Real Talk

Why Do We Want to Purchase Less This Year?

As handbag prices rise, many readers have pledged zero bags for 2020

In mid-January, I asked the PurseBlog community about their handbag goals for the new year. I imagined readers would discuss their desire to save up for a specific style, or consign a few of their lesser used pieces to purchase something new.

Instead, I was met with a handful of replies I didn’t quite expect: It appears many readers have challenged themselves to forego bag purchases in 2020. Some said they want to evaluate their collections before investing in a new bag, while others said, under no circumstance, would they buy a new bag.

Here are some of the most interesting reader responses:

“Not to buy. Period.” – Sparky

“I am on a no buy bags (clothes, accessories) year. So 2020 is a no buy. This will allow me to reevaluate my collection and sell.” – Moria McQueen

“I only have one bag on my wishlist which I will be purchasing this month. After that, I’m kind of not sure what I’m going to do with myself. It feels strange not wanting anything.” – Marvel

“Hopefully keep with my very low buy, hopefully, and only add one bag… I want to use what I have. I finally fully unsubscribed from all Youtube and Instagram influencers. I’ve made way to many mindless purchases because of social media… Just over the constant oversell of gifted bags… and people finding they aren’t saving enough for real life. For years, I only bought one bag a year, if that, and I’m ready to return to getting less and enjoying more.” – Elm1979

I find these comments fascinating because I, too, challenged myself to not buy a bag – for at least the first six months of the year. It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz of a fashion house’s latest styles, especially when they start to appear on every influencer and celebrity in town. (Did you see Chanel’s newest releases? Swooning over some of them, but not spending upwards of $4,000 on a mini bag.)

It’s easy to become desensitized by the outrageous prices as well. I know some of them are justified, depending on the craftsmanship, type of leather, and so on. But, more often than not, it’s really (really!) hard to explain why a bag smaller than my iPhone costs more than a mortgage payment (depending where you live, of course).

With the rise of sustainability and consignment practices, coupled with a growing desire for financial stability (Think about all of the ‘money diaries’ articles on the web!), it’s clear even the most diehard purse collectors are becoming more intentional with their spending. It’s not a matter of if you have the money in the first place – rather it’s a question of how you want to spend it.

I am certain I will add a few new bags to my arsenal this year (all preloved, though). But with every addition, I want to maintain that I’m choosing styles that speak to me – bags that turn into companions. That way, I’m confident I’ll get my money’s worth and enjoyment out of them, instead of simply purchasing a style because everyone else has it.

I also want to continue to be more mindful in terms of how much I’m spending. Truthfully, I think many of us have become numb to the cost of handbags – and if a 2020 zero purchase policy is what it takes, then so be it. I don’t see myself following that extreme, though I admire those who do.

I truly love handbags in every sense, from the way they make me feel to the way they can elevate an outfit. I wouldn’t want to say I’m completely done with them, but I also don’t want to get carried away by the culture of what you have is never enough, and there’s always a style out there that may be newer and better.

Have you challenged yourself to steer clear of handbags this year? Or, have you pledged to only buy one or two new (or preloved) bags this year instead of five or six?

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