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?
My mother bought her first LV Speedy in 1972 as a diaper bag, she always reminds me it cost $75! She had a LV collection unlike any other. I love going through her closet!
I did sell 15 bags (kate spade coach ferragamo givenchy burberry) prior to purchasing my b. Sold another 4 bags this year for my kelly fund. I talked myself into selling my first LV bag (wilshire pm). Complete package with box paperbag and receipt. The only LV i purchased from the store (the rest of my lvs are hand me down from my mom or bought pre loved). Has sentimental value. Guess what? It didnt sell and has made its way back to my closet. Guess its meant for me after all. Have so much space in my closet now. Im still thinking until now for a very long time about selling more burberry and maybe the last coach bag in my collection.
I sold a lot of my Lady Dior bags that I don’t use as I have too many of the same style, just in different color or size.
Then the money goes to buying cheaper indie and made-to-order brands which only costs a fraction of Lady Dior.
I do think having a small collection is better because you use more of each bag, but I also believe in using bags comfortably and spending within your means. Selling other bags to get your holy grail is a great idea, but if you wouldn’t feel comfortable using it because it’s so expensive, then I wouldn’t get it. My holy grail bags were my Celine bags. I have a price cap or budget for the most I would pay for a bag, so when I was buying those bags, I spent time looking online for a good secondhand deal before buying. That way, I got what I wanted without spending more money than I was comfortable with. That also means I’m not nervous about using the bags on a daily basis, and I don’t feel bad if I get some wear and tear.
I would definitely sell off bags to fund something else. It’s something I’ve done for many years. I would also feel better having LESS because having too much gives me anxiety.
My HG was a pink Kelly style bag with palladium hdw… and luckily I was offered a confetti pink Kelly to go at FSH without letting any of my bags go. While I have sold many many bags, it’s mainly due to the fact that I didn’t want them in my collection any longer (think a teal suede bucket bag from Lacoste or a large coach bag)
I have 5 bags so getting rid of I guess 2 to get 1 is an easy choice. In general I don’t mind the money part so much but I do get overwhelmed if I have too many of anything. So I have to do periodic purges. For a holy grail would I give up all 5 of my other bags? No. I need SOME variety.
i really slimmed down my collection…….. and i did buy a TOP bag for me with the proceeds.so it was wonderful.
Thank you for your insightful post. Exceptionally excellent and instructive.
Liver Metastases (Liver Secondary)
Actually yes. Even though there no such a thing as an holy grail bag. Just recently purged two bags to buy a Chanel seasonal flap bag.