Last Updated February 2022 by Crystallace

Hey Girl!

So  you’re finally ready to buy your first designer handbag. You may be overwhelmed with lots of emotions, excitement, intimidation, and indecisiveness. Sounds pretty serious right? lol, but it’s all common and I know the feeling. You’re finally treating yourself to the ultimate accessory. I have been down this path of emotions, so I wanted to write this blog post to help you on your journey.

Be sure to Pin 📌 this for later!

8 Tips for Buying Your First Designer Handbag

1. Consider classic over trendy

Classic designer handbags are classic for a reason. Typically, they never go out of style, can be worn with a ton of looks, and hold their value. Examples of these types of bags are the Louis Vuitton Speedy, Gucci Dionysus, and Chanel flap bag.

Before you start shopping for your first designer handbag, browse the classic bags and see if there is anything you like. For your first purchase you definitely want to get a bag that you’re going to wear and that’s going to stand the test of time. A forever bag.

I wrote a blog post on the Top 10 Classic Louis Vuitton Handbags & Purses you should check it out or Pin 📌 it for later!

2. Go for a neutral print or color

We all have a favorite color, mine is purple. Although, I don’t have a purple handbag yet, one thing I love about designer bags is the rich, attention-grabbing color that you get. My Prada flap bag is like that. It is navy blue and it grabbed my attention when I first saw it in the store. When I wear it, the first thing people say is “that color looks so rich.”

But, colors can be seasonal. This first round, try to lean towards a classic print or a nude color. This way you will be able to get as much wear as you can out of your bag.

****update**** I got a purple bag! You can check out my handbag collection in this video.

3. Pick a style that you already love

It’s no secret that I show favoritism to crossbody bags. Crossbody bags are absolutely my favorite style of handbags. I love the versatility and security that they offer. When I am shopping for bags, if it can be a crossbody, it gets extra points with me.

What’s your favorite bag style? Is it tote? Bucket? Satchel? Consider this when you purchase your first designer handbag.

4. Set a price cap

Set a maximum price that you are willing to pay for your bag, make sure that includes taxes, and make that your absolute price cap.

This is important because bag pricing can vary based on color and materials, even if it’s the same style. That’s why doing your research is so important.

Also, sales people will often try to convince you to spend more money while you’re in store. So have your mind set on what you’re going to purchase and how much you’re going to spend.

5. Evaluate the Pros and Cons of New vs. Preloved

This topic is enough to make another blog post about. Maybe I will soon. Let me know if I should in the comments.

***update**** I wrote a blog post about what you need to know before buying a used bag.

Buying luxury from luxury boutiques is definitely an experience. Depending on which location you’re at and how busy the store is, you may see a celebrity, sip champagne, or try on some fashion runway pieces. Then there is the excitement you get from unboxing your purchase at home. Your gift to yourself. I feel like every girl should have this experience, at least once. But, this is part of what you pay for in the price.

If you’re more frugal with your purchases and everything that I just wrote doesn’t matter to you, then don’t rule out used bags, they can give you a lot more options within your price range. I love preloved bags. I have unboxed them all over my YouTube Channel.

6. Know where to buy

I am a true bargain shopper. I buy bags in store, online, auctions, resale shops, you name it. Some of my go-to preloved palaces are: Fashionphile, Poshmark, and Tradesy.

Also, go to the boutiques. Look around, sip the champagne, try on the bags, and ask questions. This will help you get familiar with the authentic bag and get a feel for if you really love it or not.

Afterwards, you can better make the decision to if you prefer to buy it used or new.

7. Research the brands

Before you purchase your first designer handbag, research your brands. Look at their price ranges and care policies. Do they ever have sales? How often do they change the colors of their handbags? How often do they raise prices?

Luxury boutiques often have strict return policies, so the last thing you want to do is buy a bag a couple of weeks before they have a sale.

Louis Vuitton never goes on sale.

Saks, Nordstroms, Bergdorf, and Neimans often have designer bags on sale.

YSL, Fendi, and Burberry have sales at least once a year.

8. Know the material of the bag

Know the material of what you’re purchasing so that you can have expectations for the lifespan of the bag. Not all designer bags are leather.

A lot of people are surprised to know that the Louis Vuitton Monogram print is not leather but PVC or what some call canvas. I have seen horror pics of LV print actual fading or melting off bags in the heat.

Additionally, some leathers are more delicate like the Chanel lambskin and some leathers are more durable like the Prada Saffiano. This is important when it comes to how often you are wearing your bag, what you’re putting in it, and how to care for it.

I hope you found these these 8 Tips for Buying Your First Designer Handbag helpful.

Have fun shopping for your new baby! What bag are you thinking about buying soon? Let me know in the comments.

BTW, are you following me on socials? Let’s keep in touch! I’m on Pinterest, IG, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok