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How much do you spend on bags? After our discussion on Tuesday regarding whether a reader should spend $2100 on a bag that she was different from what she normally carried, reader E wrote in with this comment:
After reading your post yesterday regarding expensive, professional bags, I wonder who out there can afford such a bag? I am a lawyer at a big firm and live in DC. My firm pays the standard scale — I currently make $185,000 and will soon get a raise to $210,000. While I realize I may be somewhat conservative when it comes to clothes (I tend to buy designer clothes on sale or through Gilt or Ideeli), I am definitely not cheap. I would buy a $350 purse, but that is a far cry from $2100! Like most lawyers I know, I have student loans and a mortgage. However, I don’t save that much money (though I do pay extra on my loans). So my question is, who pays $2100 for a purse? Are these people who have no loans? Who have married money? Or am I just not investing enough in my wardrobe? I am interested in getting your (and other readers) opinion(s).
This is a great question, and we haven’t discussed this since the big discussion on how much people generally spend on clothes a few years ago.* (Pictured.) I’m curious to hear what readers say here, but for my own $.02, this is how I look at it:
– The vast majority of my bags are in the $300-$600 price range. Many were purchased for below $200, though, either at sample sales, online sales, or through flash sales (some of where I had “referral points” from recommending different flash sale sites on the blog).
– When I bought my most expensive bag (my LV), I used money from my aunts/grandmother. See, every holiday in my family, all the kids get money from all the aunts. Happy Easter, here’s $50. When I started working as a lawyer, I decided to use the cash mostly for cab money/random expenses, but to keep track in my Palm Pilot of who gave me what, and when, and save it for some “splurge” purchase. After three or four years it added up to a lot of money… so I used it to buy the LV, guilt-free. It always makes me smile because I think of the bag as a gift from them.
– That said: I have way too many bags. When I was working I tried to switch purses once every few weeks or so, to keep them in rotation. (For my current lifestyle, I almost never see the vast majority of my collection — I keep pictures of them all so I can easily remember what I have and want without having to rifle through the bags on the tippy top shelf of my closet, mostly covered in dustbags.)
(Um: because I am insane, I thought I’d share some of those pictures with you below… I’m obviously not a professional photographer or Photoshopper!)
Looking back, I probably could have/should have saved up the money I was spending on various small purse purchases, and instead bought one really nice purse once a year. Four $300 purses = One $1200 purse. I think the majority of women who spend Big Money on one bag do so with the acknowledgement that they don’t like to switch bags and the intention to carry that single bag for two or three years.
Ultimately: do I spend a lot on bags? Sure. Do I spend a lot less than some of my friends do? Yep. Do I spend a lot more than some of my other friends do? Yep. (Just to be totally clear: The collection below goes back as far back as law school in some cases, so this is almost 10 years of purse purchases.
When the vast majority of these were purchased, I was a single girl with a lot of extra income — I thought they were a good investment, and I liked that purses “fit” no matter what size I happened to be that morning. I purchase far less bags these days, if only because it’s harder to justify the expense with a baby. And yes, you probably do recognize some of these from Coffee Break postings and other blog posts.)
– Update: I just remembered that Jean at Extra Petite had a great video about how she’s saved money on Chanel bags over the years by taking advantage of store-wide discounts and store credit card offers (e.g., sign up for a credit card, get 15% off all day)… so keep in mind that $2100 could quickly become less than that if you’re smart about it.
Readers, how much do you spend on bags, generally? Whatever the price range, how often do you switch bags — and how does that affect your purchasing decisions? If you’re spending Big Money on the bag, how do you justify it to yourself?
* Fun story: in the “how much do you generally spend on clothes” post in 2009, I listed the price ranges that I generally expect to see for clothing that I wore to work, and neglected to make clear that those were the ticket prices, not the prices I actually pay [you guys KNOW I love a good sale].
Anyway: this was 2009, so I was still anonymous as a blogger, and had a big conference/charity dinner for the day job when the post went live, so I totally missed the fact that commenters were incensed re: some of my “normal” price ranges. A good friend, who knew my deep dark blogging secret (as well as the fact that I generally turn up my nose at anything less than a 35% sale), happened to be at the event, tracked me down, and said, YOU MUST FIX THIS NOW. So: huddling behind a big round charity dinner table, using my friend’s Blackberry, I posted the update.)
Sweet as Soda Pop
I have 2 everyday purses, several inexpensive clutches (Target), and just ordered, thanks to all of the conversations here this week, the Lo & Sons OMG for my daily work tote (I’m rather short and narrow-shouldered, so I thought the OG would look ridiculous on me). The 2 purses are a Hobo International taupe tote, featured here and purchased by my boyfriend for a gift when I pointed it out, that cost between $200 and $300, and a brown leather Rebecca Minkoff satchel that I got for $200 at Marshall’s. It had originally been $500 and I love it. I rarely change out purses, and don’t like to spend a ton of money on them. That said, I own upwards of 50 pairs of shoes, from Target brands to a couple of pairs of Louboutins. But I like shoes more than purses.
anon for this
I have a few bags in the $2-300 range that I regret having purchased. They just don’t work for commuting on public transportation, walking to and from the office/court/clients’ office, etc. I bought them because I thought as a lawyer I should have a certain look, but using a bike messenger-type bag is just easier, practical and comfortable.
ss
Same here.
Signed, banker with expensive bags in the cupboard and a functional nylon one on her shoulder
emcsquared
So I’ve been wondering about this – I never spend more than $60-$70 on a bag (usu. from Marshall’s or similar, sticker prices usually $100-$150), and I buy one every 2-3 years, and rotate them when I feel like it. I abuse them, but most of the ones I’ve bought keep sticking around and don’t look beat up (and the ones that do look beat up become “beach bags” or winter clothes storage).
Do people notice that I’m carrying around a less-than-luxury bag? I’m not a very fashion-conscious person, I usually can’t tell if a cute outfit is Target or Michael Kors, so I tend to forget that others can tell…
Also, in the vein of not being a fashion-conscious person, I have no idea when the bags I’m buying are knock-offs because I likely haven’t seen the “real” bag. Do people notice this and/or look down on it? It’s not like I’m trying to pretend I spent thousands on a bag – I only buy the bag because it meets my needs and looks good.
Susan (edna_mode_nyc)
I think most people would not notice. What they’d notice is probably a bag that is beat down with loose threads, and scuffing. But you keep your bags in good shape, so that’s not really an issue.
I’d say that if you like the bags you’re carrying, think they look nice, and they’re functional for you, then keep on truckin’. Anybody who’d judge you for not having an expensive bag is not anyone you’d want to have in your life, I’m thinking.
Granola
Most of my work bags are from Target. I’m sure people notice, but I don’t really care. The bags have a rough life with me and don’t last very long – a better quality bag would fare better but I haven’t wanted to splurge on one yet. This post has reminded me to keep my cheapo bags in better shape though (no more loose threads!).
Kathy
You can get a leather purse for around 100 dollars at JCP or DSW. They don’t look cheap. The quality of the leather is not a good as the designer bags but they work and they are professional.
ADL
I’m usually a sucker for a good Kate Spade outlet sale and say I purchase one every year – outlet price plus the sale plus the outlet coupon – I think my last Kate Spade outlet bag was 65% off. It then goes in rotation – I have several Kate Spade bags that are my work staples that get rotated in/out as the season changes (currently carrying black, also have yellow, a lobster one (blue/red), brown, and pink).
Parker - Boardroombelles
Just as a tip: Purses are an excellent item for re-sale for Ebay. At least that’s how I justify spending more on purses than any other item of my wardrobe. First off, people on Ebay know the product they are getting, can be sure it fits and purses never make you look bigger than you are.
But in all earnest, when you think about spending an extra $ 100-200dollars on a brand name purse versus a non-brand, I always go on ebay an try to see what’s in demand and therefore re-sellable. Generally I’ve opted for the more expensive version in the past and then wore it consistently for a year and re-sold it just before it started to show a lot of wear and tear (sometimes even after). With this method, I’ve managed to re-sell purses after a whole year of wearing them for nearly full price. Once, I even acquired a $ 1200 designer purse used for $ 400 on Ebay and sold it at a small profit after wearing it a few times and discovering it wasn’t my dream bag afterall. Even if you sell it at half price – for some of you that might still be a good option.
Of course, there are no guarantees you can get rid of it and one must be very careful with Ebay. Take careto only purchase from accredited sellers or individuals with stellar ratings and lots of detail photos of the bag that assure you it’s not a knock-off.
Cici
I may be a weirdo but I love my collection of SeatBeltBags. They run from below $100 to around $220, and they are colorful and can carry anything. The company is close to my office in Southern California, so I know they are made locally, and are the primary source of color in my wardrobe. They also make a great conversation starter just about anywhere with any audience. http://www.seatbeltbag.com
I’m usually changing out once a month or so, rotating between bags in my collection. When I travel I use one of their wristlets as my wallet and it works great.
qwerty
ADORE seatbelt bags. in my world, they get as much love as my big digit leather bags
SJ
Married, work for a university, have student loan debt.
I own 6 purses, a blue Cole Haan crossbody (gift), a cognac Fossil crossbody, a maroon Franklin Covey laptop bag, a yellow Cole Haan satchel (gift), a black Reaction shoulder bag and a hot pink clutch (Target). I tend to wear really saturated dark colors in the fall/winter and bright but still saturated colors (no pastels for my skin tone) in the spring/summer and I have a hard time finding black bags that I like where I have this random assortment of colors but in shapes that I love. I think I bought everything on sale or at TJ Maxx and the gifted Cole Haans were actually hand-me-downs from my sister who worked at a department store. I balk at spending more than $200 on a bag but I also have been able to talk myself out of more expensive bags. If I fall in love with one, I think I could raise my ceiling without too much mental anguish.
TO Lawyer
I love this! I’d say most of my big bags retail for between $200-$400. I think I have 3 in this category that I rotate throughout the year. I spend much less on clutches etc. because I need them but use them rarely.
I used to buy a ton of bags for $50-$100 and they would wear out and look cheap so I prefer spending more and really using and abusing my bags.
However, I’m currently coveting the Coach Candace Carryall which is $458 dollars in the leather and colour I want. I’m trying to convince myself it’s far too much but I keep visiting it online. Also really want a Rebecca Minkoff MAB – I fell in love with one in purple last year but ultimately decided to be practical instead.
Anon-Y
I’m really not sure about the MAB. I loved the way it looked online and in-store, bought one in black with gold hardware. For me, itdidn’t hold up all that well with daily use. Maybe it’s because the leather is too soft or the bag needs an extra bag base insert, but for me it just looks floppy and worn. This is after maybe 6 months of daily use. I’ve read on some forums that the quality of the MAB used to be better, but I don’t know if this is a quality issue or just the nature of the bag itself.
NYC
Love reading this. I am trying to not be so cheap with handbag purchases. I could rarely bring myself to spend more than $80 on a purse. I finally spent $200 (after a year at biglaw) and loved the bag more than anything else (probably an $800 bag, on super discount). But still couldn’t break my habit of buying cheaper bags and never being happy with them. My aunt gave me a small LV (cross body/evening bag) and I have worn the heck out of it on the weekends and maternity leave and it looks as good as new, three years later. That finally broke the message through. I need to just wait and spend the money on a bag that I really love. I still can’t get above the $200 threshold, but have been so much happier with my new coach legacy bag and brahmin. I don’t think I will ever get to four figures, although I really lust after some of them.
Jewelry on the other hand, no trouble dropping big bucks on it.
anony
I’ll fess up: I bought a $3,400 prada tote bag about 6 months back and it is my favorite purchase of all time.
Before this, I generally spent $100-200 on handbags that retailed for up to $500. All of those bags were purchased during law school, while I had a significant employee discount with a designer we all know and ended up with several nice handbags in a short period of time (think 5-6 bags). When I finished school and started working I didn’t buy any at all for about 4 years. Eventually I realized the bags I purchased as a student didn’t work for my everyday life now and since I’d never purchased a big-girl work bag, I decided to really spoil myself and used most of my bonus from last year on this purchase. I probably won’t be buying another bag again for several years. If you need background: I work biglaw in NYC and am married (but not to someone with a biglaw salary).
Midwest Transplant
My current work schlepping bag was from LLBean. They have a similar leather tote for sale now, but my version has woven leather and was purchased about three years ago for $150. It still looks great, but I’m interested in getting something a little lighter and smaller. Would like to pay less than $150 if I end up with a nylon option, and would pay a little over $200 for something in leather.
I have a black crossbody bag that I use all weekend, but occasionally break out a canvas zippered tote if I have more to carry. Special occasions call for a cheap clutch that I’ve had for years. I recently tossed a bunch of $30 – $100 bags that I never used or were getting grungy. So everything is streamlined. My real splurge was a Nantucket basket purse for over $2k. Of course I’m far to scared to ever carry that baby around town.
Midwest Transplant
Black leather crossbody bag was a vacation splurge of almost $200 (oops). Definitely not worth that in quality, but now I’ve been using it for four year, so I guess it held up.
Z.
I have an expensive purse habit. I’m a junior partner at a mid-sized firm, but I tend to splurge on shoes and purses. I don’t think of them as investments. They’re treats. I came from a decidedly lower-middle class background, have a mortgage, car payments, etc. But instead of taking a luxury vacation, I’d rather spend $8k on a purse. It might seem ridiculous to some, but it makes me happy and it’s my money.
cofax
I can’t even fathom spending as much as $300 for a bag, really. I carry a CourierWare walking bag every day to work (lifetime guarantee, $55 with the customized upholstery on the flap), and for special occasions I bring out either the $50 red patent bag I got at Macy’s on sale a few years ago, or the black $70 bag I got in Sienna five or six years ago. But then I work in government, in a western city not known for its fashion, and I think it would be a detriment to my career to be seen carrying a $1500 purse.
(Now, if you were asking about ski boots, or climbing equipment, then I’m your gal for the big-ticket items! I’m spending a lot more on good quality exercise clothes and equipment than I did when I was younger.)
sdchicky619
I have expensive taste, but I can’t bring myself to spend a lot on bags… I think because I like trendier styles that tend to look dated after six months to a year. Typically, I only spend $50-75 on everyday purses, going-out clutches, cross-body bags, laptop bags, etc.
I do have a tradition of buying a bag whenever I travel to Europe, I love having such a special souvenir. My favorite bags were purchased in Italy and Spain; both were under $75 but are great quality and make me happy when I wear them.
To balance out my trendier bags, I have a few classic Coach styles that I’ve received over the years as gifts. Someday, when I’m making the big $$, I will treat myself to my dream bag: the LV Speedy.
DC --> NYC
I used to live in DC and am currently located in NYC. I have noticed that bags in NYC are a way bigger deal then they are in DC. I never would have imagined I would spend $800+ for a bag while I was in DC, but now I would purchase one a year or so.
A different Em
I used a custom-made leather purse (about $150 at the time) for about 10 years before the seams finally gave out – I’ll probably get it fixed up at some point, but for now I’m using a small laptop bag as my primary purse. I also carry a backpack for bigger/heavier things (lunchbag, file folders, etc.), since I don’t think there is such a thing as an ergonomic purse. Can’t see spending more than $200 on a bag, but then I value a relationship with the crafter more than a brand name in and of itself.
I only started using a purse because I had a hard time finding work-appropriate pants with pockets.
Of course, I’m an engineer and my household income is $180k (in suburban Canada), so perhaps my values and those of my local peers differ a bit from the target demographic here…
AN
I have only 3 purses, total cost $6000 (LV epi + 2 BV Hobos).
Saves loads of space and I think my total cost is still lower than what Kat might have spent on her bags (not being judgemental – just an estimate based on the # of bags she featured in the photo).
And I have NO desire to buy any of the ‘IT’ bags that come out every season – expensive or not.
ss
I’d add some historical perspective about the cost of nice bags. I paid USD 500 or under for my Gucci and Prada bags when I was a young analyst in the 90s/ early 2000s, and I’m not imagining this because I have old copies of Vogue featuring this kind of price range as well. Prices really started escalating in 2004 – 2005 as the euro strengthened. But the euro is up 40 – 50% against the dollar depending on when you’re counting from, whereas bags (and designer fashion for that matter) are up 400 – 500%.
As a financial professional, I’d say the trade would be to short bags, long pearls (whose prices have come down a tonne since the 1990s as good-quality Chinese pearls have made their way to the market).
:)
Em
Well this thread is forever but I’m adding my $.02. I have a small crossbody Kate Spade purse (http://www.katespade.com/designer-handbags/leather-handbags/cobble-hill-ellen/PXRU2233,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU2233_color=001&start=10&cgid=handbags-cross-body) that I LOVE. Growing up, I was never a purse girl. I bought two larger Coach purses and liked them at the time. But this Kate Spade is it. Large enough to fit my big wallet and other necessities for going out. That’s all I need. I’m also very tall and I feel like I can’t wear a smaller crossbody bag because I’d dwarf the bag. I have a Lo & Sons Brookline bag for work. I recently bought a tan foldover Tory Burch purse inappropriately the same size as my Kate Spade.. but 3 mos later, I havent even used it and sort of regret buying it. I bought it thinking I’d be a person who can rotate bags. No. I can’t do that. It’s just not me. Something important always gets left in one bag. The other bag never gets put away. My house becomes a mess. It goes on.
Ugh I’m almost tempted to buy the same purse in the same color just for when I wear mine out to the point where it’s not acceptable to use. Crap.
lovelyrita_metermaid
Like Kat, my most expensive bag purchase was funded with money from relatives (in my case, college graduation money), and it’s nice to have a tangible, frequently-used reminder of them. It’s a black Marc By Marc Jacobs hobo bag (I believe it’s called the Huge Hillier Hobo), and it’s so far lasted me for 4 years, not much the worse for wear. I think it cost about $400 when I bought it, and I don’t regret the purchase–it’s large enough to hold a lot of stuff, and I’ve yet to find an outfit it doesn’t look good with. These days, I mostly use it on weekends, and use an all-black Le Pliage bag for work (which really needs to be replaced…).
I’d gladly pay $500 for a bag I like as much as the Marc Jacobs one, but at least at this point in my life, I can’t personally imagine spending more, or going for something significantly flashier (much as I admire the look of a classic Chanel bag). Some of it’s just about the money–I’m a recent law school graduate, and while I’m not in a great deal of debt, I work for a public agency, not in Biglaw. I think some of it is also just a matter of the circles I travel in–very expensive designer goods just aren’t common among my friends (lawyers or otherwise) or coworkers, so there’s a part of me that would feel kind of out-of-place carrying a $1000+ bag. But really, to each their own! We all have our own spending priorities, whether that’s bags, clothes (my weakness), vacation, our car, eating out… For all I know, I would gladly spend more given a bigger salary or a slightly different lifestyle.
petitesq
Work: I carry one work bag (black, Cole Haan), with one alternative (black, Kate Spade) if I have my laptop. Both were around $500 ticket price, but purchased with reward points, etc., and so technically “free”. I need to get them both touched up soon, and when they start looking icky (we’re a few years in already), I’ll probably look to spend $200 on a bag worth more but on sale.
Personal: I am a clutch addict. $100 or less on each, though. I also have a number of bags in other sizes and colors generally in the $100-250 range, always purchased on sale. That said, I don’t buy them regularly – I’ve gotten to a point that I have the bags I “need” for various outfits and occasions, and would rather splurge on shoes :).
S.L.
As I get close to paying off my student debt and am still enjoying a BigLaw salary, I have considered upping my bag budget from $200-300 per bag to somewhat higher. I do love a good bag.
I am having second thoughts, though, in part because I have been reading a book called “Deluxe” about the luxury industry. The book talks about how the retail prices for most designer bags are 10-12x of their production costs. Apparently many LV bags are marked up to 13x production costs! I find the markup absolutely shocking. The book talks about how the profits from accessories like handbags are used to fund money-losing clothing collections and runway shoes for the brands (which are important for marketing, though).
Does anyone else find it hard to stomach paying 10-13x of production costs just to get the prestige, warranty, etc. of a designer bag? I suppose getting designer bags on sale helps somewhat, but still.
qwerty
the clothes you buy are also marked up 10-15x production cost (regardless of whether its luxury brands or not). i used to work in fashion production and have never been able to pay retail price for everything after what i learned.
CPA_Acting_Poor
I have the opposite problem with status bags — I can’t carry one that looks too expensive.
For accountants, obviously expensive cars or bags can be viewed negatively — like people think we’re embezzling, or foolish with money. (Maybe we made really good investments!) Plus, I work in industry, alongside coworkers who make a lot less than I do. They notice everytime I wear something new.
The fashionista in me really wants a “big girl, big city” bag. But I can’t carry anything recognizable, lest I rile the natives. In the words of the illustrious Ellen, “FOOEY.”
Kimberly
I love variety and get bored with bags easily. I probably have 20 bags in rotation at the moment, and own maybe 50-75 total? With that much variety, you can’t always go for top dollar (unless you’re an A-list celebrity). Bags that I use for work are $100-$300, and usually on sale, so originally as high as $500. Brands would be Longchamp, Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, Latico, etc. I tend to do classic leather bag shapes but in unusual colors. I work in a corporate but non-profit environment and think it’s fine to carry, say, an electric-blue or canary-yellow bag, as long as the cut is classic and the leather is high-quality.
Fun bags can come from anywhere, although I try to find interesting designers from places like Boden, ModCloth, etc., rather than buying stuff at Target.
My most-commented on bag of all time is my current one. Siliconized rubber metallic burgundy Longchamp tote. Bought in France on a business trip so paid about $130 rather than the $220 or so I would have paid here. Buying local designers on trips is almost always a great idea, because you not only save money, but have something for back home that not everyone else will be carrying.
Y
I absolutely love purses and, having no other big “vices” consider this to be a relatively safe one. I have a fairly decent collection, some acquired at full price (ex: LV purchased as gift to self after passing the bar exam) while others I’ve secured at outlets (hello Prada outlet in Italy!). My most recent purchase was the LV Alma bag in Paris (so hey, I saved on import taxes). All that said, once I buy any of these, I am then on a self-imposed “purse-ban” for an entire year. No clutches, no “deals”, no nothing. The bags make me happy, stop me from frequent easy purchases on lower priced bags and I’m building a collection that will last me my entire life (and hopefully end up in a future daughter’s closet one day).
sierra
I think this is a regional thing, as well as a personal view of what’s worth spending money on. I’m an attorney in California, no student loans, no kids, no mortgage. I have never spent more than $50 on a purse, I think $30 is actually the most I’ve spent. I can almost imagine spending up to $100 on a really nice purse, but that’s a real stretch. I also have no idea who spends more than $100 for any article of clothing (other than a suit). I only spend >$100 on running shoes.
But I do spend money on doggie daycare…. :)
Anon
Dual income, 2 kids, 2 houses, loans paid off and I have 2 bags at around $2k and a few more around $700-1k. All of them are in rotation, as are my spendy designer shoes. I don’t buy like I used to (before kids), but I also don’t need to since nothing needs to be replaced. I’ll admit that it was a bigger deal for me the first time I spent money on a $320 coach bag back in the day then any of my pradas – I wasn’t used to having any money or spending money then. ;)
SnarkyAtLaw
I have 4 large “work” handbags in regular rotation that retailed at $300-$600 each, and 6 super-cute-but-too-small-for-everyday that retailed at $100-$400 each, but I’ve never in my life spent more than $200 on a work bag or more than $100 on a non-work bag. I’m terrible at saving money for things I want, but really good at pulling the trigger on an impulse purchase when the deal is right (I love ebay). I can see the value in spending $200 on something I’ll carry every day. To be fair, I’m not in court very often, and my “briefcase” is an older Kate Spade large tote I found on ebay for around $25. I don’t need a serious, high end briefcase.
Also, I “invest” in dust covers if not included, and get my everyday bags cleaned and conditioned once a year, just like I do for my expensive boots.
I stick to the cheapy-cheapies for evening bags. I just can’t see the difference between the hot pink poly satin bow pochette I got for $14 at Target, and the similar poly satin bow pochettes I saw at Nordstrom for $118; if I’m only carrying it 4x a year anyway, craftsmanship and durability aren’t really an issue.
MD
I somehow stumbled on this post. I am a successful single professional woman in my early thirties, making $500, 000 / year, no mortgage (thankfully!), no student loans, no real expenses. I am not cheap by any means and like to enjoy life now and then. Would never spend more than $500 on a purse. Just my 2 cents.
Student4Life
I think everyone has a different threshold for what they are willing to spend and on what. For instance, I would never spend the money on Loboutin heels, but I had no qualms shelling out almost $1,800 for my LV bosphore backpack. Mind you, I sold 2 of my vintage LV bags on Ebay to help offset the expense by $700. I usually buy my LV bags pre-loved from Ebay sellers myself, but I found that the bosphore backpack was not available at the typical 40% off retail, so I opted to buy it new. My “nice” purse collection totals 4 LVs- the backpack and 4 pochettes for evening use (red and black epi’s and monogram, which I find go with all possible wardrobe situations). I do have some evening clutches found at steep discount (Loehmann’s) when sequins or satin fabrics are more appropriate for cocktail and black-tie affairs. Speaking of dressy affairs, is anyone else using Rent the Runway for evening dresses? I am now spending a lot less on dresses that only get worn 1-2x max and love that I can always have something new to wear! love, love, love Rent the Runway!!!
Susie
Hello all! I just came across this website searching handbags online and have spent the last few days going through old posts. I’m so glad I found this community! I finished law school in 2008, spent 3 years working in a mid-sized firm, and one year ago transferred to in-house at a large Silicon Valley tech company. I am just now beginning to feel more financially secure and in a position to upgrade my wardrobe. Most of my current wardrobe is from Macy’s, I especially love the Calvin Klein dresses and Tahari suits. I am planning an outlet expedition after the holiday madness and am also planning my first real handbag purchase (budgeting around $300). I look forward to getting new ideas from Ms. Corporette and you all!
cha
My post before where I showed off a Victoria WorkingCute rolling wheelie bag from CareerBags got pushed to moderate bc I put the url, so trying again. It was $245, most I’ve spent on a bag by a LOT, but it fits my ginormous mac which I schlep to work every day, And it’s ROLLING. Plus it’s super-professional and super-girly and so hard to find something that’s both, and additionally fits the mac and rolling.
Mostly my purses are from Target, but damn this thread, now I have my eye on a Brahmin. I think I had better buy something from Target TONIGHT to attempt to scratch that itch. Way too much in student loans to get used to purse purchases in that price range. Right? Oh, wait, it’s Xmas, and my parents were wanting to get me something nice, hmmmmm.
Reader A
Back again. Personally, I only started spending money on bags after I started work as an attorney (my previous purchases were all under $50). I only have two “expensive” bags which I purchased for between $250-300 and they are my everyday workhorses. Beyond my new Lo & Sons, a cheapo CK bag for emergencies, and a couple of old clutches which from Aldo, I don’t have other purses.
Anyway, I treat my bags well but I use them heavily. To me, it’s worth spending money on something I use so much and, especially, in my professional life. Furthermore, I found it’s always worth paying for the value of good quality leather and well made pieces. I don’t buy often, but when I do, I do a lot of research and don’t mind spending as much as I can reasonably afford. That said, $2100 is very expensive and, as my question suggests, I am very much on the fence about purchasing it and may not do so for months, if ever.
Reader A
I should mention that since moving into a small NYC studio, my spending habit have really really changed. Now days, I rarely buy things and when I do, the price point is much higher. I don’t have a lot of space, so I only buy it if I love it. While I peruse the flash sale sites, I don’t buy. Also, my wardrobe is pretty basic – a lot of Zara and similarly priced pieces. My weight has been going up and down in the first few years of practice and I can’t commit to anything expensive until I stabilize my lifestyle.
best christmas gifts 2012
The most I have spent was $750 for a Dior bag
annie
I am still a student so I feel like I’m practically on a different planet compared to most of the commenters, but it seems I have a similar handbag budget… I typically spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on handbags valued from $100 to $400; I buy at discount stores or off-season. I have only purchased three such bags in the last five years and two are still in my regular rotation. I find that I definitely get my money’s worth purchasing bags that are well constructed with solid materials versus the throw-away bags I have tried at trendy retailers. I have tried some $30 purses a few times but it always fails miserably – I bought one that lasted about two months before the lining was ripped to high hell, and I tried another this summer but one of the straps ripped out after only a week! I carry a fair amount in my purse (small makeup bag, wallet, receipts, mini mouthwash and lotion bottles, hand sanitizer, small notebook, phone, etc.) but I am not overly rough with them.
As my income stabilizes, I anticipate my purse budget will continue rising. I am looking to replace my five year old black purse with another with a more structured shape and expect I’ll spend around $300 on it. I also expect it will last at least a few years. Kudos to everyone here for being frugal, but if I made the salary you all are making (nearing ten times my annual student income), I don’t think I’d feel guilty if I treated myself to a $1-2k handbag every so often. That said, I’d surely expect the thing to be very versatile and last me quite a while. That way, I am sure I’d absolutely get my money’s worth–the per-use cost would be low and I’d genuinely enjoy carrying a handbag that made me feel polished and a little bit pampered. :)
Mar
I’m a few days late to this post. I’m a physician not lawyer but I find this site a fun read. Plus a lot of it overlaps when it comes to bags, clothes, etc.
When I started residency I wanted a Chanel jumbo flap bag. At the time it was around 2k and way out of my budget as a resident. When I finished residency I bought it but by then it was 4200.
I joined a private group and used the majority of my bonus to pay off a chunk of med school loans but then used a small amount for that purse.
I love it. That purse is now 4900 but I wouldn’t consider a bag an investment lol, and I don’t plan on selling it ever.
To be honest since that purse I have bought 3 more Chanel bags, none that expensive but they are all around 2000-2500. Apparently Chanel has a service to clean your bag to make it look new again for 100-200 bucks but I have never needed to have a purse cleaned…
I also have a couple Louis Vuitton and a few Coach purses. I probably have about 10 purses total. I like to have a nice purse with my outfits. To each their own. I care about my purse and my watch but my clothes are always sale clothes from Ann Taylor and my shoes are always whatever is at Macys. I wish I put more effort into my shoes but shoes bore me and they all hurt so I don’t care for them lol. I do have a few fancy Louboutins for dinners out/parties.
My husband is also a physician and we don’t have any children yet.
Anon
I can explain, I have 9 bags avg 3k each. I’m lucky enough to not have any debt and I work in finance. I’m in my 20s and have no other obligations. I generally enjoy shopping and going out, but I also realize this will not last forever after I have a family. Most of my friends are like me and we all realize that once we have kids our money will to our family and now is me-time.
So just to let u know it is possible to completely support yourself, shop and still put money away. But I like in NYC, so my situation is very common.
nonna
$6.99 at GoodWill – but I do wash it before I put anything in it. Who gives a flying FIG about your purse when there are children starving in this world. What a bunch of shallow idiots.
PK
It’s nice to know that I’m not alone. I have a lot of Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Cole Haan bags that I am selling right now, presumably to buy one nice designer purse (Burberry? Ferragamo?) that I can use every day for years. However, I suspect that when the time comes, I am not going to want to hand all that money I made over for one bag. The student loans, mortgage, emergency fund, retirement, etc. (all THAT fun stuff) really scare me.
I’m trying to psych myself up to buy a $300+ nylon bag (MZ Wallace). Do those EVER go on sale?
Tiffany Anderson
The most I’ve ever payed is $5,100.00 for a bag it’s a Chanel one like I love Chanel I have lots of bags from there I also have a lot of bags from Michael kors,coach,louis Vuitton,prada,Gucci,Marc Jacobs,guess,and juicy couture. But they are so worth it like my mom and dad buy me them if your wondering I’m 15 and you might be wondering how I get the money well my dad is a surgeon and my mom is a lawyer