Guide to Buying your First Luxury Handbag | Five Points to Remember Before your Big Splurge

Hey lovelies!

I did an outfit post sometime back featuring my Gucci tote and I received a lot of queries about the quality of the bag, where to find an authentic luxury bag and more - that made me write this blog post which can be your quick refer-to guide before you make you big splurge.

Planning your first luxury purchase could be an unnerving experience, especially if you have dreamt about it since long and you have decided to use a major chunk of your savings. While you may have set your heart on a particular bag already and are looking forward to buy it soon, there are a few things that may help you make a smart decision as this bag could easily become one of the key pieces in your wardrobe.

• Set a Realistic Budget

You may have seen a lot of designer handbags on your Instagram feed and being flaunted by your favourite celebrities, and would be thinking that you would have to shell thousands of dollars for that it-bag. But, you don't necessarily have to spend a bomb, especially for your first bag.

I had first planned to buy a luxury bag a couple of years back but I knew it will take up my entire salary for three months - so I ended up deciding it wasn't a wise decision. An year later, when I was consistently earning well from my blog and my corporate job - I decided to set aside my earnings for my IT-bag. However, I still didn't want to go overboard with the budget, so after a lot of planning and research online, I decided to spend roughly 1600 dollars for a mid-size bag that will be perfect for work to play and was also realistic considering my earnings.

That's why I suggest that you go for a realistic budget that will be easily manageable considering your earnings, without making you compromise on your lifestyle and general expenditure. You shouldn't be maxing our your credit limit or savings just to buy the IT-bag of the season - as you may end up regretting rather than enjoying your new luxury bag.

• Get to know the Styles

Once I started exploring bags that I wanted to purchase, I was pleasantly surprised to see that even a particular style from a designer label comes in various sizes, colours, patterns etc.

I had decided to buy the iconic bag from Louis Vuitton - Speedy - which came in four sizes - 25, 30, 35 and 40 and in different materials - Damier Azur canvas, Monogram canvas and Damier Ebene canvas. After visiting the Louis Vuitton boutique at DLF Emporio and checking out all the styles - I had fallen in love with the Speedy 30 in Damier Ebene that looked versatile and smart.

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

However, before visiting the boutique I had done little research online about the styles that I preferred so that I don't get overwhelmed seeing the endless options in the store that could confuse me more.

I would recommend checking out The PurseBlog which has a lot of information on different handbags from popular luxury labels like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel and more. You can go through the various options available, make a list of a few styles that you would want to check out personally based on your requirements like - usage, occasion, color etc.

• Compare the Price & Functionality

Now, this is a key point to consider, especially if it's going to be your first luxury handbag and you would be looking forward to use a lot often. While there are many trendy options that come every season, the classics are better priced, never go out of style and are more suitable for all lifestyles.

Therefore, while a trending Dior saddle bag might look really Instagram-worthy at the moment, in the long run it might not prove to be really functional or versatile as compared to its hefty price. 

I would suggest that you check out styles that are not only easy-to-style, but are also more functional with options like a detachable sling, separate compartments for mobile or tablet, zippers etc. that would help you make most of your handbag.

Gucci Pebbled leather bag

Like for my first bag, I really wanted a mid-size bag that is roomy enough for my every day essentials - but also I don't have to think a lot about pairing it with any outfit. But for my second bag, which is a Gucci pebbled leather tote - I experimented a little with the color and went ahead for a bigger size as I really wanted a bag that can fit my laptop easily, especially for work meetings and shoot days when I have to carry a lot many things with me.

• Go to the authorised Brand Boutique

This is a really important point to consider, especially since this bag is going to be your big investment. A lot of people ask me about the authenticity of the deals available online on various websites that claim to source directly from the designer labels and sell at unbelievable prices.
I only say one thing to them - why would a designer label, which apparently never goes on Sale - would offer their goods at one-third of their original price?

Yes, many labels like Michael Kors and COACH have end of season sales on their merchandise, but luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Prada almost never go on sale. And if someone is claiming to have their products on Sale, I would suggest that you ask for the authenticity card or check directly by calling at the Brand boutique.

Also, the feeling of buying your designer handbag directly from the store is totally magical. So, to save yourself from disappointment later, visit an authorised Brand boutique to check out their styles in person, feel the quality and make your final purchase. 

• Versatility is the key

Coming to the last point of this article, what's the fun of spending thousand of dollars on a bag that you can only style with one or two outfits in your wardrobe; or you can only carry to certain events?

It's always a good idea to purchase a more versatile and neutral bag as your first luxury handbag, rather than a trending number like one with too many embroidered patches or quirky elements - that might give it a unique appeal, but might go out of trend soon. Also, consider picking neutrals that will go well with most of your wardrobe items.

I really hope you all find this post helpful in selecting your first luxury bag and hope it turns out to be an investment that you fall in love with, as I have with my two luxury babies. 

If this post helped you in making your first luxury purchase, do let me know in Comments below with the Style you picked - I would love to know about it! 

Love

Nitika