasing a bag I recommended, please let me know! What was your first designer bag purchase? Share in the comments below!
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