There are a lot of major milestones in a woman’s life. Moving away from home, her first job, adopting a pet, marriage, etc. One often overlooked milestone is the purchase of her first designer handbag.
A luxury purse is an investment. The perfect bag can be a big financial decision, but it is also an investment in you. Treat yourself, but it’s best not to be too impulsive when you do.
Take the time to research designer handbag options and where best to get them. As luxury purse experts, we wanted to help make this milestone less daunting and more celebratory. We’ve put together some essential questions to ask yourself as you work through the decision-making process and choose your very own first designer bag.
Why Do You Want a Designer Purse?
A designer bag can be a great first luxury purchase. Not only are they useful in your day-to-day life and look incredibly chic, but they are a great investment from a financial standpoint. Many economists find that luxury handbags have better returns and valuations than art, jewelry, classic cars, and fine whisky.
The resale market for authentic pre-owned designer bags is a booming industry, so even if you don’t love your bag after a few years, you’ll typically be able to trade it in and choose a new one that strikes your fancy.
Plus, if we’re being honest, walking into the office or brunch with the girls with a new bag on your arm can provide you with a whole new level of self-confidence. If you’re convinced that you’re ready for your first luxury handbag, the next question is how do you choose which bag is right for you?
Where Will You Carry Your Bag?
To decide which purse suits you best, you should ask yourself where you will be carrying your bag and what purpose you’ll want it to serve. Are you looking for a cute little clutch for nights on the town or a larger work bag you can bring into the office? Maybe you are in need of an everyday purse? Or do you want a weekend bag for jetting off on holidays?
These questions will help you narrow down what sort of handbag will best fit your needs and lifestyle. When and where you plan to carry your bag can help get the ball rolling on sorting through the different shapes and sizes available.
How Would You Describe Your Aesthetic?
Next up, consider your own personal style. Your first luxury purse should fit in with the rest of your aesthetic. If you love bold, colorful statement pieces, a more eclectic designer bag could be a great addition to your wardrobe. On the other hand, if you are a more minimalistic dresser who steers clear of intense colors, patterns, and cuts, a classic understated bag is probably a better choice. For those who dip in and out of different styles, a statement bag in either one bright color or a fun shape might give you the perfect accessory that won’t overwhelm your look but won’t fly under the radar either.
We know that this is a lot to consider. However, deciding what role your new investment will play in your wardrobe can help make the decision easier by filtering through the many options and ensuring you choose something you will love.
Does The Brand Matter?
There is no right or wrong way to answer this question. Deciding whether you prefer a specific name or label on the bag you buy can be another helpful way to narrow down your luxury bag search. If you don’t have particular loyalty to a brand you love, the options are much broader.
If you're looking for a specific brand, such as YSL, Louis Vuitton, or classic styles from Chanel or Hermes, you’ll have a better idea of where to start. From here you can weigh the options of buying new or considering gently used luxury bags.
What’s Your Budget?
Luxury designer handbags come in a wide range of prices. It’s important to consider your budget up front and stick to it when making your first purse investment. Keeping budget in mind can prevent you from looking in the wrong places or falling in love with a purse you can’t afford.
An easy way to find the most options within your price range is to buy second hand luxury bags. There are tons of pre-owned authentic designer handbags available for far less than the original retail prices. Not only would you be getting the most out of your hard-earned money, but shopping for pre-loved luxury bags is also a great move for the environment. Look great while feeling great about your purchase.
Choosing your first luxury purse is such an exciting occasion. However, from the style, price, brand, and retailer, there are a lot of decisions to make before you invest. At The Purse Ladies we can help with any questions you might have about selecting the perfect designer handbag for you.
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A luxury purse is a significant investment in yourself. Take the time to research designer handbag options and the best places to purchase them. In this infographic, discover essential questions to ask as you choose your very first designer bag.