Are Handbags a Gateway to Luxury RTW?

Like most of us who collect handbags, I like nice things, and those things span beyond the scope of just things to tote around my belongings. If I had it my way, I’d be walking around wearing head-to-toe designer and refreshing my wardrobe seasonally. However, another commonality I share with many of you (I would venture to guess) is that I do not have unlimited funds. That means that when it comes to my luxury items, I’m only able to purchase high-ticket items about 5-8 times per year (sometimes more if I’m also parting with items).

Accessible Accessories

For the better part of my adult life, my designer purchases were strictly limited to handbags and the occasional small leather good or sunglasses. Accessories have always felt the most accessible in price point and practicality. I’ve always believed that purchasing a $2,500 bag that you’ll repeatedly use throughout the year is a much better investment than purchasing a top limited to one or two seasons, which you’ll only wear 10 or so times a year. And while that still rings true, the older I get, the more I want to buy into other luxury items.

Stepping It Up

After collecting handbags for over a decade, I decided I was, quite literally, ready to dip my toe into the world of luxury shoes. Second to handbags, a good pair of designer shoes you’ll wear often also makes sound financial sense from a cost-per-wear perspective. I can personally attest to this, as in the last year+ that I’ve owned my Bottega Veneta Tire boots I’ve worn them dozens of times. Since then, my designer shoe collection has expanded to include Bottega Veneta Puddle Boots and most recently, Celine Lug Sole Loafers.

A Gateway to RTW

My handbag collection is in a really good place, and I don’t plan on parting with or adding anything to it soon. Of course, if a new bag drops that I have to have, that may all change, but as of now, I’m content. I am lusting for the addition of some designer ready-to-wear into my rotation, and I’ve found that my progression from handbags to shoes was the catalyst for this craving.

I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d asked me a handful of years ago if I would have ever considered spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a single piece of clothing. However, I feel that a quality item is a good wardrobe investment, as it can elevate the rest of the pieces in your closet, especially if you’re like me and wear a lot of vintage. Be it a logo tee, a statement jacket, or a nicely tailored piece, I’m finally gravitating toward the world of designer RTW, and I have my bags to thank for that!