Handbags 101

I can’t pinpoint the moment in time when I became incredibly infatuated with handbags. All I know is that it happened at some point during high school and I’ve never looked back. I’m a handbag gal through and through.

I spent several years working at Coach while in college (and no I never had much of a paycheck to take home. 😉 But in all seriousness, I spent those years soaking up a lot of valuable knowledge that has served me well when I look at investing in new handbags. Other knowledge I’ve just gathered over time as my love for bags has grown stronger.

A while back I addressed my recommendations for investment pieces and I promised a post that would talk more about advice I have for purchasing high-quality/designer bags. So I’m sharing the top three things I consider as I look for a new handbag.

1.) Resale Value

I’m a big Poshmark user. (Not familiar? Click here!) I use it to buy and sell a variety of things in my closet. But I’ve also used it as a way to do some research on the bags that are reselling well. Is the bag I’m considering being re-sold like crazy? If it is: that sends me a red flag about quality and satisfaction if people aren’t hanging on to it. Also: what price is it being resold for? Is it holding its value?

I truly look at my handbag purchases as investments. I don’t keep all of my bags forever. In fact, I often rotate them out; selling the ones I’ve grown tired of just to turn around and use the money I make on that sale to purchase my next bag. I recommend taking a look at how well the bag your looking at will sell once you’re ready to move on.

2.) Leather leather leather

This one is not rocket science but it’s important to lift up. If I’m going to spend money on a handbag, it’s going to be leather. Does it tend to be more expensive? Yep. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It will last you longer. It will stay cleaner. And it’s so much more durable. (*cough* children *cough*) It’s also important for resale. By the time you are ready to part with a cloth handbag, it’s likely to be showing wear. While a leather bag will show its wear over time as well, it’s not going to be as noticeable if you’re conscious about taking care of it.

In that same regard: take care of the leather. Leather cleaner/conditioner is a must (as long as it’s safe to use on that particular type of leather). Keep the care card that comes with your bag so you are familiar with how to care for it.

3.) Styles of Necessity

I tend to lean toward the same style over and over again. I have to consciously keep myself from buying the same (or very similar) bag in every color. While there’s nothing wrong with consistency and acknowledging there’s a style you appreciate, there’s also something to be said about purchasing a couple of different styles that can take you through a wide variety of scenarios.

The four styles I have on hand at all times: a crossbody, a satchel, a clutch and a shoulder bag or tote/carryall. I tend to gravitate toward satchels because of the design and structure. But I actually get the most use out of my crossbody bags as well as the shoulder bag/tote.

The crossbody is an absolute must for moms or any lady who likes to be hands-free. They’re also key for traveling. I never travel without one.

The shoulder bag/tote/carryall is amazing for gals on the go. Throw things in and you’re set. The best kind: ones that fit just about anything. We’re talking laptops, notebooks… the works. And the clutch is a must-have for a girls’ night out, weddings or other ‘events.’

It wouldn’t be a complete post without sharing my current favorites of each! Below are some of the bags I personally own as well as a few others that I’m loving in each of the styles I mentioned.

Do you have further handbag shopping tips?! Share them with me in the comments below!