As a handbag designer, you’d think I was a bag-aholic or something, but honestly it’s quite the opposite. After working professionally in the fashion industry for about five years now, it’s safe to say a bag needs to do a LOT to impress me. Sure, investment bags are covetable and show social “status”, but I need a bag to LAST + FUNCTION for it to really wow me.
Over the past few years the fashion industry has pivoted immensely. So long are the days of luxury “It” bags where handbags were made in limited quantities. Elite fashion icons were pretty much the only people who could get their hands on one of them. Some highly recognizable examples of these old-school “It” bags are the Fendi Baguette, the Céline Mini Luggage, and the Hermès Birkin.
Ok, that’s enough history class for now. Let’s move onto the good stuff.
So, how has shopping changed?
Today, the market is so different because fashion is faster than ever. Due to the popularity of trend-dressing, things are going in and out of style within months or so. Why would anyone spend 5k on a bag for it to be out of style in a month? Because of this, many luxury re-sale companies are popping up where you can pretty much get so-called “investment bags” for a fraction of what you would pay in the store today! This is a great option for someone wanting a quality, well-made bag for less!
On the flip side, the people who don’t care about luxury goods and brand names are getting the knockoff versions at Zara and H&M for under $100 anyway. The trends won’t last long, so the quality really doesn’t matter as much to them. The majority of consumers today prefer shopping this way, and I’m here to explain why I don’t like this mindset.
Why I don’t like trendy handbags . . .
I’d 100% rather own a select few handbags that are high-quality and can be worn forever, versus a bunch of random seasonal bags that I need to swap depending on my outfit and what’s trending.
I’ll be honest, it just takes too much effort to swap my bag everyday. Haha! I strive to make getting dressed as simple as possible! I have very limited options of bags, each serving a different purpose. Before I purchase, I make sure the style + color is classic enough that I’ll wear it forever. I talk a bit about my first investment bag purchase in “The 10 Pieces Every Woman Needs in Her Closet”. Can you guess which bag it was? I only wear it like everyday . . . hah!
I know it may be hard to swallow the thought of dropping [a grand] on a handbag, but trend-shopping is such a waste of money and will cost you so much more long term! Just be sure to invest smarter, and don’t fall victim to what everyone else is buying. Honestly, who wants to look like everyone else anyway?
Some of my favorite investment bags:
- Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag. You can’t get more classic than this bag.
- An oversized open-top tote, like my Céline Phantom.
- A mini that ACTUALLY fits the essentials. I love my YSL Mini Lou Lou because I can be completely hands-free. It’s also great for dressing up or down.
- Givenchy Antigona Satchel. Its a great everyday bag that fits it all and closes at the top.
- Saint Laurent Sac De Jour. I’d like to think of this bag as the ultimate “power suit” of handbags! This will probably be my next handbag purchase. #Need.
Over-rated luxury bags IMO:
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull. Its NOT leather. Don’t let a salesperson try to tell you otherwise. The bag is made of a canvas which is coated and then printed. The only leather on that bag is the straps and trim.
- Gucci Beltbag. This trend will be over eventually. If you don’t have this already, don’t waste your money.
- Chloe Half-Moon Bracelet bags. What even is this? What does one fit in this? I’m sorry, I just don’t understand the popularity of this one.
So, I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about luxury investment bags! Even though I have bills + will be paying off my student loans for the next ten years just like most of you, I still highly recommend investing in forever pieces. If you’re thinking about making a luxury purchase, remember my advice and choose something classic! Think long term. I promise you will not regret it!
/ / As always, this is my personal blog. This blog post is not sponsored. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are my own and do not represent the views of any company or individual I may mention. This post may contain affiliate links where I make a small commission if you click and shop using my links. It won’t cost you a penny, but helps keep this blog running!
/ / As always, this is my personal blog. This blog post is not sponsored. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are my own and do not represent the views of any company or individual I may mention. This post may contain affiliate links where I make a small commission if you click and shop using my links. It won’t cost you a penny, but helps keep this blog running!
Courtney says
I am hoping to purchase my first “investment” bag this year and you have given me quite a few things to think about, and honestly will probably make my search process a bit easier. Thanks for helpin’ a girl out (lol).
xo, Courtney | https://poshdarlingblog.com
Michelle says
This is so exciting! I’m glad I could help. Let me know if you need some advice. What are you planning on getting???
Courtney says
There is quite a long list that I need to narrow down but… LV Neverfull, YSL Envelope Bag (black leather), Celine Nano Luggage (dune/tan color), Gucci Marmont (black), Gucci Dionysus, or LV Montaigne BB. Needless to say it’s a work in progress, lol.
Michelle says
I love my Celine! I feel they will be worth a ton in a few years since they changed the logo.
The YSL Envelope is great too! Ugh you do have some amazing options here. All depends on your needs! 🙂
Courtney says
Lol, not particularly a need, just a major want. As long as it holds my cards and phone I’m good. I’m one of those people who I just like it to be pretty and last a loooonnnggg time. If I can pass it down to my kids or grandkids, it’s a score!
Julie says
I love that someone agrees with me about dropping money on hand bags. I have a Chanel classic flap, Givenchy Antigona, YSL lou lou camera bag and YSL small lou lou. I’d also like to highlight Mulberry Bayswater. I love my Bayswater so much! Do need a good clutch still. Most of mine are cheap from random stores. The rest of my bags are either Coach for lower cost but good classic quality.
Michelle says
absolutely! I know you will make a great choice!!
Aurora says
Love your YSL bag! I love investing in staple pieces too!! #scsister
xo Aurora
Carla says
Great post! I feel the same way about the LV Neverfull, all the hype (and $$$) for a canvas tote! I don’t think so! I’m a sucker for a great coach bag, I call them affordable luxury! 😉 They are leather bags at a great price point that will last forever of you take care of them.