We've all heard about the "investment piece", the item(s) in your closet that you go back to time after time, that work with everything, and that have saved you from the "I have nothing to wear" wardrobe crisis more than once. In the 5 years since I graduated from college, my focus has shifted from buying cheap and trendy pieces for going out to bars to buying those classic investment pieces that, like they always told us, you will go back to time after time when dressing.
While investment pieces range from a chic cocktail dress that never fails to make you feel like a million bucks to the perfect black boot you'll have resoled multiple times over the years, when I think of a true investment piece, my mind always goes to a fabulous handbag. A good handbag can last you forever and, just like a beautiful piece of jewelry, can be an heirloom piece that gets handed down. As well, from a purely investment focus, handbags hold their value and, if well taken care of, can be sold for equal to or more than their original purchase price.
Do some research around the internet and it will tell you that the current "it bags" are actually bags that had their moment of fame in the past and are coming back into trend again. The Dior Saddle Bag and the Fendi Baguette Bag are two such purses. Anyone who has watched even one episode of Sex and the City has likely seen Carrie and the Gals carrying some fabulous version of these bags.
Swallowing the cost of an investment piece can be difficult, especially when you’re wanting to grow your closet. I've certainly found myself thinking about all the pieces I could buy for the cost of one investment handbag, blazer, blouse or dress. The sticker shock is real, which is why it's important to explore all the buying options out there. One thing I’ve realized, especially when it comes to handbags, is buying “new” isn’t always necessary! You can find amazing pre-owned handbags in perfect to near-perfect condition for a fraction of the price of buying retail. I'm currently working on a post about my favorite luxury consignment stores/online platforms and will get that posted soon!
Over the years, I’ve slowly grown my handbag collection. I’ve gotten new items as gifts from my parents for birthdays and graduations and I’ve made purchases on my own from places like What Goes Around Comes Around, The Real Real, and Rebag. For those who have a bit of commitment-phobia, Rebag has a fabulous business model that let's you buy a handbag and turn it back in within 6 months in exchange for credit worth at least 70% of its purchase price. This is a cool and different approach to the idea of investing in a handbag and let's you try out different bags before making a permanent investment.
Another option is buying on sites like eBay and Poshmark. I'm a huge fan of shopping and selling on both platforms. While I personally have never made a big-ticket handbag purchase on either site, I've had friends who have with great success! When it comes to shopping on these platforms, it's so important to research what you're buying and communicate with the seller; if someone is selling a Chanel bag for a $150, it's probably too good to be true. Both platforms offer an excellent degree of buyer protection: Poshmark authenticates any purchase over $500 and eBay has the "expert-verified, eBay-guaranteed" Authenticated Luxury Handbags section on their website. But, even with all these protective measures in place, when making a big purchase, be smart and demand evidence of authenticity, pictures, etc!
A handbag is truly an investment but, if you're anything like me, it's an investment that will bring you joy each and every time you carry it! Like with any big purchase, it's all about doing your research, knowing what you're looking for, and buying something you truly love and will actually use. What was your first big handbag purchase? Or what handbag are you currently dreaming about? Let me know in the comments!
XOXO, Paige
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