Ever since I started making my own money, I’ve always “invested” in bags. I use the term invest because that’s how I like to look at it in terms of my wardrobe. I rarely ever go into a store and spend $100 on a bag, but I’d rather put that $100 aside for months (or even longer if I have to) and then spend it on a bigger ticket item that puts the exclamation point at the end of my outfit. Obviously this wouldn’t work for everyone, but it’s definitely my personal preference.
I’ve had many other bags throughout the years and if I don’t use it or don’t love it anymore, I sell it. Plain and simple. I’ll then take that money and put it towards something else that I’m saving up for.
Lastly, I must admit, I’ve never paid full price for any of the above handbags. Whether I buy from a consignment shop or from a reputable seller on eBay, I usually pay a lot less than retail.
*As I said before, when buying from eBay, please make sure you buy from a reputable seller. Get proper pictures and research the item to know what you’re looking for. There are a lot of fakes out there so be careful! I’ve been very lucky with some of the items I’ve grabbed after proper research.
*If you’re looking to buy a designer handbag, you want to get something that’s classic and timeless. Unless it’s in your budget, I wouldn’t opt for an “it” bag. You might think “you’ll get so much use out of it” but a year later, you’ll probably be sick of it. Trust me, I’ve been there.
*Please don’t go broke (or into debt) when buying a handbag. Put some $$ aside every pay check, sell some things you don’t want on eBay and you’ll be surprised how quickly that adds up.
Hope that helps!
xx,
Helena
63 comments
ThE fAsHiOn WoRsHiPeR
Such a great selection dear, I couldn't agree more with your lovely tips as well 😉
XoXo-Kelli K
January 11, 2011http://thefashionworshiper.blogspot.com
mirjam schuurkamp!
hee babe!
i gave you an award!
check my blog(L)
XO model from holland
http://www.mirfashion.blogspot.com
January 11, 2011Estefania Lovelifefashion
Great collection 🙂 I totally agree with your tips 😉
January 11, 2011I'MTHATCHIQ
Love your Balenciagas. Perfect!
January 11, 2011laxfashion
nice bags, i agree with you on the tips
http://laxfashion.blogspot.com/
January 11, 2011Krizia
I also see a good bag as an investment.
They'll probably stay with you your whole life if you treat they right!
(Try to explain that to the boyfriend, haha.)
I love the bags you have, great collection!
x Krizia
http://www.krizia-shark-attack.blogspot.com
January 11, 2011diana kang
amazing collection! xx
January 11, 2011ShaGlam
They are such beauties! Thanks for the tip…and good points. I have a bunch of mid-range bags, but I get way more use out of my "nicer" bags. I might as well just save up for a couple big purchases a year.
January 11, 2011Lydia
That's quite an amazing collection you have there. Don't think there is a bag I don't like the look of!
January 11, 2011In the last year or so I've definitely become one of those people who would rather save up to get more expensive, quality items. I'm currently saving up for a Mulberry – of course, something classic xxx
Vicky
Love your little collection of Chanel bags. I'd kill for either of them on my arm x
January 11, 2011Hilary
Great advice! your collection is so pretty. I can't wait til I own my own Chanel. siiigghhhh 🙂
January 11, 2011xoxo
Hey Hilary
Santina
I agree that a timeless bag is a great investment. You have some amazing pieces that you will wear for years! Thanks for sharing!
Santina
January 11, 2011Becky
Love this post, your Balenciagas are amazing!
January 11, 2011Catita
ah! great collection, I love the red LV! I do the same, invest in designer bags, it is really MY favorite things along with shoes!
January 11, 2011xoxo
Catita
Taylor
LOVE YOUR Post!!! Soo true about picking classics! If you are going to splurge then get something that will last you a life time. I am hoping to add a Chanel one day….I need to do eBay searches more – I am so lucky my Hubs adores me and has gotten me all of mine!
January 11, 2011Kristen
Ummmm I'm dying over your Chanel Cross bodies. Definitely my next "investment".
January 11, 2011Olga
Love your collection! And I love your Balenciagas even more. Thanks to your blog I fell in love with Balenciaga and luckily I got one for my birthday from my H. and worn this one every single day.
http://lapetiteolga.blogspot.com/
January 11, 2011Ronisha
Love !!!!!!!
http://vannoybfashion-ronisha119.blogspot.com
January 11, 2011dani@callitbeauty
great tips, helena!
i've been wanting to invest in designer handbags ever since i discovered your blog. i'll definitely start putting away some money for that 🙂
January 11, 2011StyleFrost
Gorgeous collection! Love the balenciaga bags and the red chanel!
January 11, 2011Lena
Your post gives me hope girl! That maybe one day the Balenciaga of my dreams will come in my hands! 😛
Love, Lena!
styleloverlena.blogspot.com
January 11, 2011renerene
Thank YOU for a tips!!! I'm looking for a nice handbag :)) Ebay it's a nice idea but if you living in us it's better, shipping to israel is very expensive…
http://WWW.RENEBRAUN.COM
You are welcome to visit my blog too :))
January 11, 2011Miri
I adore your collections and your tips are great 🙂
January 11, 2011Babe Jane
i love your chanel bags 🙂 want one too 😀
Babe Jane – blonde way of fashion
January 11, 2011LAUREN
Such great advice! I couldn't agree more with you!
January 11, 2011I think you have a pretty impressing collection ♥
Alicia
Great purse buying advice… dying over your red chanel bag!!
January 11, 2011Alyssa
Lovely collection Helena!
I really love what you said about bags being the exclamation point to an outfit. So true!
January 11, 2011Flavia
SOLO BORSE PER SEMPRE 😉
January 11, 2011lisa
a girl after my own heart! a beautiful handbag def is the exclamation point to an outfit!
love those vintage chanels.. soo gorgeous.
January 11, 2011Rebecca from See You in Sweden
so pretty & great tips Helena. I love the Balenciaga's lined up like that- they look like candy!
January 11, 2011vivalablonda
Wow thats a nice collections! I'm trying to achive mine x) Those are good tips!
xx
January 11, 2011Pearls&Politics
What beautiful bags and wonderful advice!! 🙂
January 11, 2011jEm
these bags are all amazing how do you choose just one every day?
Julie
http://www.hiddenjems.blogspot.com
January 12, 2011Chrissy
What a great bag collection! You inspired me to buy my very first vintage Chanel piece, which should be arriving very soon.
January 12, 2011Elizabeth Hope
OMG I Heart your blog!! Theses bags are amazing! Im in heaven! haha! I love your header! I want one like that haha!
Visit my blog soon?!
January 12, 2011xoxo
http://www.styleitinheels.com
Chantelle
That's such great advice for young girls who want to invest in a designer purchase. Magnificent collection, I can see why each piece gets so much wear: they're ideal outfit bags.
January 12, 2011Val V.
amazing bags!!
I Love chanel in red 🙂
xoxo
January 12, 2011Maggie ☮
I really appreciate that you put those tips after the post :). You have quite the collection.
January 12, 2011Michelle Chic
i love ur collection! u have so many amazing pieces!
January 12, 2011MELISSA Z.
wow, you've an amazing collection, so jealous! <3
http://www.abitoffashion.com
January 12, 2011Lana
Wow, your collection is fabulous! I've been trying to find a decent Balenciaga on eBay but I'm just never sure enough that it's not a fake after all… :-/
xx
January 12, 2011Lana
http://favouriteghosts.blogspot.com/
Helena - A Diary of Lovely
fantastic collection and great tips, I absolutely agree about going for the classics, iv had 2 balenciaga bags for years now, many years actually, and I still wear them and love them
January 12, 2011Nita -Karoliina
Ok, since you have 3 balenciagas, can you give me one ? 😀
ha ha, seriously, great post. You have a nice collection.
check out my new give away 🙂
January 12, 2011Erica Wark
I love your collection! a couple of those are actually on my 2011 wish list! I also think you gave great tips for new shoppers! Its so important to buy real, and support the industry!!
I'm loving your blog, and I'm you NEWEST follower! I would love if you visited me and followed me back :)!
xx Erica
http://www.ericawark.com
January 12, 2011Olya Nikol Pishcheva
Bags are my passion. ~
January 12, 2011Elise Ford
Great advice! Having a few fantastic, quality bags instead of multiple disposable items is key.
Follow me @
January 12, 2011urbanspank.blogspot.com
Angga
Great advice and great selection, that exactly what I do too with my designer handbags, I usually bought them from ebay, I sold half of my LV collection already but keeping the ones that I love the most
January 12, 2011<3
http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com
Fashion-Resort!
i want your bags!!!! beautiful selection,dear!
January 12, 2011Tinkerbellshimmer
wow I really like your bags =D
January 12, 2011xoxo
mirjam schuurkamp!
im waiting for a new possstt(L)
hihi
XOmodel from holland
http://www.mirfashion.blogspot.com
January 12, 2011everyday new posts Come take a look (L)
Be your muse.
I love bags too… bags and shoes are my obsession!
xx
January 12, 2011Jandira
i love the chanel bags….:)
January 12, 2011gina
Lovely collection. My philosophy is the opposite of yours: I spend very little on bags and prefer to get them from bargain basements and thrift stores. I have been pretty lucky with some of my finds though. Now that I'm a bit more settled into my career, I would like to invest in a nice bag in the next year or two. Something stylish, but simple, that would also work for court. Nice, but not too showy. Maybe Kate Spade?
January 13, 2011GlamorousGirl
lave the red one! so much!
January 13, 2011and the tips are great 🙂
follow me on:
http://www.glamourgirl-bg.blogspot.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2187105/glamourgirl
Liesl
I love your collection and your post! Thanks for all the tips. I am saving for one now!
January 14, 2011Nouvelle vague
Waw what a collection !
January 14, 2011I love the Chanel !!!!
Ashley
Thanks for commenting on my post! I adore your red Chanel chainstrap bag. Beautiful!
January 14, 2011GEMBEAR
oh my!!! you are a very very lucky girl!!
January 15, 2011Emy
You have an amazing collection. I'm not nearly there, better yet, not at all but I'll get there some day. I don't know how some bloggers do it out there..pretty crazy
Enjoy these babies, they are beautiful!
xx
Emy
http://sweetpromises.tumblr.com/
January 18, 2011Meg
Great tips! Love your investments 😉 Especially the Chanels… I'll have to use your tips to add one to my collection one day 🙂
http://www.meg-land.blogspot.com
January 18, 2011xx
Jeanie Photography
A girl can't have enough bags!
Love them all! Especially the Chanel bags 🙂
xxxxxx
http://www.jeaniephoto.blogspot.com
January 28, 2011QueenVII
wonderful and inspiring post. Maybe my dream balenciaga really isn't that far out of my reach! you have a new follower in me!
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