If you had told me ten years ago when I first began collecting designer handbags the contents of my closet today, I would have never believed you. When I assess the bags I own, I realize I truly am so lucky to have my “dream collection”. Over the last decade I have been mindful of how I build my collection, putting many hours into researching the handbags that I purchased (and okay, a few impulse buys here or there as well). In 2019 I added a few game changers to my collection, such as my Celine Luggage bag, Gucci Marmont camera bag, and a YSL Envelope bag. Why do I consider them game changers? Because I had them on my wishlist for years and to finally be able to purchase them felt like such an accomplishment. Those pieces were instrumental in my collection feeling “complete”.
Flash forward to 2020 and I had the intention of only purchasing one designer bag this year, my Louis Vuitton Onthego. I had obsessed incessantly over the Onthego for months, so when I got my hands on one in January I figured I was done with big ticket purchases this year. In addition to my many acquisitions the year prior, I had about a dozen other premier designer bags in my collection already and another dozen or so contemporary designer bags. I naively hoped that when I fulfilled the obsession of obtaining the Onthego, I would magically be done and the desire to buy more bags would subside. After all, I had obtained every bag I had on my “must-list” within my budget, so why would I want to add another bag into the mix?
Like any purse addict knows, the desire to buy something new is hard to shake. I have a closet full of beautiful bags that I am very fortunate to be able to own, and yet I still find myself thinking about what’s next? Nearly immediately after buying my Onthego, I became obsessed with the idea of owning a Chanel Flap bag, a Dior Book Tote, and a Birkin. I barely gave myself a second to love the bag I had spent months trying to buy before jumping onto the next handbag chase. I had to stop and ask myself, when is enough going to be enough?
Unfortunately for me, and my wallet, I know that I’m never going to stop buying bags all together. The thing is, handbags are a thing of comfort and familiarity for me, and the joy that I get from them isn’t solely associated with the act of purchasing of them. The reason I am still collecting bags a decade later is because of the delight I feel from hours spent researching designs and the late nights spent browsing social media or searching on the PurseForum. However, I am vowing to use more of my collection and shop within the contents of my closet before buying anything new. I waited so long to add these pieces to my collection and I need to be more mindful of appreciating them.
Do you find yourself constantly thinking of the next bag too?
I’m there with ya, sister!
A decade ago I found myself on the slippery slope of constantly wanting the next thing, until I got my HG Birkin – which pumped the brakes on my insatiable lust for the next bag.
Until 2 years ago when there were stressful changes in my life and over the past 2 years I’ve purchased 3 pre-loved and 1 new bags. I’ve always known bags are something I enjoy but that, for me personally, they’re also a crutch when there are stressors or unhappiness in my life that is difficult to control (I’m looking at you, covid!).
While your lust may be for different reasons, this has been a pattern I’ve noticed for myself. If one is looking to quell the list, some ideas are taking up a new hobby/volunteer interest or directing the hours spent researching bags into something that improves your health.
Wishing you a happy and healthy rest
of 2020, Lucy!
I can empathize with what you’re describing. Covid has changed things for me, though. I have continued to buy bags, but fewer and farther between (and lower price points). For me, the fun is in getting the bag and wearing it out in public. That’s just not happening as much anymore, so all of my clothing, shoe and bag shopping has slowed a bit. Not sure what will happen when I am out and about more often, though. I’d like to think I am forever changed, but will have to wait to find out for sure.
Same here about covid: even if nobody will see/care, I want to USE my bags. Before even on the least-visible day I could at least physically use a bag to go to the office or whatever (I have a side-entrance sitch, so nobody sees me go in and out). And if I can’t go out at all, I can’t use them, and that makes me not want to buy any.
I DID buy a single bag this year, but that was just a won’t-get-another-chance thing for a small bag that I’m at least able to wear on the biweekly grocery trips!
I felt like you were speaking directly into my soul! haha. Funny enough, I actually spent a good part of today talking myself out of yet another Bottega Veneta bag… I just recently bought TWO new Bottega bags I’m the past month (large caramel intrecciato pouch, and my second mini jodie in kiwi) and I’m already lusting after the whirl clutch. I feel so incredibly blessed to have even just been able to buy my large pouch alone since I’d been wanting it for the past year, but it’s like this voracious appetite I can’t control at times! I had to put myself on a shopping ban for a bit because I know it’s senseless to keep buying bags that, let’s be honest, I’m not even taking anywhere lately except for the grocery store or the pharmacy. Maybe stress does have something to do with the addiction factor… I don’t know for sure, but I know my wallet does lol
I finally met my handbag soulmate. I hear you sister, LOUD AND CLEAR. I’m 100% the same way. I’ll cut groceries before I give up the idea of that next bag.
I finally met my handbag soulmate. The joy I get from research, browsing, desperately seeking mod shots and the hunt is just what makes me happy. I’ll never stop!
As a guy, I can’t even afford one designer purse, but that doesn’t quite stop me from lusting over hundreds of them. In fact, the one bag I’m eyeing and saving for is the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Large in tan or black croc, but I feel like I’ll be struck by the same wave of addiction and immediately after purchasing I’ll start wishing and waiting for for my next one. But i think that’s the beauty of being a purse addict, and I’m glad I found my tribe here. Good luck with your next purchase Lucy. Also I’d love to hear about your Aqua Snakeskin Tote! Do review it someday.
Shut up!!
I feel you. I bought a Chanel Metallic “rainbow” Goatskin WoC from this year’s Métiers D’Art Collection (my first Chanel) and I’m obsessed but now realizing I haven’t gone one place I can wear it! And I’ve been eyeing the 1854 collection even though I bought a Crafty Red/Black Neverfull (which I know is a controversial choice but I love it). Someone stop me!
If you love your Neverfull then how can it be a “controversial choice”? If it’s what you wanted then I hope you are enjoying it! That’s all that matters!
I’ve purchased a few bags lately, but scrolling the Internet, for handbags or whatever, calms me and is a great stress reducer. It provides me a temporary reprieve from worrying about Covid, how to keep my family safe and protected, or the unprecedented political chaos going on in the U.S.A. today. Of course, diet and exercise is important, but in addition it’s important to take care of one’s mental health. So, if scrolling, lusting or purchasing bags provides contentment and pleasure then enjoy!
I love this comment. So true. You are so right!
I feel exactly the same. It’s a stress reliever and enjoyable past time. 🙂
I’m amazed to read my same situation in these posts.
I acquire what I want and then I’m on to the next in a few weeks. I think it’s the thrill of the hunt .
I’m the same way, don’t have an impressive collection but I have a few of my favorites. This year I bought me a Valentino and a Senreve I was only going to get the Valentino but couldn’t help myself. Thanks for sharing your story.
No, I don’t “constantly” think of my next bag, but I do have an intensive love of designer handbags, scarves, shoes and other accessories. I don’t usually plan, but my purchases are more spontaneous. I know what I desire, and if I all of a sudden see it in the right color, style or price, I just press the nuclear button. I will say though, that I don’t plan to buy my first Birkin until I have a Kelly 35 Sellier in at least 5 colors. (By the way, I love the LV On The Go so much that after purchasing it in the red and pink multicolor along with the matching sandals, I had to also have the bag in the reverse monogram.)
i have been to the Himalayan peak and come back….. its all about time….. i was lucky to get everything ! every single bag i have ever wanted, so after 32 of them i went back to basics, jeans t/shirts and one black kelly bag. Turns out after all that, its all i needed, and here’s the thing i now see its beauty every day. i appreciate the one bag so much more,than i ever did 32 of them. i shop for things that make my life cozy, like cashmere shawls, butter soft leather jackets, snd silk blouses, and when i do think of buying a bag i embrace that kelly once more. I now KNOW ! what i need because i can now say,I need, a small bag, so maybe a mini lindy is on the horizon. but only because i need it……
how ever and all this said i love reading seeing and appreciating bags on others in shows on social media all the time.. I I am just over the collecting part of it all.
I find the same thing about the thrill of the hunt online. It is a de-stressor for me. I enjoy researching an item; I put things in and take thing out of my cart; I barter for bargains and search for sales. And it’s nice to have a few “someday” items in my mind, too. I also look forward to dressing up with a nice bag to do something other than grocery shop in a mask. I’m learning about new things constantly thanks to time online that I can apply to real life. I love this blog and the forums. It’s great to have kindred spirits!
I hear ya! It is so hard to curb that urge to buy a new bag but fortunately I’ve discovered that looking at bag porn (e.g. designer websites, neiman, bergdorf, consignment sites, etc) helps me keep that urge at bay. I’ve also marie kondo’ed the shit out of my already small bag collection so from 15, I’m down to 4 – pared down based on classic bag styles [i.e. 1 each of crossbody (Gucci), satchel (Gucci), tote (Mulberry), top handle (Burberry)]. I’m currently on the hunt for a new backpack but just browsing for now.