Hello loves!
Some time ago I published a post about my Gucci bag and received many inquiries about the quality of the bag, where to find an authentic luxury bag and more; That made me write this blog post that can be your quick reference guide before making a big splurge.
Planning your first luxury purchase can be a bewildering experience, especially if you have dreamed about it for a long time and have decided to use a significant portion of your savings. While you may have already set your heart on a particular bag and are looking forward to purchasing it soon, there are a few things that can help you make a smart decision as this bag could easily become one of the key pieces in your wardrobe.
You may have seen many designer bags on your Instagram feed and your favorite celebrities flaunting them, and you would be thinking that you would have to shell out thousands of dollars for that bag. But you don’t necessarily have to spend a bomb, especially on your first bag.
I had first planned to buy a luxury handbag a couple of years ago, but I knew it would eat up my entire salary for three months, so I ended up deciding it wasn’t the right decision. A year later, when I was consistently earning well from my blog and corporate work, I decided to save my earnings for my IT bag. However, I still didn’t want to go over budget, so after a lot of planning and online research, I decided to spend approximately $1,600 on a medium-sized bag that will be perfect for work and play and was also realistic considering my earnings.
That’s why I suggest you go for a realistic budget that will be easily manageable given your income, without compromising your lifestyle or overhead. You shouldn’t max out your credit limit or savings just to buy the IT bag of the season, as you may end up regretting it instead of enjoying your new luxury bag.
Once I started exploring the bags I wanted to buy, I was pleasantly surprised to see that even a particular style from a designer brand comes in various sizes, colors, patterns, etc.
I had decided to purchase Louis Vuitton’s iconic Speedy bag, which came in four sizes: 25, 30, 35 and 40 and in different materials: Damier Azur canvas, Monogram canvas and Damier Ebene canvas. After visiting the Louis Vuitton boutique at DLF Emporio and seeing all the styles, I fell in love with the swift 30 in Damier Ebene who seemed versatile and intelligent.
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| Louis Vuitton Rapid 30 |
However, before visiting the boutique I had done some research online about the styles I preferred so as not to become overwhelmed by seeing the endless options in the store that might confuse me further.
I would recommend taking a look The bagBlog which has a lot of information about different bags from popular luxury brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel and more. You can review the various options available, make a list of some styles that you would like to personally review based on your requirements such as use, occasion, color, etc.
- Compare price and functionality
Now this is a key point to consider, especially if it is going to be your first luxury bag and you want to use it very frequently. While there are many fashion options that arrive each season, the classics are better priced, never go out of style, and are best suited for all lifestyles.
So, while a trendy Dior saddlebag may look really Instagram-worthy right now, in the long run it may not prove to be truly functional or versatile compared to its hefty price tag.
I suggest you try styles that are not only easy to combine, but are also more functional, with options such as a detachable shoulder strap, separate compartments for your phone or tablet, zippers, etc., which will help you make the most of your bag.
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| Gucci Grained Leather Bag |
Just like for my first bag, I really wanted a medium-sized bag that was roomy enough for my everyday essentials, but also didn’t have to think too hard about pairing it with any outfit. But for my second bag, which is a Gucci grained leather tote – I experimented a little with the color and went for a larger size because I really wanted a bag that can fit my laptop easily, especially for work meetings and photo shoot days where I have to carry a lot of things with me.
- Go to the authorized Brand Boutique
This is a really important point to consider, especially since this bag will be your great investment. Many people ask me about the authenticity of the deals available online on various websites that claim to come directly from designer brands and sell at incredible prices.
I’m just telling you one thing: why would a designer brand, which apparently never goes on sale, offer its products for a third of its original price?
Yes, many brands like Michael Kors and COACH have end-of-season sales on their products, but luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada almost never go on sale. And if someone claims to have their products on sale, I suggest you ask for the authenticity card or inquire directly by calling the brand’s boutique.
Plus, the feeling of buying your designer bag directly in the store is totally magical. So, to avoid disappointment later, visit an authorized brand boutique to see their styles in person, feel the quality, and make your final purchase.
Coming to the last point of this article, what’s the fun in spending thousands of dollars on a bag that you can only match with one or two outfits in your wardrobe? Or can you only take to certain events?
It’s always a good idea to buy a more versatile and neutral bag as your first luxury bag, rather than a trendy one like one with too many embroidered patches or extravagant elements; That might give it a unique appeal, but it might go out of style soon. Also, consider choosing neutral colors that pair well with most of the items in your wardrobe.
I really hope this post is helpful to you all in selecting your first luxury handbag and I hope it turns out to be an investment that you fall in love with, like I did with my two luxury babies.
If this post helped you make your first luxury purchase, let me know in the comments below with the style you chose. I’d love to know!
Love
nitica
