For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a thing for bags.
It started in middle school, where a “statement” bag was the only way I could accessorize my uniform. So there I was, a 12-year-old with a financial plan, meticulously saving my $10 per week allowance to have just enough for a fabric Abercrombie tote bag, which at the time retailed for about $40. (We all start somewhere, right?) By the end of it, I had at least five different ones in all sorts of colors.
High school was dominated by Kate Spade and Michael Kors. They were somewhat affordable and much more reasonable for a teenager compared to anything from Prada or Gucci. Holiday gift cards, birthday cash, and babysitting money all went toward my bag fund. But everything changed around sophomore year of college: I was (un)fortunately bitten by the bag bug.
It happened during my first visit to Paris. My mom and I were in town for her 50th birthday, and I remember strolling Champs-Élysées with a beige Kate Spade top-handle. That was the first “grown up-looking” bag I had purchased on my own and I felt proud wearing it. At the time, my mom and I didn’t know much about designer wear. She was never into it and I was too young to understand.
[sc_ic_ad1]Yet somehow we stumbled upon the flagship Hermès store. Once inside, there were quite a few SAs who looked at us like we were lost—and honestly, we were. Dazzled by all of the leather goods (and price tags), I remember telling my mom she should treat herself to something. Shoes! A scarf! What the hell—a purse! It was her birthday, after all. A small part of me thought if she bought something, maybe she’d gift me something too. (Come on, you would have thought the same thing.)
Looking back now, I’m glad she didn’t buy me my first Hermès. Since then, I’ve acquired lots of bags, from Prada to Fendi, all purchased on my own. Right now, I’ve got my eye on the Hermès Evelyne III 29 bag. I’m not sure when I’ll purchase it, but if and when I do, I’ll feel just as proud as I did touting that Kate Spade I bought for myself more than a decade prior—because I’ll know I did it on my own.
I know most people might think I’m ridiculous for spending all this money on bags in the first place. But for me, similar to maybe how you feel, bags hold a deeper meaning (don’t laugh!). They represent real accomplishments and provide a sense of comfort I can’t exactly explain. While I’m sure it would be nice to have someone waltz me into Bergdorf Goodman and let me go wild, I just don’t think bags would give me the same feeling anymore.
[sc_ic_ad2]There is something unbelievably powerful about walking into a boutique, picking out a bag of my choice, and handing the SA my credit card. It’s even more fun when said SA thought from the moment you walked in that you couldn’t actually afford anything in the place. (Ahhh, when will they learn? That’s a story for another day, though.)
Do you get the same sensation when purchasing a bag on your own? Or would you take the free Chanel and run? (No judgement!) Maybe I would take it too, but I definitely don’t think I’d feel the same way about a Chanel gifted to me versus one I ultimately gift myself.
Feel the same-I’ve purchased every designer bag I own-the only difference is that I feel absolutely no thrill buying in a store, prefer to buy online-it’s an enjoyable, private transaction for me.
I feel the same! The search, the suspense of waiting for the package to arrive, the annoyance when the arrival is delayed and the excitement when you finally get to open the box and see the bag hiding inside of it!
I love when someone buys ME a bag. Wish it happened more often LOL
I’ve been gifted 3 bags and wouldn’t say I enjoy them any less than the ones I’ve purchased on my own. For me, it’s all the better because when I wear it I think of the person who gave it to me and the occasion (graduation, trip, etc.). That said, none of these were “on the whim” purchases, but ones that were carefully considered.
Yes same here i also think of the person that gave it to me and the special occasion…though in fortunate that the special people in my life who gifted me with purses always let me choose
Yes same here i also think of the person that gave it to me and the special occasion…though in fortunate that the special people in my life who gifted me with purses always let me choose
Anyone want to by me a bag???!! I’ll take it.
I would love someone to gift me a bag that I’d love but no one has done yet. Le sigh.
I buy some of my bags. My mom buys me the one’s I really can’t afford. I love them all equally.
I have never been given a bag. However I have been given money to put towards a bag. For example on my last birthday my boyfriend knew that I was 200€ away from purchasing my pochette metis, so it was gonna happen the following month anyway, but he gave me the 200€ for my birthday and told me to buy the bag now for my birthday if I want. I did and now I look at it as a partial gift in a way. However I still feel proud because the vast majority I earned myself
I don’t think I would enjoy being gifted an entire bag. Probably because my family and friends never give gifts in that price range, so I would feel guilty for receiving it and like I owed them something very expensive in return. I just think it would put pressure on the relationship
I purchased most of my bags on my own. So I can feel that I can do anything to them when I no longer wear them. In other words- resell them to fund a new bag. I let my husband bought me a Neverfull for our wedding hamper and my mum gave me a Speedy as a birthday present. As much as I am grateful, I actually regret it. Now I feel responsible to keep them in my wardrobe. I don’t use them anymore! Although they are classics but I’d rather use the space for newer bags that I actually wear.
I wouldn’t buy someone else a bag again. I bought a Kate Spade on sale for my sister’s birthday, and it has just been living in the back of her wardrobe.
My partner bought me a Burberry bag for Christmas, he let me pick on and he paid for it. I felt really touched and this bag is special for me.
I would love for my husband to buy me a bag! I’d love it forever and ever. When we were dating, I won a bet and he had to buy me a clutch. I still have that but I don’t get to use it that much though.
Clarissa, I love this article. As I understand it, you’re saying every one of your bags is a trophy for a financial accomplishment. That’s fantastic. You’ve earned them and saved for them, and buying them boosts your self confidence because of that. I imagine looking at your collection also reminds you of your accomplishments and gives you a confidence boost, which is great for anyone! Love it!
I’ve bought designer bags for myself and sold some to buy new ones. However, the two Chanel bags my husband purchased I will never sell. They are meaningful since he bought them as a surprise because he “loves me”. 🙂
I think there is a difference between having an endless purse fund or someone buying you whatever you whenever you want and getting the occasional purse gift. I do really enjoy earning my bags- it creates more appreciation- bu I wouldn’t mind a luxury gift every now and then ?