My Journey with Designer Bags

Designer bags are more than just accessories; they often hold sentimental value and mark significant milestones in our lives. In this article, I’ll share the stories behind some of my favorite pieces, what they mean to me, and my aspirations for future acquisitions.

The First Premier Designer Bag: Gucci Soho Disco

One bag that holds a special place in my heart is the Gucci Soho Disco. It was my very first "premier" designer bag, purchased at a steep discount—about 40-50% off—from the Gucci website during a clearance sale in 2015. This sale coincided with Alessandro Michele’s arrival at the brand, making it even more memorable.

A Meaningful Purchase

Buying this bag was a turning point in my fashion journey. It represented a step up from the more accessible brands I had previously owned and symbolized my budding love for luxury fashion. The discount I snagged made it feel even more special. There’s an undeniable thrill in landing a great deal, especially when it feels like a hidden gem.

The Holy Grail: My Kelly Bag

Without a doubt, my Kelly bag takes the top spot in my collection. Acquired in Spring 2020 for around $5,000, I consider it a holy grail piece. This purchase came during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which briefly affected the luxury resale market. I had saved diligently from my first full-time corporate job, and being able to buy such an iconic bag was a proud moment.

What Comes After the Summit?

After owning the Kelly, I often find myself feeling that many designer bags today are too trendy or not worth their price tag. It’s like reaching the summit of Everest—what do you strive for after achieving something so grand? While I still enjoy browsing for new pieces, none have made my heart race quite like the Kelly did.

A Nostalgic Beginning: My First Designer Bag Experience

I received my first taste of luxury at a young age. When Coach was at its height, I would beg my mom for a bag every time we visited the mall during my middle school years. She always resisted, reminding me that I wouldn’t have appreciated it back then. What would a 12-year-old do with a designer bag, anyway?

Discovering Hidden Gems

However, my mom did eventually surprise me. One day, we stumbled upon a gorgeous Juicy Couture leather purse at a TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack. Although it's not the trendiest design today, the quality of the leather and construction is still noteworthy. I recently rediscovered this gem while going through old items at my parents' house.

• Sentimental Value: This bag serves as a reminder of simpler times and my mom’s impeccable knack for finding deals.
• Quality Over Trends: Even years later, the craftsmanship of the Juicy Couture bag remains impressive.

What’s Next? The Hermès Barenia

Looking ahead, I have my eyes set on the stunning Hermès Barenia leather. This leather type, celebrated for its natural appearance and beautiful aging, is quite rare and comes with a hefty price tag. I regularly scour resale sites like The RealReal and Fashionphile, eagerly searching for the perfect Barenia Birkin or Kelly.

Chasing Dreams

The search for this elusive bag fuels my passion for collecting. I dream of finding one that perfectly balances design, condition, and price. Until then, I’ll continue to cherish my current collection, each piece telling a unique story that adds to my journey in the world of designer handbags.

Every bag in my collection is not just an item; it represents a chapter of my life filled with memories, lessons, and aspirations. As I continue my journey, I look forward to adding more meaningful pieces that resonate with my personal style and values.