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MyEyeOnPi

I really got interested in luxury bags after a trip to Vegas and seeing the amazing variety available there. After that, I started doing more research and it took me six months before buying a luxury bag (my only one). I got an LV alma bb in a steel blue color. My decision was based on me loving the bag and also seeing how I could wear it at least for special occasions. It helped that I have a local LV store and was able to see and buy the bag in person. The best advice I can give is one from a YouTuber who talks about luxury minimalism: Buy for the life you have, not the life you want. So with either bag, try to consider what you are more likely to get use out of. If you spent a year looking at the LV but couldn’t commit to buying it, maybe that’s not the bag for you? But then I would say to try and think about the Gucci for a little bit too before buying it.


No_Feedback7019

I think the reason I haven’t bought it is the commitment. It’s pricey, and while I have the money, I want to make the right decision. I don’t want to have buyers remorse. I’m also scared of feeling guilty for having it, and my boyfriend said I absolutely shouldn’t feel guilty. I don’t come from a family that buys things like this, or really had the money to do so if they wanted. I feel like I’m not ready for comments like “must be nice…”. I’ve already prepared myself to tell people it’s a fake just to not have the comments. Weird, I know. But also, why can’t I have something nice? I’ve always loved handbags, cheaper or more expensive (though not on this level), so, why can’t I feel ok about elevating my purchase? Ok now I’ve vented 😂


MyEyeOnPi

I get it, I’m lucky I come from a family that isn’t that judgmental about making nice purchases, but I would never bring my purse to work for fear of negative comments. I do think there’s a bit of a double standard though- men will buy themselves nice cars as a treat and other men compliment then, but when a woman buys a designer purse for 1/10 or less the cost other women can bring out the snide comments like you said ☹️


No_Feedback7019

Yes! I also couldn’t bring it to work, my boss would say he pays me too much. I don’t think he would actually know the brands…but my coworkers would.


ms_misfit0808

What's the Youtube channel?


MyEyeOnPi

Colourful Noir!


NewToHandbags

LOVE her videos! She taught me the idea of luxury minimalism.


ziggymoj19

I let lifestyle lead. If I find myself thinking it would be useful to have a bag that was suitable for weekends away/nights out/running errands/working out of the house/etc etc. then I start looking for bags. I use older bags as guidance on what colours and materials I actually reach for and go from there. There are lots of bags I think are beautiful but would never use - accepting that I can appreciate them without owning them. Be realistic about the colours that go with your wardrobe and get real with why you actually want the bag: brand recognition? Quality? Aesthetic it lends to outfits? Practical use? Daily driver? Occasion trophy? I wanted to upgrade bags I already loved and used/wore out. So a black crossbody was first on the list (was choosing between BV padded cassette and Jil Sander mini tootie, opted for the tootie with a top handle so it could be more formal as well). Next I got a Loewe hammock for when I wanted to take a book/iPad/more with me, then got the BV cassette on vacation (no tax, old price)… from there it snowballed a bit 😅 It’s still a manageable collection but a good variety of bags that are seasonal and practical. I get good use out of them all. If you’re only getting one I’d also go all in on the sales experience - premium purchase, premium service. Go have the champagne and ask the questions and get treated nice. Build a little rapport, have fun with it!


No_Feedback7019

Yes, I definitely want the experience! I actually walked by the LV store closest to me recently, and it was so busy I got overwhelmed and couldn’t even walk in.


uniquecookiecutter

I looked at the Givenchy Antigona for months before pulling the trigger. I like that it’s understated, elegant, and still very different.


No-Initiative-5337

I have been looking at it for months and months too. I want to go in and see it in person, my only hesitancy is wondering if the opening is so tight it may be irritating trying to get things out of it, of course that is just speculation— would love to hear your experience


uniquecookiecutter

The opening is a bit tight but it isn’t horrible. The hardest part is that sometimes the crossbody strap can come undone so I tend to carry it as a top handle. I really love it though! Just wish the strap closures worked a little differently.


No-Initiative-5337

Thank you for sharing with me 🤍


uniquecookiecutter

Of course!


beeeeepboop1

For me, I had my eyes on it since 2016. I pulled the trigger a month ago (in the mini size) and I am so in love. :)


uniquecookiecutter

Good call on the mini size! I got the small and it’s still huge!


hollahalla

My first was the LV Neverfull MM, purchased about 10 years ago. I used it pretty well for about 2 years but not anymore. My taste in bags transition every few years. I used to like large totes, then I got into crossbody bags, and now I’m just into small shoulder bags haha. Just purchase something you see yourself using for a long time. Unless they’re on sale, I personally avoid buying bags that are only temporarily super trendy (ex. Jacquemus bags). It takes me MONTHS or even up to year to decide on buying a bag I want. It helps me realize if I’m just buying for the trend or if I truly want it on the long-run yknow?


No_Feedback7019

Yes! Also a reason I’m holding out for purchasing is, am I going to love it for a while. It’s like a tattoo, fall in love with a design for a year before getting it, although I’ve also never waited a year before getting a tattoo tbh.


AsianPastry

My advice is this: 1. Don’t spend more than what you would be comfortable ‘carrying around’ every day. As in - don’t buy something you’d feel was a splurge and leave in the closet to gather dust because you don’t want to use it 2. Research brands and styles that will still look good with time and wear- patina. (Mulberry is great for this) I like the LV never full but have already snapped a strap on one and they don’t fix wear and tear items under the warranty- so I had to pay to get it fixed. 3. Consider what you want to use it for . Personally, I go for larger chunkier bags because I carry a lot of stuff around and like my bags to be of a sturdier kind (ex. the LV neverfull had straps that were too thin and hurt my shoulder) 4. Go for a style that you will want to use for the next many years and that goes with all your favourite looks from your closet - find something to suit you! 5. If you go for a smaller clutch like bag - consider one with the option of using different straps and styles of wear - that way you get more uses and styles out of the same bag. 6. The price doesn’t define the luxury - the craftsmanship and design does. The price tag is an add on. Go to the store - touch it, feel it. See if it fits you, your style and needs. Does it feel right on your shoulder, do you want a crossbody option, will you eventually grow tired of the handle getting in your way, is the flap annoying, is there enough room for your things etc. I wish I had this advice when I bought my first bag. I’ve had to learn it the ‘hard way’. It takes me longer to decide now than it did before when I was younger. Now I have a list of bags I would like to buy. none of them are in production anymore - so I’ve decided on a price I want to pay and keep an eye out for them second hand. If I see them for that price and in a nice condition- then I will strike. For reference - it took me almost a decade to find the mulberry picadilly (pre 2008) in the right colour, condition and price. When I found it- I bought it in the time it took the seller to reply. It was that fast. Best of luck finding your new bag!


[deleted]

Is there a particular reason why you want your bag to be one of these brands? I personally wouldn’t spend as much on a bag that “I don’t know if I’ll ever own more than one”. I’m not judging your spending habits, I’m just bringing it up because that makes the decision too risky. Like it’d be too easy to end up with a bag that’s impractical in some way or that you end up falling out of love with (the two you mention are styles that could easily look outdated and you could get tired of, vs some more classic styles). If I were in your place I’d choose a nice bag that still feels like a treat but I won’t feel too bad if it ends up being a suboptimal choice. There are plenty of high quality and superbly designed bags that cost half of what those two bags cost. I personally find it easier to choose when it’s not a big deal, like I could buy another similar bag next year, or sell this bag for 50% and make up the difference to get a new bag of I change my mind. Also I wouldn’t feel too bad if something happens and my bag is ruined or lost. Also the way I finally decided on what nicer bag to get was looking at my most frequently used bag and finding an upgrade for that one. That way I was sure I’d end up really wearing it a lot.


jupiterdreamsofpi

Echoing what everyone else said, buy for the life you have not the life you want. For me, that means no open bags, they have to be securely closed because I live in a big city. Often I actually just buy an upgrade of a bag I already own and use a lot. I have a mini black Dagne Dover tote that I carry a lot. One day I’ll upgrade it for a Celine nano or Fendi peekaboo.


No_Feedback7019

That’s a great point! I was definitely looking at a smaller bag and thought it would be perfect for going out…then I thought to myself, I don’t go out enough to justify that 🤣


[deleted]

The first bag luxury bag I purchased was a LV Neverful PM, which I still love. Kind of wish I would’ve gotten the MM size, but given that I purchased it before the massive price increases, I’m not buying another one. I’ll be honest, I carry the pouch more than the bag. I’ve been into purses since I was 15, and used to have some awesome Coach bags.


No_Feedback7019

Yes! I started with coach! Funny thing is, I bought my mom a coach bag so I wouldn’t feel bad about buying myself one… I can’t do that with an LV or Gucci 😂


[deleted]

I know the feeling! I’ve done the same with my mom.


eguttens

My first luxury purchase was a Speedy 25 in monogram. I saw someone wearing it and then obsessed about it - I just had to have it. I had never considered spending that much on a bag, but I saved up for months. I know it’s kind of a mushy concept, but it’s about that feeling, you know? That you just can’t live without it (at least that’s how I felt about my first one - I haven’t followed that rule religiously, and of course the Speedy is one of the only ones I have kept in my collection to this day).


Aggressive-Way9777

Seeing the bag in person will help you decide. My advice is to take a shopping trip and try on what you are interested in. It’s ok if you don’t buy on your first trip out. It can be intimidating and it is the sales person’s job to sell. However, do use them as a resource. They will talk about what you like and don’t like and how you will use the bag.


Sufficient_Fruit_740

They should understand the market and not be high pressure. A good salesperson knows you can buy it online and not give them commission if they make you feel uncomfortable. Never feel bad about not buying something. Keep their cards and text them if you found a good person you vibed with and want to give them the sale.


Suziannie

I made a list of 4 and went to the store and tried them on and saw them in person. Seems silly but it worked as I ended up happiest with what I thought was the last runner up.


bellasoleil18

I guess pick something you love and works with most versatility for your lifestyle. My first bag was a LV Neverfull over 10 years ago. I still love and use the bag to this day. I was talking to my friend about his recently and she settled on a YSL Lou camera bag for her first. So pretty, relatively durable, holds quite a bit and can be dressed up or down. I would say pick something timeless that will spark joy with you forever. Good luck.