Once upon a time, I was obsessed with owning as many designer bags as possible. I avoided selling any of my bags, regardless of if I had reached a point of being over them or not. And each year, as I picked up one or two new bags, my collection got bigger and bigger until it hit a peak well into the double-digits.
Sure, it was a rush for me to feel like I could actually call my ownership of handbags a collection, but neglecting to sell bags I no longer used or had fallen out of love with was foolish, not to mention, financially unsound. I was sitting on a lot of money that could either be saved for a rainy day or put towards something I would love (and actually use).
Thankfully, my attitude has shifted towards the quality of bags (meaning ones I truly love) over quantity. And if something no longer brings me joy or gives me that unmistakable butterflies in my stomach feeling, I know it’s time for me to part ways with it.
To Sell or To Trade
Over the last few months, I started to realize that I was reaching for my Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires less and less. While I still love the bag, it wasn’t bringing me much of a thrill, and I began to toy with the idea of letting it go. I did a little research and, with my educational background in fashion, concluded that the popularity of the LV Multi Pochette (and the multi-bag trend in general) is likey hitting, or has hit, its peak.
To get a maximum return, I felt that now would be the time to let this much-hyped bag go. I purchased it for $1,640 back in late 2019, and its retail price is now almost a full $1,000 more, so I knew that I would make my money back, and then some being that the condition of my bag was nearly perfect.
I toyed with the idea of selling it on my own (via eBay or Instagram). Still, I ultimately decided to use Rebag’s Clair Trade program, which gives you the most return if you’re looking to get something new in place of what you’re giving up. I wasn’t (at first) looking to trade, but then I started digging and found that I could trade my Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette for a bag I’ve been eyeing for some time.
Its current retail is $2,500, so immediately, I was sold (more on what I snagged soon!) I could part ways with a bag that no longer served me and one I had paid $1,000 less for than the bag I was trading for. A win, win, in my opinion!
Out With the Old, In With the New
Though not on purpose, I followed the one in, one out rule, and after watching a YouTube video from fellow handbag lover Alyssa Lenore, I’ve been thinking about this rule more and more. Collecting, by definition, is systematically seeking and acquiring items of a particular kind as a hobby. If the whole point of a collection is to acquire more items, does the one in, one out rule really make sense?
Yes, it makes sense in many cases, and the example I cited above perfectly illustrates this. While this isn’t necessarily a rule I will follow routinely moving forward, I know many collectors who’ve reached a point where they feel this rule is necessary. Eventually, if I were to have, say, 20 or more handbags, I may feel this rule is non-negotiable. What do you think?
There is great power and great joy in NOT buying a bag. A small and well-curated collection has brought me more satisfaction than when my collection was ridiculously large.
Spoken like a true minimalist!
Hehe
I have the same feeling when i was younger. I wanted to have 1 classic bag from every designer. Eventually i realized that there are styles that doesnt work for me anymore (hobos and small totes that doesnt have an extra strap) so during the pandemic i cleaned out my closet. I used to have 35 designer bags now its down to 25. I have let go of 12 cheap bags too because they were damaged (pleather was peeling off). I have been buying less now i have a list of 9 bags if its not on the list i cant buy it anymore. I adapt one in one out rule for my clothes. Before i go shopping i make sure to get rid of clothes that don’t work for me anymore (dont like the style) so i have extra hangers waiting for the new ones but if i dont have then i dont buy. I used to live in a condo so i know how precious extra space is.
I follow two principles, first that any new handbag added should follow the principles of my collection and be essential piece there, and second that on top of that I could use it and fit in my style. There is a third principle to make my selection even more restrictive, that is to avoid repetitive color in bags from same size and purpose. I maintain a collection larger than average, but it is not based on what is the latest trend. Therefore, my new acquisitions are rare and when a precise model, leather, color from my collector list would be available, I would certainly not consider to penalize another item from my collection. One in, one out would not make any sense in a curated collection, I think. It would work for those that buy latest models regularly and get tired of them.
I am pretty strict about one in one out for my home in general. So if I get a new bag I don’t always feel the need to get rid of an old but, but often just the process of reflecting on this question leads me to let something in my collection go. If I don’t end up getting rid of a bag I try to find something else in my home or closet to say goodbye to because I live in an apartment and there’s a very real limit to how much stuff we can keep without turning into hoarders! I don’t ever want to feel like I need to move because I need more space for material things, though I know that’s a thing people do.
I hope people aren’t motivated to move because they need more room for material things. Imo, people move when they’re expanding their family, they don’t like their neighborhood since it has changed, they get a job promotion, they feel cramped in their apartment and want more space, their rent has gone up and it’s cheaper to move than to stay. Lots of various reasons to move. 🤷♀️
I don’t follow the one in one out rule BUT I often review my bags and let go of those that I’m not loving as much or not reaching out for. Having an expensive bag that I don’t really use makes me bit anxious.
I, too, have sold older bags in the past because I no longer reached for them. But since then, I have been picky with what I add to my collection. So currently I am happy with what I own. A smaller collection with the bags you truly love are the best ones! Btw, congratulations on your new bag! Can’t wait to see what you got.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I disagree- have 10 LV, 8 Chanel and 3 Gucci bags-all different sizes and colors.
I love taking out a bag I haven’t used in last couple of years and begin wearing it again, just did it yesterday, in fact! Such fun! All paid for and feels like a new purse with no additional cash outlay.
No! One in, one out is not for me. I collect my handbags. (My next house will have a „handbag room“ haha)
Just some months ago I thought of giving some of my bags, which I don’t want to carry anymore, to my housekeeper….but just yesterday I found „old“ Prada handbags….it was such a joy. Now I carry them again! And a real vintage Gucci bag ….I love it again and again…!!
The brands CHANEL and HERMES …. Don’t even think of selling them …