There are a few categories I like to invest in, but the biggest one… is handbags! Investing in a high-end designer bag is really exciting. There’s nothing like getting your first designer bag. A gorgeous, high-quality handbag is a smart investment. It’s the only piece you’ll ever buy that you can resell for something close to what you paid for it. Plus, it’s a piece you carry almost every day, so it makes sense to have a nicer one.
BUT, I don’t ever pay full price for a designer handbag. I plan what bag I want to buy, save up, and then have a few tricks up my sleeve to avoid paying full price! Here’s how and where I shop for the best designer handbags…
While you’re shopping, make sure you browse for the three must-have basic bags every woman should own!
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Tip #1 | Consignment Stores
When I lived in NYC, I loved going to consignment stores. You have to have time and patience to look, know what you’re looking for, and be smart about what to look for. The beauty of an online consignment store is that it’s much easier to shop!
You can get gently used, authenticated, high-end bags for much less than retail from these online consignment stores. One of my favorites is eBay. I’ve probably purchased the most from eBay and I love that they authenticate luxury handbags now! Another favorite is The RealReal. I’ve had wonderful experiences shopping on this site and it’s where I bought my Celine belt bag! Another favorite is Vestiaire Collective. I just found LuxeDH…it’s a beautiful website and seems easy to use. It looks like they have a lot of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci! Some other popular sites I have not tried are Fashionphile, Rebag, and Luxury Garage Sale.
Tip #2 | Rent It!
If you really want to buy a designer handbag but want to be certain you will LOVE it…. you can always RENT it! Three sites I’d recommend for renting: Bag Borrow or Steal, Rent The Runway, and Switch (for jewelry). Rent it first, then use consignment stores and flash sale websites to get it at a discounted price when you’re ready!
Tip #3 | Flash Sale Websites
Flash sale websites offer sales on a specific brand, with specific items, for a specific amount of time. They’re usually only up for around three days but you can get up to 75% off! My favorite flash sale website is Rue La La. I’ve bought a lot from Rue La La, but my Prada belt bag has been my biggest steal! Other great sites are Hautelook and Gilt. For UK readers, I came across a flash sale website called Secret Sales that looks like a nice resource.
What questions do you have about designer handbags? Ask away in the comments below!
In case you’ve missed it, I’m designing a handbag! I’m SO excited about this project and it’s been really fun to bring you all along for the design process. You can find more information about the bag and the design process here and here.
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Thank you for stopping by!
Photos by: Aurelie Slegers
Hi Erin, love your chanNel. I am on the lookout for the new handbag you are designing. How far are you with actually selling it. I want one and have been waiting for it. Can’t wait to see it. Please give me some info or where to keep watcHing for it. Love you !
Your loyal faN,
Gigi
Hey Gigi! Yes, I know I am overdue to give you all an update. Got the first samples last week. We will submit suggested revisions and hopefully get second samples just after new year. Thinking we will start preorder in late Jan. Early Feb. and ship in March. But, I’m really not in 100% control of timeline. I DO think, this timeline is realistic. Erin xo