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. These are all timeless pieces that really hold their value. The Chanel Classic Flap bag will continue to be around for years and only increases year over year in price. Charlotte says, Handbags holy trinity dubbed the big three include Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton these investment grade handbags topped the bill in the last year as the number one appreciating asset. Note: I also briefly considered the YSL College and Envelope! The small is more versatile than the other sizes, but the large is great for a workbag. 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. because there are so many things to consider before purchasing. Not surprising since Moynat's former creative director Ramesh Nair is from Herms. This bag has appeared intermittently throughout Gucci's collections, and it was recently revived in 2019 when it was seen in Alessandro Micheles Chateau Marmont collection. margin-bottom: 0 !important; } } When you have the money to buy a luxury designer bag, you should buy whatever makes you happy. As someone whos been going back and forth about purchasing one for years now, I know this dilemma all too well. 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Perhaps you just want one thats valid! Perhaps for your first bag, you might want to consider the smaller BB or PM size because small bags tend to be more versatile. z-index: 9999999; Louis Vuitton is another luxury label Charlotte advises investing in but these come in at a much more affordable price than Hermes and Chanel. .elementor-nav-menu--main .elementor-nav-menu ul { LV Neverfull The LV Neverfull tote was actually my first designer handbag I added to my collection. And finally, make sure youre familiar with their return policy. READ MORE: 7 Croissant Bags That Look Exactly Like Bottega Venetas Shoulder Pouch. For example, the Chanel Classic Flap bag has been around for ages. This is one of the roomiest and most coveted styles in Chanels handbag history and is one of themost in-demand styles on the preowned market since it was discontinued in late 2014, Charlotte says. Not only was it easy, but saving a few extra coins didnt hurt! After years of saving different styles to Pinterest and screenshotting outfits from your favorite style gurus, youve decided to take the leap. Its best to purchase one based on personal motivations, not feeling that you need one because everyone has one or you think you should already own one because youve reached a certain age. I anticipate it going up in price in the future. Wherever you choose to purchase your items, just make sure to do your research. We want fashion to be empowering, enjoyable and accessible for everyone celebrating all bodies, backgrounds and budgets. The first, of course, is the financial capability to buy one. And since luxury designer bags are so expensive, you'll want your first luxury designer bag to be something versatile that you can use for all occasions, whether you're going to a casual lunch date or a classy dinner. Do you want to invest in a quality tote bag for travel or weekend trips? Were talking style vibes, people. @media screen and (max-width: 550px) { color: #fff; With the rise of thrifting culture, there are times when items are purchased for the sole purpose of resale. It might come as a surprise to discover that designer handbags are actually one of the most sound investments you can make more so than other collectable assets such as jewellery, art and fine wine. Some of the styles and prints might be a little too trendy for your first designer bag. If youre putting it on your credit card or using another buy now, pay later system, its most likely too much. Whilst high streets are struggling and sales of non-essential items plummeted during the pandemic, re-sale and auction sites selling luxury and vintage handbags, particularly Hermes, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are thriving because they are considered a safer investment than stocks and shares.. Do they have a team familiar with counterfeit luxury items? This is the ultimate first designer handbag buy. There are plenty of high street bags that look identical to designers, including Balenciagas Le Cagole and Pradas Re-Edition nylon bag, that could scratch that itch at a more affordable price. Additionally, the bag comes in many different seasonal colors, but the quantity of those bags is limited. Of course, youre able to find pieces that might be under $1000, but the smaller sizes didnt fit my needs. For reference, I have the Strathberry Nano tote its so cute and small, I love it. Savvy handbag collectors and investors like to snap up the most coveted styles before the FashionHouses hike up their prices March, knowing that it will increase in value post purchase. READ MORE: The Only Designer Bags You Need to Know About. } I wrote this article to hopefully help out those who are taking their first steps into the luxury designer fashion world. If you have a budget over $3,000 you certainly have the most options. Another incredible Celine Bag that is worth looking at is the Celine Luggage bag, this structured bag is also another favorite, Shop Celine Belt Bags / Shop Celine Luggage Bags, No list would be complete without a Saint Laurent LouLou bag. /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */. For your first bag, I would recommend a black bag (either in the BB or PM size) with gold hardware. I can see both sides. People have different motivations for buying luxury handbags. Some brands are far more sought after than others, making their handbags a better investment to make long-term. Additionally, buyers can also feel hesitant about choosing secondhand pieces because of the authenticity question. A study conducted by LG shows that aside from the quality of the products, 46% of people who buy luxury items do so because they feel superior by doing so. Facebook|Twitter|TikTok|Instagram|Pinterest|YouTube, You Might Also Like THE LUXURY SPA THATS CHARLOTTES BEST SECRETand HOW I MAKE MONEY AS AN INFLUENCER. Whatever your reason, the bag you choose should reflect it. It honestly just makes the most sense to me financially. In addition to black, the Cleo comes in several different colors, including white, silver, aqua, cornflower blue, desert beige, and alabaster pink. If youre looking for a designer handbag as a financial investment, look no further than the infamous Birkin bag. Because of its vintage 90s feel and alsobecause it was so frequently sold out during COVID., Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Speedy 30 Bag, 381, The Luxury Closet buy now. This bag is sleek, chic, and elegant. Your first luxury designer bag will be with you hopefully for the long haul. } Resale sites are known to have up to 20%-70% off the original price of 1000s of styles. The puffer-style look of the bag might not be for everyone, but this bag can easily transition from day to night. First introduced in 1955 by Coco Chanel herself, this was the first bag of its kind to come with ashoulder strap for women suggesting freedom and practicality, she says. }. position: absolute; The most popular Louis Vuitton Neverfull Size is the MM, however if you are unsure what size would fit you best, then I recommend checking out this LV Size Guide article I wrote about the different sizes. Its important to make sure the bag is perfect before ever leaving the store. Once you determine your budget, then you can really figure out based upon that budget what brands fall into that category. margin-left: 0; You might finally get your hands on the bag of your dreams and realize its not exactly what youre looking for (or the condition you were promised). Other popular brands to check out that fall into this 1-3k budget category are Gucci bags, Many Prada pieces, as well as Loewe Bags. The most important thing to look for when you are buying a designer handbag is quality. If your budget is over 3k, then I definitely recommend a Classic Chanel Bag in Caviar, this bag is so effortlessly chic and timeless. #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { Ultimately, I chose the Saint Laurent LouLou as my first high-end designer bag because Im a sucker for a crossbody. The bag comes in three sizes, BB, PM, and MM. } This bag is named after a heroine in Greek mythology, and its design reflects Givenchys duality in its strong, architectural shape and contrasting soft leather finish. With one of the most recognizable brand logos in the world, Louis Vuitton is a titan in the fashion industry. Buying your designer bag new will also be able to provide better options down the road if you choose to resell. left: 90% !important; Its that simple. It'll be easier to accessorize with your outfits. } By subscribing you are agreeing to our privacy policy. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram), I may make a commission from it. So, can you use this dream bag every day? I hope this was helpful as you start your search! float: left; What to look for when buying a designer bag? You might even want to pass down your bag as a family heirloom. The LV Pochette is the latest style to soar in popularity. Great customer service, authentication practices, and lots of styles to choose from! } READ MORE: These Bags Were Everywhere at Fashion Week. Charlotte Staerck, CEO & Co-Founder of The Handbag Clinic, explains: There has never been a better time to invest in luxury handbags. GoodTomiCha is a part of several affiliate advertising programs. Because of their often-appreciating value, luxury handbags are one of the most sought-after items to buy and sell on the preowned market. Well never tell you to blend in. Learn more about my privacy policy here. How long have they been in business? Well, you'll want a good "investment piece.". margin: 0 auto; Moods. While I might love Pradas brushed leather Cleo bag now, is a classic Chanel a better investment to make? My favorite places to buy designer handbags are The RealReal, Rebag and recently I just discovered Luxury Garage Sale that I love. They might be more expensive, but at least theyre available! Subscribe to stay up to date and stay notified about exclusive offers and fashion tips. I absolutely recommend adding the Lady Dior bag as your first designer bag! padding: 4px 10px !important; Oftentimes these bags run upwards of thousands of dollars. Recap on how to choose your first designer bag. Given Chanel recently announced it will ration sales on its most popular styles, we anticipate record demand forthese styles this year and that will greatly increase their value on the preowned market. Whether youre a luxury label lover or have been aiming to tick it off your bucket list for some time, you might be wondering if buying a designer handbag is really an investment worth making. For example, Telfar bags are known for their low costs and constantly fly off the shelves. When you consider that a 5% yield is deemed well above average for property investors in the UK, investment grade handbags really are topping the bill right now. width: 50%; I love small bags being popular, because that means a bag that Gucci carries is on the list for first designer bags under $1,000. } */ These bags are not cheap. Generally speaking, a healthy budget for high-end handbags is anywhere from $2K-$6K. AND it still came with a box and dust bag! Another recommended Moynat bag to consider for your first luxury designer bag is the Rjane. At Wear Next, we encourage everyone to stay true to their personal style and style choices. Which designer brands should I invest in? Share in the comments below! If you found this article, then Congrats on buying your first designer bag. width: 50%; The signature Cs can be found on their most popular options (and the best bang for your buck) the classic flap and the boy bag. I saved $800 on my Dior Saddle by purchasing it on Fashionphile in Excellent condition. ` This bag comes in small, medium, and large. You can learn more about the brands that have been linked to Amazon deforestation, what it means and what we can do here. I was previously gifted the Tory Burch Fleming in black and figured itd be a great addition. But I digress. Ill send you a Free mini series that will help you find the perfect handbag! Since we opened the doors to our Kings Road store in 2015, weve seen a dramatic shift in the marketplace with cult and vintage preloved handbags fetching higher prices than ever. Gucci Jackie in GG Supreme Canvas and Pink Leather. Thank you for making GoodTomiCha possible! Youll Love These Affordable Alternatives, Boots 10 Tuesday: Todays Deals You Wont Want To Miss, 8 Key Trends For Autumn Winter 2022 You Need to Know About Now. Why purchase it if you wont actually use it?! } When it comes to buying your first luxury handbag, the main thing is figuring out your budget and stick to that price point. France's First Lady, Bernadette Chirac, gifted the bag to Princess Diana when she visited the Czanne exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. So its important to invest in a designer bag that fits your current lifestyle. Its smooth leather finish looks so luxurious. But thats not the case for every brand or bag. Money. The bag also comes in black if you want something a bit edgier. } It was made in 1930 and is still extremely popular today, no doubt fuelled by the fact it is a luxury product but still with an accessible price point, Charlotte adds. Priced at a little under $200, this is the perfect first designer handbag to start your collection. This bag is so effortless and will help elevate even the simplest of outfits. Shockingly, the average person isnt able to purchase $12,000 on a purse or get their hands on the iconic celebrity favorite. If you have your eyes set on a specific luxury designer bag, by no means am I telling you not to buy that bag. There are 3 bags that I recommend if you fall within this category. margin-bottom: 47px !important; And Im very happy with my decision! But it can definitely be more or less than that. These are just a few bags to consider when buying your first luxury designer bag. I recommend picking up a Strathberry bag before they go too mainstream and raise their prices. The value of the handbag market is increasing at an even faster rate than many other assets, so you can feel confident you could make your money back and then some if you choose to re-sell your handbag later down the line. } display: block !important; Looking for a roomier handbag? A hassle-free return is always best when dealing with a pricey purchase. margin-left: 0; .wp-block-image .alignleft { } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */. She says, Similar to Chanel, Louis Vuitton also increase the price of their most coveted bags annually and this has a knock-on effect for the resale market. And don't be fooled by the BB's small size. Chanel Classic Maxi, 5,395, The Handbag Clinic buy now, Chanel Pre-Owned 1992 medium Double Flap shoulder bag, 6,919, Farfetch Pre-Owned buy now. Then theres the decision about which bag you should buy. A Cleo in black, white, and desert beige will be easy to accessorize with any outfit. Sounds like a win-win-win in my book! Should you buy your first designer handbag secondhand? I remember being SHOCKED at handbag prices when I initially started my search a couple of years ago. Why pay the premium when its unnecessary? Nevertheless (slight pun intended) consumers always vouch for the durability of the bag. I can distinctly remember the first designer handbag I added to my collection. } This is the ultimate Parisian IT bag, and has gain popularity through the years. This bag is rather pricey, and you'll probably be better off getting one preloved. In short, my favorite designer handbags if your budget is under 1k are the following: Strathberry, Alexander McQueen, Longchamp, and one Gucci Bag! The bag can actually hold quite a bit. Luxury items should be spent with disposable income because theyre nowhere close to being necessities. Mostly because I saw these teenagers carrying around Gucci bags like they were nothing?! For real. When buying this bag, you might want to consider sticking to solid neutral colors. #gallery-2 img { margin-top: -37px !important; First on my list is the Celine Belt Bag. Needs. A Lot of times they will have more in the back so you can ask for another one if the current one isnt perfect. Ultimately, you can disregard everything written here. It is my favorite bag to take with me when I travel. [data-ref="vm-preloader"] { Some places, such a Louis Vuitton, even offer you champagne! Its all about what youre comfortable with! But how do you know if a bag is a good "investment piece." In the over $3000 budget there are many brands I tend to recommend. Would buying a piece of expensive jewellery make more financial sense? Its only ever been tweaked in terms of its design which is why it holds its value so well demand has never faltered and the longevity of the style is reflected in its resale value., Chanel Pre-Owned 1997 Grand Shopping tote bag, 3,946, Farfetch Pre-Owned buy now, Chanel Grand leather shopping tote, 1,400, Vestiaire Collective buy now. font-size: 12px; .elementor-sub-item { text-align: center; border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; This bag is great for a casual outing, but it is also suitable for an elegant affair such as a wedding. Its a classic body style by the brand so I knew it would have great resale value over time! And finally, buying your bag pre-loved is the greener option of the 2. margin: auto; You can look at how long the bag has been around. Because lets be real, shall we? Perhaps the most obvious perk? I absolutely adore this bag and would make for a great first designer handbag. Often times you will find great deals on handbags that havent been worn at all or only barely used. Look no further than Chanels Grand Shopping Tote. It can be a bit confusing if youre not familiar with what to look out for. It wasn't until 1961 that this bag was renamed after being frequently spotted on Jacqueline Onassis, wife of the late John F. Kennedy. Celine Belt Bag / Celine Luggage Bag, the YSL Lou Lou Bag, or the LV Neverfull Bag. Frankly I find the whole thing so confusing, Ive always opted out but it turns out I might be missing a trick. copyright wear-next.com all rights reserved. Id love to hear from you, what was your first designer handbag? } Heres everything you need to know about buying a designer handbag from which make the best purchases, to where to buy them. This bag comes in many different colors, but the bag is beautiful in black. margin: 0 auto !important; text-align: center; This bag can also easily elevate a casual outfit. The shiny calfskin of the bag will develop a nice patina, and the leather will age beautifully as the years go by. Ultimately, I chose the Christian Dior Saddle Bag and the Saint Laurent Small LouLou (more on the why later). padding: 0 !important; .wp-block-columns { There's a saying that every girl should have a Chanel bag. The Lady Dior was made famous when Princess Diana carried the bag. #gallery-2 .gallery-caption { 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. The Holy Trinity (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Herms) are the best examples of strong resale value and financial returns. You can find the bag in nano, BB, PM, or MM sizes. } The last thing you want to do is get home and realize the stitching is off. display: block !important; Just a little disclaimer here. The LongChamp Nylon Bag is such an easy bag to style and wear. margin: 0 !important; .wp-block-embed iframe { Regardless of what your budget is, I always stress the importance of inspecting the bag to make sure its up to the high quality standards it should be. Take a look at their reviews and social media accounts to see how their clients interact with their content and share their experiences. #gallery-1 { } I am a working professional who loves fashion and writing about fashion. This style fetches between 575 and 645 on the preowned market for a 30 (excluding the Bandoulerie)., We will never share your email address. Well, most people understand that buying a designer luxury bag is not for the faint of heart. While Ive only personally dealt with Fashionphile, Ive heard great things from all of the sites below. .wp-block-embed { I know. Are you looking for a handbag that will elevate your 9 to 5 style? background: #00000019; The Nylon material makes it so easy to clean if it ever gets dirty. Needless to say, if you have one of these cult classic styles languishing in your attic there has neverbeen a better time to cash it in.. Among the respondents, 47% said that the act of buying luxury goods is better than going on a holiday or trip. Although the Loulou is not as classic or timeless as the other bags in this list, its chicness makes it a bag that could be seen years from now. Not only do they look great, but your decision to invest could prove to be incredibly smart later down the line. Colors. This bag comes in many different colors, styles, and prints. Plus, I loved how unique the style was as I rarely indulge in shoulder bags. The bag regularly comes in black or taupe with either palladium or gold hardware. This is such a timeless piece that is the epitome of a Parisian Chic handbag. The Herms Kelly bag (made famous by the late actress Grace Kelly) has been around since the 1930s and is still highly sought after in this day and age. Many fashion bloggers will share that designer handbags can be a great investment- which they can be! Trendy pieces that could be hundreds of dollars on a retail site can be sold out and overpriced on exchange sites past their value. Now What? A recent study has revealed that many fashion houses are linked to the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Looking for something timeless, classic, and chic? The bag is made of very durable leather, and it is scratch-resistant. I still love this bag to this day, and I definitely recommend adding it as your first designer handbag. Charlotte explains, These are some of the most expensive bags in the world, with a resale value of anywhere between 5,000 to 300,000. This is a great bag to take to a cafe or a fancy dinner. In the next couple of months, we could be looking at close to 6,000 for a Chanel Classic which would have cost 3,500 when I began doing this many years ago. With all things considered, it will boil down to personal reasons. To put it into further context, the FTSE and gold, which were until now regarded as a safe haven for wealth, both increased by 39% in the last decade, whilst Birkin bags grew in value by 108% within the same period and 500% in the last 35 years. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, First Designer Bag if your budget is under $1,000, First Designer handbag if your budget is between $1k-3k, First designer handbag if your budget is $3k +. } With an annual return of 14.2%, it consistently outpaces both the S&P 500 and the price of gold. } } figcaption { While it may be a simple decision for many, it can be tricky for some (like me!) In fact, when I started writing this article, I ended up splitting it into two articles because I found 10 incredible designer handbags under 1k. /* end */ The LouLou bag comes in different sizes but I adore the smaller size (Yves Saint-Laurent bag). An "investment piece" is something that you can continue to use five or ten or even twenty years down the line. Each bag is made by one artisan and takes twenty hours to complete the bag. I also loved their price alert feature where I could follow a few pieces I had my eye on and see when theyd drop in price or go on sale before purchasing. border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; Wear Next may receive a small commission if you click a link from one ofour articles onto a retail website and make a purchase. I love investing in classic pieces that are not only a good investment, meaning you can resell them for at least 80% of what you paid for, but also handbags that will last for years to come. They areseen as collectors items and, in the face of economic uncertainty, a sound investment that can bepassed down through generations., READ MORE: 5 Ways to Care For, Clean and Restore Your Designer Handbags. In short, if your budget is over $3,000 for your first designer bag, I recommend a Classic Chanel Bag in Caviar, a Hermes Birkin bag or Hermes Kelly bag, or a Lady Dior bag. color: #999; I totally understand that fear, which is why I do endless amounts of research to ensure I recommend bags that are considered timeless, will stay in style for years and are high quality bags. Hermes Birkin leather bag, 9,500, Vestiaire Collective buy now, Hermes Kelly 32cm leather handbag, 13,499, Vestiaire Collective buy now. We respect your privacy. padding: 20px 20px 20px 0; It stands out with the gold hardware and Im already eyeing a few additional straps for more versatility. The second bag I would recommend is the Lady Dior. If you have a slightly smaller budget, opt for the LV Speedy. As mentioned earlier, the Chanel Classic Flap bag has been around for ages. According to WhoWhatWear, between 2003 and 2021, a Chanel Medium Classic Flap price increased by 500%, whereas gold increased by 400%. There comes a time in every fashionistas life when youre ready to make the vision board a reality. However, the Cleo in cornflower blue or alabaster pink is great if you want color. This bag is the ultimate boss bag in black leather. If youve got a lot of money to invest, a Hermes is a good way to go. You can't go wrong with that combination. The Cleo is a newer bag, but it takes inspiration from a popular Prada shape from the 1990s. The tan bag is great if you want to go for a more casual and relaxed look. If you are buying the handbag in the store, then I highly recommend looking the stitching, does it line up, does the open and, does the zipper unzip and zip easily? (I absolutely LOVE my Marc Jacobs tote for travel and its under $400!) Louis Vuitton Alma in Damier Ebene BB size. How to Choose your First Designer Bag 2022. The last thing you want is to not be able to use your first luxury purchase because it doesnt meet your needs! Its easy to get excited, try on the bag, walk around the store with it, but whatever you do, NEVER buy a designer bag with inspecting it first. Use a reputable company over online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook groups to avoid scams. Its *not* that deep. figcaption a.rank-math-link { These are all essential things to inspect when youre looking at a bag. Hermes is the upper echelon of designer bags. color: black !important; Just to say you bought it new? However, Moynat has been around longer than Louis Vuitton and is known for its impeccable leather craftsmanship. The Celine Triomphe is a relaxed and carefree bag for those who want an elegant bag that goes great with a pair of jeans or a sundress. margin-top: 10px; Among the designer brands named were Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Ralph Lauren. Hence, why its important to research the true price of the item youre interested in before purchasing. You'll want something that will survive the trends and won't become outdated when the new fashion season rolls around. Many designer handbags fall into the budget of 1-3k. #gallery-2 { It also comes with a shoulder strap so you can keep your hands free. Today we will discuss what your first best designer bags be depending on your budget, what to look for when buying a designer handbag, and should you buy your first designer bag secondhand? I highly recommend the Strathberry Tote Bag as your first designer handbag. I remember asking my parents for a small Coach bag in high school and they actually cackled at me.