A reader came to us with what we imagine to be a fairly common dilemma: She wants to invest in a quality designer handbag, but also wants to make sure she picks one that is worth the exorbitant price tag. We think handbags are a little more important than other “investment pieces” (like shoes) and thus require even more careful consideration.
Unless you can afford to buy a new it bag every season, you want one that will withstand the passing of trends and continue to look amazing for years to come. We also think it’s important that you really, really love it and aren’t just buying it for status or–not that we think we have that much influence–because it’s on this list.
Also, remember that just because it’s marked down doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the bag for you. Lauren advises, “Don’t buy a bag that’s on sale unless it’s the one you really want. If you’re going to spend a lot of money regardless, pay full price for something you’ll love for a long time. I know from experience.” Here are five very expensive but, in our opinion, very worth it, handbags.
Tags: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Proenza Schouler, Vanessa Bruno
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I love the Proenza bag…so functional and I love the sleek style….of course, the Chanel purse is timeless and can never go wrong
http://www.rachaeldiab.blogspot.com
oh my gasp–agreed!
that Proenza is sex.
now i have to go Google how much it is…i hate u guys…
i love the PS1, might check opening ceremony again, they have tons in stock so bummed out, mulberry alexa is not in this list.. oh well.
I love the Mulberry Alexa too! We just felt it was a little too similar to the PS1 to include.
I really only see one classic bag here, the Chanel. The other pieces are lovely but will not stand up for 10 years much less 50.
I almost hesitate to recommend a quilted Chanel bag because it is so copied and knocked off that unless your entire wardrobe is obvious designer-wear, the bag will be taken for a fake.
the venessa bruno and mulberry bags are ugly and will not be classics, sorry.
thanks fashionista!!! I’ll definitely choose one from this list, probably the PS1 or the one from Mulberry
I’d would say that Mulberry’s Bayswater is a better choice, than the Neely, if you want to wear a bag forever. It gets better when you use it and you can completely personlize it by hanging stuff on the handles. The size makes it multifunctional so you can take it anywhere with you.
Another advice from this ‘bag lady’, I tend to buy designer bags that are not as much featured in magazines as others. Nobody will refer to it as ‘that’s of the F/W 2010′ and you have lesser knock-offs. So awfull when you finally decide to spend a lot of money on a bag, that suddenly everybody seems to have (and they all think your’s fake too. AARGH!). And I also avoid big logos.
In this list my bet would be on the PS1. I love it! It’s a good thing nobody sell them over here ;-). I also adore the Sofia. And why is there no Balenciaga on the list?
One small tip: check out those Rika (star) bags. They tend to get more beautiful when worn, no recognizable logo and great size. I have them in three different colours and fabrics (one on sale and it’s my fave!) and get stopped every time I wear one.
Bisous!
I agree about the Bayswater. It’s been around so much longer than the Neely, even though I like the Neely as well.
I’m in the midst of this very same dilemma, and I’ve been leaning towards Chanel or Fendi, which was not on your list. Why?
hmm don’t really agree with anything after the Chanel and the LV speedy shaped Sofia Coppola. the clear obvious choice the Birkin somehow did not make the list? gasp. if we are thinking younger, even the Kelly should have been there.
I’m surprised something from Botega wasn’t on the list.
I think fake Chanels are the easiest fakes to spot. The pleather is so obvious.
The Birkin the perfect bag when you start making over 100K. For your first good bag, it’s really out of most people’s price ranges.
No Longchamp?
No Burberry?
Out of that list I would only classify two as classic.
The only 2 classics on this list are the LV and Chanel. The PS1 has staying power but I don’t consider it classic.That awkward Vanessa Bruno is a no. I think this list could have been thought out more.
I agree with samthecat: Adding a bag from Bottega Veneta would have been a good idea.
I have made more than 100K for quite a while now and I can’t even come close to affording a Birkin. Try 500K.
I think it’s about priorities!
Agreed that the Chanel is probably the most classic and that a BV would have been a good idea. By the way, am I the only one who notices that there appears to be absolutely no shame these days in LV monogram fakes?
love this stella bag…not sure if it would be considered a classic: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod88710011&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=V0C1H
cailin…thanks to fashionista, i’m a super fan of your blog!!!!
xo
I know somebody who has a face and knows it but think it has reall leather… but its not…
Love that bag! It’s classic. But modern in a way. But it’s cute! Love it! I might just buy it…
The Berkin is one of the most classic bags! But the Chanel beats it. Same for the Louis Vuttion. My first good bag was a Gucci. But now it’s Vintage. Would you by any chance know how much it’s? Also Christies and Gucci them selves are buying vintage Gucci’s now. Would that add to the amount of a good condition Gucci, that’s real?
A vintage Gucci! You’re so lucky! How did you find one? Was it new when you got it?
Vintage? Gucci? How I would die to be you! My first and only good bag is a Coach. But a vintage Gucci!
Wow that’s funny! But sad… How much did she but her fake but “real leather” bag for?
Fendi is a wonderful brand! Though I do think everybody here only has agreed to one bag which is the Chanel.
Oh i sent that photo around to a few friends they loved it! I also bought it! Stella has such beautiful designes! Thanks so much for putting that photo up!
I would have chosen a Balenciaga moto bag, no? Classic. Practical. Still a bit edgy.
no problem :) i’m so glad i put it up!!!!
i love pretty much everything stella does
I can never get enough of the Chanels…! I go back to them time and time again.
The Chanel is huge now and was the big “it” bag in the 80′s. It could be purchased in the mid-1990′s at consignment shops when it was out of fashion. It will always be around, but it too goes in and out of favor.
Love the Proenza Schouler. Not sure about the Sofia Coppola piece.
I don’t know why you guys are going crazy over those PS1s. I don’t think they look chic at all; looks like a regular laptop bag that’s overpriced because heyyy it’s by proenza schouler!!!!
those Balenciagas are noteworthy than that PS1
http://www.bagsvc.com