I have a confession to make, fam. I’ve got an itch. What kind of itch you may ask? The kind of itch you know all too well. The one that can’t be scratched by anything other than a brand new (or at least new to you!) designer bag. The kind that can only be relieved by the smell of smushy soft leather, the clink of a chain link strap, or the snap from a new flap. Yep, you guessed it, I’ve got a serious case of the shoppies.
This year I’ve drastically changed how I shop, only buying stuff that I absolutely, positively adore and plan on keeping in my wardrobe for years to come, shopping more sustainably by buying vintage or ethical brands and truly making sure every single purchase I make is calculated and well thought-out. I can honestly (and proudly) say that I haven’t impulse purchased anything in 2021 and well before that as well. As for the last luxury bag I snagged? It was my Louis Vuitton Urs Fischer Pochette Accessoires.
I’ve yet to reveal it here or write a Purseonals about it and I have my reasons why. I purchased it in January and have only used it about four times. I take it out very sparingly as I purchased it more as a collectors item than an everyday bag. It was a bag I loved and just had to have. I still think about the Louis Vuitton limited edition bag that got away and refused to have that feeling again.
The Question At Hand?
As I typically buy a bag at the end of the year when I get my tax return or holiday money, the purchase was very much in budget but it called for me putting aside other things on my wishlist. Mainly the Bottega Veneta Jodie Bag (color TBD) and the Louis Vuitton Alma BB in Epi Leather (black). Now, because the bag I bought this year isn’t exactly in my rotation, I find myself wanting to buy either of the two bags I mentioned putting on hold.
More and more I’ve been day dreaming about purchasing one of them in advance of the end of the year. The purchase wouldn’t put me in debt nor would it wipe my savings clean. It would however, dip me below the mark that I comfortably like to stay at. I would however plan to pay myself back either in chunks or at the end of the year with holiday money and/or my tax return.
So tell me, would you do it, have you done it or do you plan to do it?
I vote No. I’m a long-time lurker on purseblog and very much appreciate the articles and the comments. As a community of bag lovers, however, I think we have the responsibility to support each other in financial health. I enjoy being able to admire expensive bags on the site that I’ll never purchase. I also enjoy everyone’s input and opinions about bags, and I wouldn’t want to risk someone’s long-term financial (and emotional) well-being to own a bag. Some of us can afford to buy the Mona Lisa, some of us can afford to fly to Paris to see the Mona Lisa, and some of us can read about the Mona Lisa online. We can all still enjoy the Mona Lisa together! xxx
All of your comments have been insightful and helpful! I’m honestly still undecided what I’m going to do, but I truly am taking everyone’s advice to heart to help me think it through!
Good luck with your decision, Kaitlin!
I agree with you. I must also say that the Mona Lisa is incredibly overrated. 😉
Yes, much like some very famous bags, she’s small and overrated! (And, you may have to stand in line with sweaty tourists to get a glimpse too.) I hear there’s a copy of the Mona Lisa done by an apprentice that’s much more impressive — so here’s to designer-inspired as well!
Ha! This made me laugh and reminded me of my daughter. When she was 16 1/2, and a senior in high school, she was one of 13 kids handpicked to go to Europe. She saw the Mona Lisa and I asked her “Was it exciting to see in person”? Her only answer was “it was small”. Years later I understood, but I still loved it. ?
This is just my style of managing my funds and it may not appeal to everyone, but I would rather set aside ‘fun’ money for a new bag than dip into my savings. There will always be another must-have bag!
THIS. there will always be another. Every time I’ve waited and not bought a bag because my bag savings wasn’t QUITE there yet, I have been relieved looking back. I get over the lust in a couple months and am glad I have that savings just in time for the NEXT “must have”
Another issue is that for those of us in the US, we have no significant social and financial safety net if something catastrophic happens… A few unfortunate events can quickly lead to homelessness and financial ruin. So I am more hesitant to spend from my savings compared to–let’s say–my friends who live in the European Union.
What do you mean about the U.S.A. vs. Europe? I don’t understand. Thx.
Social systems tend to be better supported in some European countries by more taxation, although that is a bit of an overgeneralization. But Scandinavian countries have pensions and healthcare systems in place that won’t bankrupt their people in case of emergency. In the US, if you don’t have strong retirement or emergency savings in place, you may end up in a very difficult place financially.
Yes. If you are terminally ill, then it s perfectly okay.
yes, as long as I have the financial means and it doesn’t put me in any debt. If it’s something that I have wanted a long time and can use many years to come, I will get it before another price increase because the same item is just going to cost more in the future. even it it means dipping into my savings, but make sure to earn back the money and cover up what you have dipped into.
I have done it in the past, for sure. I’m really considering it for a purchase in the fall for my birthday but I’m trying to save as much as I can now so I don’t need to finance the ENTIRE bag. Maybe just HALF of it lol. My father died young and my mom always says if we wait until we can afford things, we will never get them. She definitely does not want me going into crippling debt but a little here and there shouldn’t hurt too bad. Best of luck!
“dip me below the mark that I comfortably like to stay at“? No. I wouldn’t feel comfortable even with the bag I love. 1-year emergency fund first, then maximize your retirement plan (even if you’re only 20 years old), then buy the bag you want without credit card debt.
I think that depends on your age and living situation. When I was living with my parents and working I’d definitely just spend it. I was young, not saving for retirement. But as a more responsible adult now – that answer is no. One, I have too many bags and I mainly WFH now – no one will see my outfits! Two, I really need to save for retirement and helping with my kids college tuitions soon. It’s just a bag.
Yes…I went into my Italy trip money to buy a preloved Balenciaga Bowler bag…not a huge price at NZ$400 but still a lot to take out of my savings. Best buy ever
I’m having the same dilemma! I can’t stop thinking about a certain Chanel bag on FP but of course due to waiting I’ve already watched the latest price increase happen (while already feeling like the prices are just SO insane) so I feel the panics that I need to buy it now before it’s completely out of my range or logically what I feel comfortable spending on a bag. I have a guaranteed amount of $ at the end of the year coming that would cover it, and I have a new credit card that has the 0% APR offer running through next year so that I wouldn’t technically have to dip into the savings account to cover…but it still feels like cheating because I don’t actually have that money yet. The struggles.
Yes, I’ve done it, but only after much consideration and a plan to pay it back.