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Travel and shopping seem to go hand in hand. Everyone feels better when making an expensive purchase (especially if it is what most people would consider “frivolous”), if they can somehow justify it.  One of the best ways of justifying the purchase of a frivolous and expensive item is to think of it as an “investment”.

Having developed a slight addiction to Designer Handbags over the past number of years, I have managed to talk myself into believing they are an investment.  After doing some research, it does appear that there may be some validity to this.  There is a huge market for the resale of Designer Bags.  If one can recoup money on a handbag after years of enjoying it, surely this can be considered an investment.  And it appears that Limited Edition Designer Handbags can actually increase in value with time.  Let’s take a look at the top five things you should consider before you part with your hard-earned cash.

1. Choose a classic Designer who has made their mark on the fashion world.  Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada are some of the best (but not the only) good examples of this.
2. Decide the absolute maximum amount you can afford to invest in the bag.  Set your limit ahead of time, before you set foot into the gleaming interior of a Designer Handbag showroom.  The beautiful handbags on the shelves so artfully arranged will tempt you to spend more, so you must have a firm grip on reality.
3.   It is advisable to take a good look at your chosen Designer’s website, and make a list of the top three bags in your price range.  When you arrive at the store, ask to see only those three bags in particular.  This will help you to stay within budget.
4. Think in advance of what type of bag you really want.  For example:
   • Do you like a bag with handles (you can only carry these by their handles, there is no strap attached)?
   • Do you prefer to have a shoulder strap, so you can go “hands free”?  If so, do you prefer a single strap, or a double strap?  (Double straps can sometimes separate and one will flop down and become annoying as you walk).  I usually opt for a single shoulder strap.  If so, is the strap extendable, so you can customize the length to conform to your body and be just as comfortable when you wear a coat as when you wear a light dress?
   • Do you prefer a duffel style bag, which is inherently less formal looking?  Or would you like one that can look good both during the day and also for a dinner out after work.
   • If you like the idea of a clutch bag, think about it.  If you are the absent-minded or forgetful type, you may accidentally leave a clutch bag behind somewhere if you set it down to tend to another task.  There are some clutches that do come with straps that can be attached if you are out somewhere and may have to put it down.
   • Do you like lots of pockets, or do you prefer the uncluttered look of many of the classic designs?
   • Think of color.  You might love the Fuchsia Pink with the tassels.  But will it go with enough of the clothes in your wardrobe to be practical?  Do you have more brown items in your closet than black?  Do you wear a lot of clothes with patterns, plaids or designs?  If so, you may want to stick with a solid-color for your handbag.
5. Examine the bags for their functionality.  Try holding it and walking around with it in your hand.  If it has a strap, try hanging it on your shoulder.  Does it feel good?  Does it slide off easily? Look at yourself in the mirror.  Does it hang well on your frame?  Is the size of the bag appropriate for your frame?  Will you be able to fit your “stuff” comfortably inside, without putting stress on the clasps, zippers or buckles?
6. Handbags with the best record for resale tend to be “Classics”.  These are usually identified on a Designer’s Website, and you will most likely recognize them when you see them.  These are bags that we have seen our mothers and grandmothers carrying in old family photographs.  These are still as popular today as they were then, and resell in a heartbeat.  Chances are good this is not going to change.
7. If you can afford it, you should look for handbags released as “Limited Editions”.  Naturally these will be more expensive – but you should be able to cash in on the relative rarity of these pieces in the future.

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About Deborah Thompson

Deborah Thompson is Co-Founder of New Jetsetters with over 20 years experience writing about luxury travel. The first time Deb saw the turquoise blue waters surrounding Bermuda from the air as a child, she was smitten. Already in love with the written word and writing itself, a black leather-bound diary was soon filled with treasured memories of the charming island and her stay at the luxurious Elbow Beach Hotel. Since then she has travelled far and wide, and written dozens of stories and reviews on exotic locations from around the globe. Find out more about Deborah below:

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