Splurge vs Steal

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Almost every single international style blogger has been rocking a variation of the Chloé Drew handbag and isn't gorgeous? While I was in New York last month, I thought I'd pop my head into good 'ol Bergdorff Goodman and peruse the designer handbags. It felt oh-so-good being the presence of Chanel, Balenciaga, Prada and Chloé  to name a few. And I made a list of 'investment' pieces that I'd love to own - but to be honest, the Chloé didn't make my list. At around $1450 (roughly R17 000), it is pricey for a trendy and rather impractical bag. It is tiny, so your standard wallet, smartphone and sunnies are going to have a hard time squeezing in - and thats before makeup, keys and whatever else us girls travel with on the daily.

So while it is incredibly beautiful, its really not a day-to-day bag and you'd only really use it for a night out or event. So instead of R17 000, I spent R299. Oh yes, under 2% of the designer price! This Riley bag from Superbalist caught my eye the other day, shortly after I landed, and I couldn't help but notice how similar it was to the Drew. So wisely, I snapped it up for myself. I think you should too.

Steal vs Splurge

Every girl would love a little Kate Spade classic like their Emerson handbag, and I am honestly toying with the idea of tossing caution to the wind, along with my savings, and buying one next week while we’re on holiday. I love their bright colours and structured silhouette. But given I’m busy launching a women's finance blog (watch this space!), I need to keep it real and think practically. Managing a fashion blog along with a women’s finance blog isn’t going to be an easy line to tread, because as much as my heart wants to shop, and tell you to do the same, my head is reminding me of my goals in terms of savings a for travel, future business and home plans and of course, retirement. And while its not as much fun as shopping, I’ll certainly be encouraging you guys to read up and be smart too. Its all about balance when you’re aspiring to live le good life I guess..

So if you’ve got the budget for the Kate Spade (at around R5000), lucky you. But if you’re looking for a dead ringer, in a great quality leather, Erato has the perfect substitute for a third of the price.

Investment Handbags

If I could play some background music that you could listen to while reading this post, it would be Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl". So lets pretend shall we?
"If I was a rich girl, nanananananananana......."

I've been thinking about this topic for a while now. We are bombarded with fast fashion daily. All we ever hear about is new season, pre-season, new trend, some or other era's revival and what the "it-bag" of the moment is. Yet when I look to the style icons that inspire me - from actresses, bloggers, and businesswomen world over, I notice that they all stick to classic, well designed handbags. It makes sense to spend on shoes and bags, and save on clothing. These items pull an outfit together and if you pair your Mr Price dress with a Prada bag, I can guarantee the whole outfit will look expensive.

After doing some research, I found that certain handbags actually hold their value, or even appreciate in value over time because they've become such a cult classic. Second-hand Chanel bags sell for the same price as new ones due to the common folk not being able to procure a new one. And limited editions sell for even more than the original price.

So I started looking for some tips on what to look out for when 'investing' in a designer handbag, and these were the ones that came up over and over again:

1) Go neutral. I read this as go black. Just buy a black one. Maybe beige, tan or blush - but when it comes down to it, I'd say classic black will always be beautiful and chic, and will definitely hold value.

2) It must be in leather. Vegan friends, look away now, because you won't like this. Leather lasts forever. It is durable, and even looks better as it ages. This is a non-negotiable when it comes to forking over your savings for a handbag.

3) Stick with structure. Your lifetime investment needs to withstand wear and tear and being used. A lot. Because if you drop R30k on a bag, best you use it daily right? So go for one that will retain its shape over time.

4) Keep logos and hardware to a minimum. Trends change and you don't want a massive logo emblazoned down the side of your bag, only to have that kind of brand styling go out of fashion in 6 months. Minimal will always be in style. Choose a reputable brand, with a small logo. The same idea applies to hardware. Studs and chains are great, but the upkeep is a pain and the hardware details won't last as well as the leather of the bag. If your heart lies with a Chanel Boy bag or Classic Flap bag, keep those chain handles clean and take care of them. 

Now lets get real. No handbag is actually an investment. You will not make money off it. It will not aid you in retirement in any way. You may be able to sell it one day, effectively borrowing the bag for a minimal price, or even for free if you're lucky. Or if like me, you're a sentimental type and merely want to collect pretty things to look after for your future daughters. So don't go trying to justify the extravagance to your other half by saying it is an investment. I've tried. He didn't buy it.

My picks for 'investment' bags would be, in my perfect, limitless budget world, the following:

Clockwise from top left:

YSL cross body bag | Mulberry Alexa satchel | Givency Antigona | Dior Lady Dior bag | YSL Monogramme small shoulder bag | Chanel Boy bag | Prada Saffiano | Chanel 2.55

Let me know on Twitter/ Instagram or in the comments section which one would be your dream bag.
I think mine would be the Givenchy or the Chanel Boy bag.....or the Prada...or the YSL......shit. Who needs a retirement fund anyway right?  (kidding Dave, only kidding)