It was Middle School when I received my first designer bag. It is a bag I will never forget. A Dooney and Burke pink leather shoulder bag with colorful hearts. I am sure you know the one from the 2008, such a classic. It was that bag that started my obsession and collection. The next few bags I saved for was the Coach signature C logo small box bag that couldn’t even fit over your shoulder but fit the mini purse trend and about every middle school girl had one to carry their pencils in LOL. To round out this era I started saving for Betsy Johnson purses. One in particular I remember had dessert designs all over it and I used it to carry my folders in from class to class. It was these purses that started my love for investing in bags. To be honest, these purses were the reason I wanted a job right at 16. I wanted to work for something that I loved and would cherish the value.

Some might view designer bags as a waste of money. I view them as pieces that hold memories, and last a lifetime. That is if you evaluate versatility and efficiency and invest wisely. I mean I can’t say that I am still using that pink Dooney and Burke bag but I do have it stowed away at my parents house and I will never forget it LOL.

There are several things that I consider when investing in a bag, or when deciding to save my money on certain handbags. Here is the breakdown!

1. What I am using it for: Number one rule, think of when you are going to carry the bag. Do you usually carry a large tote with books and your laptop? Or are you a gal on the go that uses crossbody’s so everything is compact? These are important questions to ask when looking at the size of the bag. If you invest in a Gucci belt bag but need to carry the world with you at all times, this is probably not the bag for you.
2. What size bag do I already own: Think about the pieces you have already invested in. If you have hit your limit with the amount of crossbody’s you own, it might be the time to start thinking about another style bag that would be of use for you. For example I live in crossbody’s when I am going out to events but on the weekend when I am running errands or carrying my lunch to work I have to have my tote bag.
3. Color: One of the most basic, but important things to consider, is the color. Think of the versatility with your wardrobe and everyday use. Are you wanting a pop of color? Or a neutral to go with your whole closet? I personally like sticking to neutrals when investing in designer bags. My three key colors are Black, Brown and Beige. If you have to narrow it down, black and beige are definitely my top 2. Once again this will be based back in your wardrobe. If you are all about the color and would use a bright pink bag everyday, then go for it!
4. Keep trends in mind: As much fun as trends are, I tend to shy away on investing in an expensive designer bag when jumping into trends. These kind of bags are perfect to save money on. Now if you fall in love with a studded leopard Prada bag, by all means treat yourself if you can! Just think about those long term investments and if it is worth it to really bite the bullet if you might not use this bag next season.
5. Brand: I have a roster of brands that I have loved for years. I have found certain styles I keep my eye on by browsing the Nordstrom site (my favorite of choice). I think it is really important to do your research on the bag you are purchasing. Don’t let it be an impulse buy. If you can, go into the store and try the bag out to see if it fits what you need it to! If you cant, make sure you are measuring out the dimensions as photos online can be deceiving! You definitely don’t want to spend your hard earned money on something you will regret later!

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac: This bag is a classic Rebecca Minkoff design. As it has some flair to it with the metal buckle and the longer tassle zipper closures, it still keeps a simple style. I own this bag in two colors, brown and beige and where some might feel that crossbody’s can’t hold much, I feel like this one proves it can hold everything you need for a night out. I love the front closure for putting items that I wouldn’t want to fall out of the bag or for emergency only items that I don’t want it in the main body of the bag. Such a go to for me and the quality is great and long lasting! I purchased one of mine on Poshmark so definitely utilize resale apps and stores as well when investing!

Tory Burch Fleming: This is a new addition to my lineup. I love this bag because its just classic and beautifully made. I lusted over this bag for several years only for it to be removed from the Tory Burch offered styles, but it is now luckily back! My dream investment bag is a Chanel bag and this I feel like is my suitable placeholder until I make that plunge. I have always loved quilted bags, they just give me that timeless classic air. You can wear this as a cross body or double up the chain to make a shoulder bag which I love! This makes it versatile to pair with a causal look, or a more dressy occasion.

Top Shop: I recently have happened upon the adorable bags that Topshop has come out with on Nordstroms website. This is where perusing the handbag selection comes in handy! They have very trendy bags that allows you to save your money on these pieces. Studded bags, colorful bags and even some Gucci look alike bags. I highly suggest checking out their assortment if you are wanting to save some money on trend items! Not only are they high fashion, but they are also an amazing quality for a fraction of the price.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM: Now this is definitely an investment piece, but probably the best bag I have ever owned! I asked for this bag for my college graduation. My first “adult” bag, and let me tell you, I have carried it everyday since I received it. It fits EVERYTHING. My work bag, my errand bag, my weekend getaway bag, it does it all. The one downside to this bag is that sometimes it is a black hole. I am a neat person so I really don’t have an issue with this, but when I am running errands on the weekend just throwing receipts in my bag it can become a mess. That issue arises from the lack of pockets/structure in the bag. This can be a good or a bad thing because with the lack of structure it allows you to pile things of all sizes inside. You do get a clutch that attaches with a hook in the inside. I hold all of my chapstick, tissues, lotion etc in this clutch. The clutch is removable so its like you get 2 bags in one! In addition to this there is one zipper on the inside so there is plenty of storage within the bag. If you are looking to invest in an everything bag I would highly recommend.

I have a few bags still on my list that I would love to invest in. These are brands that I have lusted for for years ever since I started looking at fashion magazines at a young age. While others spend their money on cars or tech items, I like to invest in my handbag collection. Here is my dream list of bags I hope to save up for one day.

• Gucci Soho Disco Bag: This will happen in 2019. Its on my vision board and everything LOL. I love how classic this bag is with the simple Gucci Logo that isn’t tacky or to loud. I want to purchase the nude leather for it to match anything and everything, although the red always calls my name
• Chloe Small Faye Leather Shoulder Bag: I love the boho chic vibes that Chloe has. It is something very different that I do not own, especially with the suede details.
• Prada Cahier Crossbody: This one is at the bottom of my list, as it has a little bit more of trend elements to it. I love the metal details and it really suits my style overall. I would stick to a classic black color with this one.
• Chanel Boy Bag: DREAM BAG. Iconic, classic and just so elegant. Is it crazy to call a purse elegant? These bags are truly timeless and while they are a HUGE investment, year over year they continue to grow in value.

I hope you find your go to purse out there that you can pair with all your outfits and put a smile on your face. Because just like clothes, they make a lasting impression.