7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Designer Bag

Even though I always admired the beautiful creations of Prada, Céline, or Louis Vuitton, owning a 3.1 Phillip Lim bag was what I daydreamed about. At first sight, the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Backpack was just perfect. Its structured shape looked so luxe and edgy. I imagined the backpack would be so practical to carry all my day-to-day essentials, especially while commuting to the city. The almost $1,000 price tag certainly didn't feel like pocket change, but I figured I could save up to own it eventually.

Soon I would see the bag everywhere: in the pages of magazines and on the arms of übercool street style stars. Even though I saw many fast-fashion replicas, they didn't compare to the quality and overall look of the original. And I was on a mission to make it mine. Here's everything you need to know to make the dream of owning your favorite designer bag come true.

01
Deciding on a Bag
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Deciding on a Bag

When deciding on which designer bag you want to invest in, you have to think very realistically. Can you save up the money for the total amount easily? Are there other items you would rather invest in? Making sure that you're confident about your purchase will help you avoid any buyer's remorse — which, in most cases, might come when it's too late to change your mind.

02
Check Out Reviews
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Check Out Reviews

It's important to do your research before making an expensive purchase. Make sure you do a quick search for reviews on your desired bag. Bloggers will write about their experience with popular styles, and YouTube is also a great resource! Not only are there thousands of handbag reviews to watch, but seeing your bag in action is also better than just judging from pictures.

03
Try It Out In-Store
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Try It Out In-Store

Another way to test your choice is to try it out in-store before you buy it. Focus on the way it feels, and carry it around to test if it's practical or roomy enough for your lifestyle. Don't forget to test the pockets, zippers, and closures to make sure they're functional and exactly what you need.

04
Pay Attention to Sales
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Pay Attention to Sales

End-of-season sales are the perfect time to score a new bag at a discount. Even though designer stores rarely have big sales, make sure to subscribe to newsletters from luxury department stores like Barneys, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom to know exactly when their merchandise will be marked down, and don't forget to use ShopStyle to get sale alerts on the bags you love.

05
Stalk Used Bags Online
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Stalk Used Bags Online

You don't necessarily have to buy a brand-new designer bag. Websites and apps like eBay, The RealReal, and Poshmark are stocked with a variety of gently used options. You can often find the exact style you want, in almost perfect condition, for a fraction of the price. Keep your eyes open, and scroll through the selection at least once a week to ensure you don't miss out on a good deal.

06
Visit Consignment Stores
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Visit Consignment Stores

You would be surprised how fast some people get over one season's It style. Even though the previous owner is over that trendy bag, it's totally OK to still be completely obsessed with it. That's why consignment stores are the perfect place to find the dream bag you've been eyeing for months! They are generally in very good condition and sold below the original price. Stop by local consignment stores or make a trip to locations in larger cities where the selection is constantly replenished with amazing goodies — you might just get lucky!

07
Be Open-Minded and Patient
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Be Open-Minded and Patient

It takes time to find your dream bag for a lot less. If you still love it after doing all your research, then it's worth the cost. However, it's vital to keep an open mind. You might stumble upon the bag you want in a different color than the one you were set on, and you could end up with a color you never thought you would fall in love with.

POPSUGAR Photography/Victor Verdugo

Two years after I fell in love with my dream bag, I finally got it — but it was a process. Once I noticed that the bag was consistently being sold season after season, I wasn't in a rush to buy it. I always tried it on when I saw it in stores and would occasionally look at reviews on YouTube. I finally found it on eBay. The bag wasn't in the color scheme I'd always wanted, but at half the price, it was too good to pass up. I'm glad I didn't: in person, I liked this version even more than what I had originally wanted. I'm still enamored with my Pashli Backpack, and every time I get a compliment from a co-worker — or even a stranger on Instagram — it makes me fall in love all over again.