Choosing your first designer bag - tips

The first question I have for you is what is your vice? Is it bags or maybe shoes or clothes or is it tech? Knowing the answer is very important before deciding on a bag, as it should impact your budget and mentality about this whole process. Naturally if you only need a bag for practical reasons and you're not too fussed about the brand, then there are options for whatever your budget might be and plenty of e-commerce sites to choose from without wasting too much time. However when you're a bag lover/addict everything gets more complicated. The research is part of the thrill, looking for that perfect bag. 

I love bags as you'll be able to tell from my YouTube channel. This is something that probably began in high school when my Chanel obsession started. In my heart I always knew my first designer bag should be a Chanel bag, but just because the heart craves something it doesn't mean it gets it. So let's start!

Establish a budget
Realistically speaking my first bag was a Michael Kors from an outlet next to Vienna. I was a student and couldn't afford the Chanel price tag, no matter how much I wanted it. At the time I calculated what would be achievable for me and did some research on the current bags. To maximize my budget, I decided shopping at an outlet store would be the best decision and it was. I was lucky enough to find a new season bag at a great discount. It was a navy tote that I used everyday for Uni, that bag was well loved and served me well for many years. When establishing your budget, you could also ask for help. An idea is for your family, partner and friends to pitch in for your bag as a birthday/Christmas present instead of gifting you something else. But whatever your budget it, it's important to have it in mind from the beginning when choosing a bag. 

Timing
Hand in hand with the above is timing. Where you currently are in life makes all the difference on your budget and wishes. You might be a student who can't afford a luxury designer bag or a young professional who has no interest in it and would rather spend their budget on traveling. There isn't a right or wrong version of this. We are all on our own timeline and we all evolve, changing our minds and wishes as time passes. My first luxury designer bag was a Chanel bag that I purchased when I was 26, because I knew once I took the leap into luxury designer it had to be this way. And I only achieved it with help, it wasn't all easy. 

Sacrifices
If you're like me and you're obsessed with a bag, no matter what designer or model, then you need to ask yourself if you're willing to make some choices in order to get that dream bag. Needless to say, but this is extremely important: never under any circumstances use all your money for a bag. Do not compromise your health or food budget for a bag. What I'm referring to is making some conscious decisions like making your own coffee at home rather than the daily Pret/Starbucks, preparing your own lunch for work instead of eating out and most importantly, and one of my strategies when purchasing my first Chanel, stop all fashion shopping. I didn't buy any clothes, shoes, bags for over 6 months. It made me realize how much I was spending on shopping and that I was slightly addicted to it, but also that with discipline I could achieve my goal. 


Purpose
When deciding what the bag should be try considering its purpose and ask yourself the following. What will I use it for? Can I wear it on multiple occasions? Does it suit my style and lifestyle? As your first designer bag it should be versatile enough that you can use it from day to night, it should match your fashion sense and wardrobe, and it should bring you joy. Don't fall for trends that you'll get bored with in a few years. Don't choose a colour just because it's fun in the moment. Don't make impulse decisions with your first designer bag. Analyze yourself to know what bag would be the best investment long term. You could always sell it after a few years, but I think the first designer bag is special and I wouldn't sell my first one. 


Market research
That being said, even if you don't purchase a bag with the intent of reselling it, it's always smart to do some market research in case you change your mind. Will it at least hold its value? Is it a sought after bag that you could easily sell should you choose to? Would the resell value increase if you keep all its original boxing? If it has low resell value you could look into purchasing it from a reseller. Watch unboxing and review videos, and a lot of them so you can get a sense of what the bag really looks like or go in store to try it out before making a decision. Be sure you make an informed decision. 

Which bag should you choose?
And now the moment you've been waiting for. It might disappoint you or might not be what you imagined, but this isn't something anyone should tell you. Don't let other people persuade you about which designer bag you should choose. Take into consideration all of the above as well as analyzing what brands speak to you. This is your first designer bag purchase. It's such an exciting time and it should bring you joy long term. To this day, 4 years after buying my first Chanel, I'm still excited about it every time I wear it. So, from one bag lover to another, choose the one that gives you butterflies. And if you don't have the budget for it yet, wait for it. Trust me it’s totally worth it. 

What was your first designer bag? Or what would you like it to be?

Cari x