Photo credit: @marianna_hewitt

Hey guys!

So let me be clear before I continue – my intentions for this post were good, BUT may I say how difficult it is to actually find a designer purse under $1000. Ridiculous, I know, but a very, very real fact. That being said, not all of these bags are exactly under $1000 Canadian, but are definitely within reason if that is around your price range. Welcome to my second instalment of The Lazy Fashion Girl’s Guide to Saving!

This post is more for those who are looking to start a designer bag collection, but are on a smaller budget (aka me lol), and do not want to strive for the Givenchy Antigona or Celine just yet. One good thing about purchasing a designer bag, is that usually (as long as you keep them in good condition) they do not lower in value. In fact- if it’s a classic piece, usually they raise in price each year. If you find yourself not loving the bag five years from now, chances are that you will be able to to resell it at least at what you bought it for.

Not all of these bags in this post are necessarily “investment” items, but they are all beautiful, quality and great for all seasons – something I kept in mind. For those who are budget-conscious, I definitely kept in mind how wearable it is, and the timelessness of each piece. I’ll also go into a little bit more about what to look for when purchasing a designer bag, and some other things to consider.

Without further ado, let’s get right to it!

A few things questions to ask yourself when buying something REAAALLY pricey…

1. Is this something I can wear when I’m older? – I ask myself this all. the. time. The reason for this is, I hope that my designer purchases can last me years to come. I don’t see myself being a bag-flipper, but rather someone who buys designer as a collection piece, knowing that I can rock it well into my thirties and forties. My mom’s closet is the BEST example of this, she definitely put a lot of thought into all of her designer items and my sister and I (mostly me) are taking them from her on a daily basis.

2. Can I pay this off 2 seconds after I put it on my Visa? – DO NOT BUY SOMETHING YOU CANNOT AFFORD, I REPEAT! I know there’s a ton of pressure to stay current for all who love fashion, but using your paycheck on a pretty purchase rather than your student loan is never a wise choice. You can read more about this forever-dilemma on my last instalment!

3. Can I maintain the quality of this bag? – Another good question to ask. Chanel is pretty, but not so pretty when you decide to buy a white one that now is subject to a huge stain from the dye of your jeans. Think about what’s realistic to upkeep, especially if you plan on wearing it often.

4. How often will I really wear this (Cost per wear)? – The more you wear it, the more “worth it” your bag is. If you can confidently say your cost per wear number is attainable and reasonable, I think it’s worth the splurge.

5. Can this be something I share? – I know you may not want to share your expensive things with a sister or friend, but this can sometimes be cost-effective. My sister, mom and I share clothing all the time and I find myself feeling much better about my purchases knowing that it’ll be worn twice as much.