Plenty of people make hobbies out of collecting things—train sets, rubber ducks, nesting dolls—if you can buy it, someone collects it. Not many people question these types of collectors. Those who collect more expensive items, such as designer handbags, tend to get a few more questions.
We think a woman's purse collection is special, so we put together this handy blog to take a look at the why behind the collection. From financial planning to fun outfits, there are plenty of reasons to start a collection of gorgeous bags. Let’s explore them.
Investment
Designer handbags stand the test of time. Their high-quality fabrication, luxury materials, and impeccable designs allow them to hold their value and fetch high prices. The nature of their very creation is what allows many designer pieces to be incredible investment opportunities. Certain vintage designer bags can grow in value, making purses a sound investment opportunity.
Some bags appreciate in value more than others. For example, the Hermes Birkin Bag, one of the most iconic pieces in luxury fashion, immediately soars in value when you leave the store. The exclusive nature of these bags makes them a better investment than gold.1
Beyond one of the most expensive and elusive pieces in handbag history, there are other things to look for when investing in a bag. If you want your bag to increase in value so that you can put it up for resale, look for rare or limited-release items. Exclusivity and rarity give handbags their value, and items that are only sold in a limited run or sell out frequently increase in value quickly.
If you are looking to get into collecting handbags as a way to invest your money, do so carefully. As with any investment opportunity, you do so at your own risk. Thankfully, if the value of your piece is not appreciated, you still have a stunning handbag in your closet that you can add the perfect touch to any outfit.
Achievement
For many women, purchasing a handbag orbits around a significant life milestone or a big achievement. Whether saved up for and purchased on your own or given as a gift, a luxury purse can physically represent hard work and determination. College graduation, the first “big girl” paycheck, a wedding, a baby, or a promotion can all be a cause for celebration and call for a treat in the form of a delicious new handbag.
If you want a celebratory gift, we recommend starting your search with luxury pre-owned designer handbags. The second-hand market is full of incredible and unique finds that can often be friendlier to your wallet while also being kinder to the planet.
Fashion
Is it a big deal to say that women collect handbags because they love to wear them? We think not. One of the more practical reasons women collect these luxury pieces is to be able to reach into their closet and know they have a handbag to match any outfit, function, or aesthetic.
Few things are more satisfying than putting together an outfit and knowing that you have the perfect purse to match. The only thing more satisfying is being able to do that almost every day.
Satisfaction
Many women love the thrill of the chase, especially when it comes to an incredible steal on the resale market. This applies particularly to vintage and second-hand connoisseurs. It can be a great deal of fun to scour resale sites, vintage stores, and thrift shops to find the perfect bag.
If you want to get into collecting handbags and start in the resale market, look for authentic pieces. Because luxury handbags can be very distinctive and expensive, they become a target for counterfeiters. This means that a great find might not be that great.
Thankfully, there are ways to ensure that your luxury steal doesn’t turn out to be someone stealing from you. Look for resellers with lifetime authentication guarantees, like The Purse Ladies.
Belonging
Purchasing a designer handbag puts you in a strata of its own. Many designer pieces have been in the arms of the world's most influential, fashionable, and powerful women. Royalty, celebrities, business women, and politicians all have links to some of the most iconic designer handbags in the world—handbags that you can wear, too. It can be empowering to know that you and your favorite icon have something in common.
Have you ever been walking down the street and seen a gorgeous woman in the same dress as you? Or perhaps you are wearing the same sunglasses, shoes, or handbag? There’s often a little nod, an unspoken acknowledgment that both of you are classy ladies with great style.
Many women find that the more handbags they have, the more they feel like they belong to this exclusive club of stylish gals. And, with the rise in availability of luxury pre-loved luxury bags, that club can include those women who are willing to hunt for a great steal.
Whatever your reason for collecting handbags, and whether you have been collecting for years or just getting started, we’re happy to have you. Here at The Purse Ladies, we try to share our love of handbags with as many women as possible, and we would love to share it with you, too.
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Infographic
Collectors of luxury items, like designer handbags, often spark curiosity. Every woman's purse collection is unique, with motivations ranging from savvy financial planning to accessorizing outfits flawlessly. Explore this infographic to uncover the inspirations behind building a stunning bag collection.
