Your first designer handbag: Where to begin?

As materialistic as it is, nothing says luxury like designer bags. Some save up their whole lives to buy that one bag that will make them feel like christmas morning over and over again for every moment they glance in its direction.. Others will just grab their credit card and buy it effortlessly. How I would love to be the latter, but that’s not the point of this blog post. The point here is to help sway you to the right bag.

Whether you have a bag in mind or not, you need to consider a number of points before cashing out.

The use of the bag 

Do you want to use this bag on a daily basis or just for special occasions? Some bags can be taken from day to night easily, others you may struggle to style them to do so. Either way you need to consider this. It will determine whether you go for that practical grab-all tote or that adorable mini.  

Where does the designer stand 

This pyramid of luxury brands from 'Bling Dynasty: Why The Reign of Chinese Luxury shopper Has Only Just Begun’, written by Erwan Rambourg, is your quick guide to know where your designer stands. Accessibility is a major factor determining how highly brands rank. Frankly there are questionable notions in the book, one is associating LV with secretaries? Hmm. Knowing a number of secretaries myself, none of them can afford the brand based on their minimum wage salary. Regardless, it’s just a guide.

Go for the classics 

Most designers have a certain classic design which remains in their line year after year, or a certain type of bag that will always be their signature style. For example,, Italian-brand Prada owns the top handle tote (in my opinion). Some would say Celine does, but seeing that Prada started 32 years prior in 1913, I think they claimed it first. As for Chanel, we all know which bag they own (flap-bag on chain in case you've been living in a bag shelter for the past 87 years).

How does the bag age? 

This is an important point that’s commonly forgotten. If you plan to purchase a bag with untreated leather know that it will age over time. Harsh weather can also effect the bag and constant rain (sorry for those living in England!). Make sure you ask the sales associate about this. And try to avoid a bag that ages. You don’t need that, especially for your first bag which will probably always be your favourite.

Don't pay more than you need to 

Brands cost less in some countries than others. As a pervious resident in the UAE I can confidently tell you that designer goods are more expensive in the tax-free oil-rich country than in Europe and USA. While I know this might not be an option for most people, but it is always best to buy the bag from its mothership or the country of its birth. Also, buying the designer bag while on holiday will always make it that little bit more special to you.

In reality no one really cares what bag you are carrying, and if they do then you need to stay the hell away from them. Your purchase will solely be to please yourself. At the end pf the day buying whatever makes you happy is always best.

For any questions and any advice please contact me on OlasTotes@gmail.com   :)