Over the years I have been the owner of lots and lots of different styles of handbags. I scour YouTube for handbag videos (my favourite content creator in this niche is Chase Amie - it's been lovely to see her channel grow over the past year or so) and drool over the top-end, designer bags, wondering if I could ever be lucky enough to own something considered an 'investment bag'. I mean, there's even a Burberry bag called 'Nickie' - if it was available in the UK, I'd be all over that!!
Fast forward to now and it's a bag that has never left my side. It is so much more practical than I ever thought it would be because it is super roomy and is most definitely an every day bag. I was overly careful with it to start off with but now I realise that the quality of leather will handle a little bit of bashing around and each day it gains more character. It can carry everything I need on a day-to-day basis and it's trained me not to haul too many unnecessary items around. I don't see myself changing it any time soon.
I wish that I had been in a position to buy more than one at the time so that I could occasionally have a colour change. This bag style has now been discontinued by Fossil and the good quality, pre-loved ones don't come up too often. What I have heard on the grapevine is that Mia Tui (another great handbag company) have a new launch later this year that is of a similar style to the Fossil Sydney Satchel. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that!
Anyway... over to Kate's fabulous advice.
You can find Kate and her Bagsposure updates here
Go and show her some lurve
WHY INVESTMENT BAGS ARE A GOOD THING
Investment bags come in two different guises - sought after bags you buy in the hope they will increase in value and bags you will use and love for years to come. Both can involve a serious outlay of cash but which camp you fall into depends on what you are looking to achieve from owning your bag.
If you're looking to make a tidy profit then choosing the right bag, looking after it and not using it are all paramount. But when some bags - like the iconic Hermès Birkin - are said to offer better returns than gold or stocks, there is some sense in investing. The trick is to buy a bag which is limited in numbers but enduring in appeal, like the Birkin or Hermès Kelly, a classic Chanel Flap or 2.55 bag, a Christian Dior Lady Dior or Louis Vuitton Sac Plat. These will all cost you hundreds, if not thousands, but could return a tidy sum if the demand remains on the same upward curve.
The other type of investment bags are the ones you lust after, save up for then reach for, use and love each day. They cost more than your run-of-the-mill high street handbags but the quality is made to last and they can even improve with age as the leather becomes softer and acquires a beautiful patina. Investing in a bag like this can be more cost effective than you think after your initial (often pricey purchase) if you think about it on a cost-per-wear basis. Fashion can still be so disposable but a quality bag - if you look after it, feed and clean the leather (I recommend with Collonil products) - can last years, if not a lifetime.
The important thing is to go for a bag you love in a style that works for you. Don't settle for second best and choose for a cheaper style that isn't quite right - chances are you will still long for your ideal bag and end up buying it anyway. I am a huge fan of the Mulberry Bayswater in classic colours but personally handheld bags don't work for me so I steer clear and instead go for styles with longer, crossbody straps. If you're looking for 10 tips of how to pick a designer bag you will love for life, I have a handy guide over on my blog with more info.
Handbags may appear to be a frivolous purchase, but if you choose wisely you could find a bag for life - or one that helps you to build a nice nest egg.