One thing that has helped me get more use out of my bags has been adding a coat hook to my entryway and keeping 2-3 bags hanging on it and in rotation. Admittedly though, sometimes I overload it, and that’s exactly what happened this past weekend. I was rushing out the door and realized that my Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie in Ice Cream matched my outfit better than the other bags that were currently in use (Prada Cleo, Celine Small 16 and Balenciaga Hourglass). After a late night, I was much too tired to put away one of the bags, and even though 4 bags overloaded it a little bit, I vowed to get to it in the morning. The following day, as I grabbed the Prada Cleo and put her back in place, I realized the worth of those four bags alone, and truthfully, I started spiraling a little bit.
A Collection’s Worth
I started to think about resale value and how if I sold a handful or more of my bags, it would probably be enough to purchase the rare vintage Chanel Flap Bag of my dreams or maybe even a vintage Hermès Kelly bag. My collection is finally at the point where I could sell off about half, or just less than half, and get something from one of the two brands that currently feel so out of reach. But would I do it? Will I do it?
No.
While I am a firm believer of the quality over quantity rule, the collection that I’ve built is one I’m proud of, and its value is more than just monetary. It comprises around 15 bags representing major milestones in my life, and each one is a bag I love and brings me joy. From the first Dior Saddle Pochette I saved and purchased for myself when I was just 13 to the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 that my parents gifted me for my graduation from high school to the very first editor’s gift I received from a luxury brand, and every other bag in between, each bag holds meaning to me and represents a certain time in my life.
Sentimentality aside, these bags are all bags that I use. Over the years, I’ve sold off probably ten or so bags (not at once), and currently, my collection is at a place that I’m pleased with. So while I could easily gather up enough money to snag something others may deem worthier of space on the shelf, I’ve learned over the years to be grateful for the things I have versus constantly searching for the next best thing.
Sure, I do want to add a rare vintage Chanel piece to my collection one day, but I’m certain that parting ways with a handful of bags at a time (or more) is not the way to do it.
Would you?
