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| Fendi Chameleon Duffle Satchel, $2,490, available at Saks.* |
Okay, so here's my fall/winter wardrobe plan: Shop my closet and invest in a fabulous handbag.
I've never been one to over-think my handbag purchases. As long as it didn't look cheap and met my stuff-hauling needs, I wasn't too picky about one bag over the other. Then last spring, on a whim, I spent a little more on a designer handbag than I usually do. Okay, a lot more.
But dear readers, this bag was noticed. Well-dressed strangers complimented me on my bag. I could be wearing jeans and a t-shirt and this handbag made me look like I had a summer home in the Hamptons. Store clerks were more eager to be at my service. My daughter Annie emailed me photos of celebrities with the same bag, writing "Look Mom, you're as cool as [famous fashionable persons]."
Considering I wore this same bag every day for over six months, I definitely got my money's worth out of it, and I'll probably pull it out of the closet again this spring. I love that bag and the way it made me feel.
What about you, dear readers? Has a handbag you owned ever made you feel like you just stepped into a higher income bracket? Or are you more of a shoe or jewelry person? Do tell...
*I did not spend anywhere near this amount for my handbag. C'mon, I have a kid in college!
24 comments:
I couldn't agree more. About two years ago I got a small bonus from work and decided on a whim to treat myself to a (second-hand!) designer handbag. I have used this bag literally every day this past two years and it makes everything I wear look more expensive, makes all my outfits look pulled-together, and moost of all it makes me feel good! People literally stop me in the street and tell me that my bag is awesome, people admire it silently on the tube and in the pub, and that's a great feeling! Totally worth every penny, in my opinion.
If you liked the bag, try a pair of designer sunglasses... you'll never look back :)
I agree also. Most of my bags are knockoffs but no one knows for sure. I get compliments on my bags constantly. I often change to match my outfit but I couldn't even imagine spending thousands on a bag. I'd rather spend my money on fabric!
I just make my own - but I do agree with the approach - handbags get noticed and if you love it (and love people complimenting you on it) you definitely get your money's worth out of it! :)
While I am pretty much a "make my own" when it comes to handbags, I do agree. A great bag can make all the difference in the total look. DD#1 travels a lot and one particular bag I made her has gotten, "where did get that? It's fabulous." in airports all over the world. I find that pretty amazing.
It makes sense to spend more money on the things you will wear/use a lot. The hand bag you chose as a picture is stunning. All that said, I've never owned a very expensive handbag. At the moment, I constantly carry around lightweight, large fabric tote bags that I make myself. They are practical for carrying around kid's stuff.
Since I no longer have children to support, I've been purchasing more expensive bags, shoes and jewelry. You know the things I couldn't afford but always wanted when my kids were younger. And you are right, people do look at and treat you differently when the quality of your accessories are higher.
Сarolyn is right :"people do look at and treat you differently when the quality of your accessories are higher"
I hate when this happens - people should notice ME, not my handbag or shoes! It is like YOU don't exist as a person - here goes $3,000 bag or $2,000 shoes.
Having what you couldn't afford is a nice feeling, though. Congratulations with the bag!
I have to agree with you on this. It you use the bag frequently, it pays for itself and is certainly worth it.
I couldn't agree more. Quality accessories in my opinion always make you look pulled together. My mother told me you invest in a good hand bag and good quality shoes. I've always done both.
As a confessed shoe and handbag-holic, I love quality over quantity. My mother taught me to hold out and rather buying many, purchase some of good quality that's nice. Worth the investment as you have learned. My birthday is coming up, and I will be buying a "Happy Birthday to Me" present and it will be a very nice bag.
They just seem to be more versatile and last longer.
I feel the same way! After ditching the diaper bag some years back...I started investing in a "nice" handbag. My winter purse is on the third season and I love it. I have gotten my $$ worth! It is continually noticed and the quality has held about great. This year I invested in a summer bag and the same. People stop me. and it dresses up even my yoga pants and tshirt...makes me somewhat presentable!
We have the cutesy purse and jewelry boutique in our small town, and I am on my 3rd bag from there. Well made, leather, and supporting local businesses are all good reasons. DH surprised me with the last one, and I think twice about my shoes, my hair, my jacket...
I like to buy from a small California company - nowhere near as expensive as that bag from Saks, but good quality, leather lining, and lots of colors from which to choose. I also like that there are no logos on the bags. The Saks bag is really cute, though. I can see why it caught your eye. What are you looking at for Fall/Winter? Do tell....
Expensive accessories are worth the investment, IMO, because they completely upgrade your wardrobe and last a very long time. Plus, if you get tired of them you can always resell or consign.
Three years ago my husband bought me a Cole Haan bag. He is the fashionista in the house. I have no idea where Cole Haan falls on the fashion scale. All I know is it was expensive which I thought was insane. It is beautiful and I use it all the time. BUT! It started falling apart and wearing out in the first year and the Cole Haan store would not repair or replace it. I took it to a shoe repair shop and they fixed it for $12.00. I think I'll keep shopping at Target! ;)
I agree! The right bag or shoes or accessory can really transform "clothes" into an "outfit".
I've never owned a designer handbag - other than Oroton - doesn't rate does it. But shoes, give me one pair of Repettos over 5 cheaper pairs.
I bought my first "real" handbag this year after deciding that a 10 year lawyer can't keep showing up to things with a $12 plastic purse from Ross. It is not designer nor that expensive for a handbag ($100ish), but it really does make a difference in how I feel I'm presenting myself. LOVE the bag at the top of the post!
I'm usually a sucker for a great shoe...but I do enjoy a good handbag and people really do notice, but a fellow shoebee will notice a great shoe too.
Brenda, my Cole Haan bag has also disappointed me. The leather has worn off all four corners. Wouldn't buy another Cole Haan unless I could tell that the leather was sturdier.
That's an awesome bag! I ditched my plastic $20 tote I got at Border's a few weeks ago for something that was a lot fancier, and the guy who sits next to me at work said "finally you replaced that ratty old thing!" I find that it pulls together my whole look, even if I'm just wearing Converse and jeans and a t-shirt on Fridays.
I now spend more on bags than any other accessory. Not often, and not too much. But, enough that people now notice my bag. I wouldn't go back to a non-leather purchase again. It's just too much of a difference.
I purchased a Coach black leather tote at an auction last winter for WAY less than the price on the tag - couldn't pass it up! I had never even considered a purse like this once finding out the price. I have to say I've loved it! I will, in the future, shop the outlet stores for future purchases (or hope someone auctions off a purse again!), but I have definitely become a purse snob. ;^)
I bought a Michael Kors bag and even though it only cost 250.00 I felt like it cost much more. Besides it was really a great looking bag.
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