As a handbag lover, is there anything more exciting than finally walking into a boutique and out with the bag you’ve been pining for, for months or even years? It’s a rush; not everyone will understand, but those of us who know, know…
You’ve got an extra pep in your step, swinging that Louis Vuitton orange, Chanel black, or Gucci green shopping bag alongside you. The thrill is only matched by the very first time you take your new bag out for a spin. Creating an outfit styled specifically around complimenting your new handbag is exciting.
Buyer’s Remorse
As equally thrilling and hard to match as the excitement mentioned above is, there is no worse feeling for a collector than realizing that the very thing you’ve wanted most isn’t all that exciting anymore. It’s happened to me, and it’s likely happened to you.
In 2010, I was preparing to study abroad in Europe during the summer between my sophomore and junior years. I spent the entire year babysitting and saving up my extra spending money to purchase a new bag in Paris. I watched the EUR/USD conversion go up and down the entire year, carefully eyeing it to ensure I had enough money saved. At the time, the EUR was stronger (around 1.25 to every USD), meaning I had to save up even more in order to afford the bag I wanted.
Overwhelmingly Underwhelmed
I was able to gauge how much I would need to snag the bag of my dreams by swapping the Louis Vuitton website for the European site to see the bag’s price in Euros. By the time I got to the Louis Vuitton Store in Paris that summer, I had enough to buy the bag I had been yearning for, The Louis Vuitton Damier Ebène Verona PM. Of course, I didn’t wait until I returned to the states to use it. I carried it out to dinner on my last night in Europe.
I was so blinded by the excitement of it all I barely realized how difficult the bag was to use. However, when I got home and began using it in my day-to-day life, I quickly realized how underwhelming the bag was. It was incredibly cumbersome to get in and out of, for starters. Also, the straps looked too big to be top handle straps and felt too small to be worn over the shoulder. The bottom of the bag was also too wide so that the bag couldn’t sit snugly under the arm. As it would turn out, I was less than thrilled by this bag, despite really loving the look overall.
A major bummer and, of course, a lesson, no matter how much you plan for a bag, sometimes it’s just not a good fit. Had I tried on the bag in the store and thought it out more, I may have been able to change my mind in time.
Sharing these stories not only helps to ease the pain, but they have the potential to save a fellow collector from making a purchase that they, too, may find incredibly underwhelming. What bag purchase did you find to be the most underwhelming?
Telfar tote. I was tempted by all the hype. I liked the company’s “mission,” but the product itself is a total joke. I gave mine away to my niece.
They look so tacky and plasticky when I see them on PB posts – I’ve never seen anyone carry it in real life 😋😋😋😋
The tote bag is terrible quality. It doesn’t wear well at all. The bag loses it’s shape badly and the faux leather looks inexpensive….I’ve seen other bags made much better.. No Thank You
it’s a literal tote bag. y’all need to be forreal for a second. what were you expecting? Mary Poppins’ purse?
i’ve seen many Telfars in the wild and they’ve all been carried really well/stylishly. but it’s a tote, nothing more.
just hate the way ppl in the comments love to sh*t on this brand. grow up.
Why are you so rude? You’re the one who should “grow up.”
She is against the first amendment 🫥🫥🫥🫥
Yep. So excited to get it, figured medium was medium sized, not large as hell. Way too big for me.
Same…mine is listed on Postmark right now.
Yes! I sold mine on poshmark.
I gave mine to my daughter. 😂
The Givenchy Antigona. I got the largest size, and the thing is a tank. It’s too big and much too stiff. I move my arm, and the thing doesn’t budge. Hate the zipper as it scratches my hand every time I reach in. Such a beautiful bag, but that’s where it ends. Not user friendly at all for me.
I saw one in a luxury consignment boutique one day and told myself that the zipper would probably hurt my hand… your testimonial is confirming my tought.
I also find the bag is really heavy. And I knew all of these things before purchasing, but I loved the look of the bag so much, I thought I could get past all the issues. Oh well, live and learn.
I hate when zippers scratch your hand! I always wanted the Loewe puzzle bag but when I tried it in store I found the same problem. Didn’t get it. Still want it though 🙁
Chanel 22 hobo bag in black with GH. I got caught up in the excitement when it first launched and just bought it unplanned which I so regret. I like structured bags and totes, and this is a very unstructured, soft bag. The chain straps hurt, and I couldn’t find anything in the bag. It’s also very heavy (bc of the chain straps). I get so annoyed now just looking at this hugely expensive mistake.
Hermes Garden Party and Picotin. Both bags are totally underwhelming and just not worth the money at all.
Really? I love my Garden Party and get a ton of use out of it. It’s casual, can go over your shoulder (unlike a Birkin), and has a IYKYK vibe.
Most Hermes bags are ugly and impractical but don’t say that on PB users because they seem to peddle Hermes as holy grail – lol
The garden party is just another tote bag. But the shape of picotin is growing on me. I like the bucket bag type without the drawstring which is a style hard to find (i hate everything drawstring most especially the backpack just so hard to maneuver cant close with 1 hand especially if you are in a hurry).
Happy to not be the only one who doesn’t like drawstring bags. The old LV epi Cluny is a good choice for that reason IMO.
most fun post! I might need to save this trove of information for future reference!
The Stella McCartney Falabella. Such an annoying bag! The chains are super heavy and noisy, the bag has zero structure (and I usually like relaxed/slouchy bags) and everything looks kind of cheap…
Talfar bags all the way, I bought two and NEVER used them.
The Celine All Soft tote. I love the look, but the strap constantly slides of my shoulder and it is hard to get in and out off. Same with the Celine Box bag. Also, the metal studs on the strap dig in your skin and make the bag so uncomfortable to wear.
100% I sold my Falabella. It was way too difficult to use.
I’m probably selling my Falabella, exactly what you said, cute, but very hard to use, too floppy and chains too heavy
At the risk of sounding unpopular, the LV Capucines Mini in black with gold hardware. So fiddly to get into, underwhelming in performance and appearance. And that wide crossbody strap? I realize this is a dream bag for many, but why…?
I hunted a Limited Edition Louis Vuitton for several seasons in different iterations. The “Square Bag” was super limited Cruise 2017, my CA ordered it and we crossed our fingers. 50 were produced none coming to the states, so I lusted. Fast forward to 2020 Game On Collection and there it was in the cutest, had to have it, design. My father’s nickname is Ace, my grandfather taught me to play poker at 4, this felt like the universe was finally sending the perfect one my way. Having extra savings due to that Global Pandemic thing keeping us all home I again ordered a square bag with my CA.
The universe delivered and the bag “showed up” at my door, I was in love! Until I attempted to carry it. While a beautiful piece on the shelf it was completely unusable (especially in an age of heavy hand sanitizer use) and left me underwhelmed. So off it went, hopefully to make someone else content with just observing it.
Sometimes the ones we lust after most just don’t live up to the hype they had in our minds.
Bottega Veneta mini Jodie. I could tell the leather wouldn’t wear well plus it was a pain to get into. Luckily, I was able to return it.
I agree! I bought into the hype but really hated it from the get go. I sold it within 3 months.
hmm, i have a Kate Spade bag that I’ve never reached for… it’s bright pink, which I actually love in theory, but I should’ve been more thoughtful about how I was going to use it before buying. It’s probably close to 7-10 years old now, still in original packaging 😅.
nowadays I completely know my bag carrying tendencies so I’m really really careful about choosing my next purchase. also choosing bags i have to save up for helps ensure that i really want them by the time I purchase.
Same here. I find myself using structured totes most often, so that’s what I will be buying in designer purchases moving forward. I am looking for recommendations outside of The Neverfull & St. Louis tote.
Mulberry and Aspinal of London have great tote options.
Highly recommend Ferragamo black minimal tote. Calfskin leather, lined and IMHO better constructed and sturier than YSL or LV version.
1, Chloé Tess. The buckle is very difficult.
2, Poléne Cyme. It was too busy for my taste. Both were online purchases.
Buying online from unfamiliar brands can be risky.
Gucci Disco -while it shouldve worked for me, it was a bit too soft & too square. Made it difficult to find what I was looking for. Very disappointing.
Celine Nano Luggage Tote -too square, everything fell to the bottom & the strap was too long. Felt like I was digging down to my knees for stuff. Heavy too.
Guess I’m more of a rectangle bag girl.
Interesting! Celine Luggage Nano is my first (and only) designer bag purchase and I still get the butterflies every time I use it, it’s so perfect 😍 well at least for me 🙂
Chanel trendy wallet in chain in fuschia. Still contemplating selling. It was a split second decision, and I’ve worn it maybe 3 times
Maybe not what you’re going for with the “underwhelming” category. But def a bag I’ve regretted. Minimal usefulness, and somewhat ostentatious for my taste!
Louis Vuitton, Pallas in black -> ugly bag (imo)
The passy too!
Chanel Gabrielle bag (small size). So difficult to get in and out.
Chanel Jumbo So Black Chevron lambskin. Most beautiful bag I had ever seen. But….the lambskin on this particular bag is super delicat. The strap is way too long for me, or I am to short lol. The jumbo is a really big bag on my frame, looks bulky. So been sitting in the closet for many years now. One of my most expensive bags what a shame.
I would love to have this bag!!
I’ve heard so so much about the lambskin being so delicate on the Chanel bags which is such a shame since it feels so great! One of the reasons I ended up deciding to get the caviar leather, I’m not exactly gentle with my bags lol. I still lust over all the beautiful lambskin ones though!
I do have a Chanel lambskin mini as well but this lambskin is very durable. It changes from year to year I think. Kind of strange. 😃
Bought a Chanel tweed like fabric backpack in Madrid. The backpack itself is very nice and functional (zippers are smooth, nice extra pockets) but the material is wearing thin on the back from rubbing agains clothes. Barely used, too. Such a ripoff for +$3,000 bag!! Still so annoyed when I think about it.
Balenciaga City. I just never reached for it. It was an issue buying it too (the vendor wouldn’t accept foreign cards etc), should’ve taken it as a sign and stopped myself. Bad mistake.
Celine Classic bag. It’s a pain to get in and out of and you can’t fit very much into it. The leather is so stiff that it keeps the bag from being practical. I really regret that purchase
Thanks for sharing, I’ve been lusting after it for ages! Is it the buckle that makes it hard to get in and out of? Or the opening size/something else?
Bottega mini Jodie. Returned it overnight.
The Louis Vuitton On the go black Dschungel…..I was so thrilled when I saw it in Munich in the LV store, my husband encouraged me to buy it, but now…(already short after the,purchase) …I don’t like it anymore.and my best girl friend said: do you really like it, it is so….loud and screams Louis Vuitton…
THat was the end. But I cannot give it away…my husband always wants, that I wear it
Yeah I personally do not care for the giant Louis Vuitton print. I think the On The Go would be a great tote if it was made in the regular canvas or even in Damier.
A word of caution, I returned an On The Go in Empreinte leather because it is a very stiff bag and did not sit well on my shoulder. But YMMV.
The L.V. Speedy B 20 – I feel like my feelings for it should have evolved past the preliminary “OMG it’s so cute!”, but sadly, it never went beyond that. And for that price point, I couldn’t justify keeping it. I returned it about 5 days later in hopes that someone else would give it the proper amount of love that I give all of my bags in my collection!
The cassette bag when it came out,I’ve used it twice. I’ve got it in the closet,I used it for a wedding. It’s a classic,I’m sure I’ll used it again but do I love it,no.
The Alma PM in monogram from LV. I think it’s a gorgeous bag and I was so excited when I first got it. However, once I started using it, I found it so unpractical. Too small for a work bag and too big for an “off duty” moment. I bought a shoulder strap to be able to wear it on my shoulder but it stood out to much from my body which made me bump into things all the time. Also, the vacchetta leather in the bottom produced anxiety every time I used it since it stains so easily. I ended up selling it since I never used it.
Same with me with the Alma PM, including getting a shoulder strap for it in an attempt to make it work for me. Mine was multicolore though, which I had dreams about. But it was just too fussy and awkward for me to carry and it sat in the closet for a couple of years until I sold it.
Lady Dior vintage with the zipper – I ruined and damaged my hands, wallets,.. I never sold them because I pretend to use them in the future.
😂😂😂
In 2018, I bought the Burberry belt bag. It was the It bag of the moment, and I was so in love with it. When I got it, I was thrilled to pieces. Then I realized it was too big for me, it was too heavy, it sagged all to heck and lacked a zipper to close the top. I only wore it about three times. I pulled it out of my closet about four months ago, and it made me upset to look at it. Even the hardware looked so unattractive to me. Resale value was not worth the effort to even bother. I ended up giving it to Goodwill. Even now, I just cringe about wasting that money.
For me it’s a Chanel camera bag that I bought from the location on Rue Cambon in 2018. After I got home, I had major buyers remorse and regretted having spent that much money, which had never happened before and has not happened since. I think that if I had paid cash or been able to write a check, I would never have bought it because the cost would have seemed real to me immediately. The good news is that the purchase cured of my habit of buying a Chanel bag every year and I have not bought one since then. I’ve carried it twice and will sell it this year as part of getting ready to move to Florida.
Waited and waited for the Gucci Ophidia GG Small Shoulder bag price to show up at the outlier only for the price to increase. Then went shopping and bought the Saint Laurent Medium Nolita Bag in suede, and the irony is I spent double on the bag compared to the Gucci I was waiting to magically appear at the outlet. Only carried the Saint Lauren twice and have major buyer’s remorse so it’s been sitting in my closet and I need to sell it. Finally decided to buy the Gucci a couple of months ago and I was so sad to see how terrible the bag felt. Not worth the price.
Bags I regretted purchasing:
Needless to say, I sold all the bags..
Louis vuitton Boulogne vintage. This bag is so cute but exceptionally awkward to use. Everything would get stuck in it. I’m at the store trying to yank out my wallet, almost elbowing the lady behind me. Sold it and bought a wilshire pm, also vintage , which I love so much I bought it in another color.
Im thinking of selling my vernis wilshire pm. No complaints about it but im trying to keep my vintage bags to a minimum. Also im trying to only keep the ones that still has a high value. Vintage lvs are not worth so much in the preloved market unless its a limited edition. Holding on to it due to sentimental value. It was my first lv bag 16 years ago (2007! Still have the receipt). Ironically my mom’s first lv was the boulogne (1998 i think). She still loves it until now.
My Chanel bag only because of the color. I have realized that I don’t like red bags. I have 4, and I rarely use them.
I realized the same thing after I had three red bags — a LV Boccamor, a Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, and a Chloe Marcie. I am selling the Chloe this year as part of streamlining for a move. I’ll give the Mansur Gavrield away because it probably has no resale value.
Boccador not Boccamor
Givenchy Mystic bag – I fell in love with the look of it but it was incredibly heavy. I sold it and bought a Loewe puzzle bag (I should have just gone with the puzzle in the first place). And the Chanel WOC.
Oh my god I love, love my Mystic. Sorry it was too heavy for you.
I’m surprised – I love my small Givenchy Mystic! It’s my easiest bag to use and it is indestructible and looks like new after considerable use. I don’t find it heavy although with the multiple ways to carry it (elbow, handheld, shoulder or crossbody) maybe I keep switching the weight around.
I found a Dior Hardcore Boston Bag. I love the edginess and get compliments whenever I carry it.
LV Speedy 25 in Damier Azur – so pretty and it’s never even had the tags taken off – I will sell it, just haven’t gotten around to it. it’s still in the shopping bag / box. As much as I like the look of it, I couldn’t bring myself to use it, too light for me. I had bought an organizer for it and planned to use it, but never pulled the trigger. What a waste of money.
Buyer’s remorse (ok im 50 50 on this) on my prada crystal hobo in black. I love the way the light reflects on the crystals and you end up seeing rainbow colors (which is also a favorite of mine). I also have matching melissa swarovski flats for it. But Maybe i should have followed my gut and gotten the pink one because its my favorite color. And seeing emily wear it in emily in paris didnt help either. I just really think its too teenagerish while the black is the grown up version and more formal to dress up any casual outfit.
I never offer cumbersome, hard to use bags as an online seller.
It should be practical, affordable( getting to be so difficult nowadays), and a real eye-candy.