Who guessed that buying a handbag could be such a dilemma? Common sense says that you should go to the shops, choose a handbag, and there you have it, but it's much more complex than that. You've got budget, fashion, longevity, useability all to think about, and it doesn't matter whether you're buying a pricey designer handbag or a budget fashion purse, it's all money out of the bank so you need to make sure you're spending it well.
Of course, I could just tell you to not buy a bag and carry everything around in your pockets (men manage it, after all) but women's clothes aren't made like that, and we are allowed a little bit of fun in our lives. So here are my top five tips for buying a handbag.
1. How will you use it?
I have a 2-year-old daughter so my current handbag is very pro-child. It's a budget slouchy handbag big enough to carry a few diapers and wipes, along with some toys and a bottle of water (I can even get a purse, a notebook and my sunglasses in there.) It's strong enough to go to the beach with us, it's been taken on treks and sat on the dirty floor of the swimming pool changing room. It also fits nicely over the arms of the buggy. It's not my ideal bag. In fact, it's rather non-descriptive, but it does the job. I can use it for everything I need when I'm out with my toddler and that's what makes it such a good handbag.
2. Cost
It goes without saying that if you can't afford it you shouldn't buy it. Debt is never good, and do you really want to do that for a handbag? If you've got your heart set on something exclusive then wait for it - it will be all the sweeter when you eventually buy it. On the same note if you see an cheap purse but it isn't your dream bag don't buy it because it's in budget. Wait until something really makes you go hmmm, because you will find something.
3. Don't be a Fashion Victim
Ultra-fashionable becomes ultra-unfashionable within the space of weeks so if you're only buying it because it's bang on trend then save your money. Buy something that's going to last for years. Will you still use it in five years time? In five weeks? On a similar note don't buy something because everyone else has got it/your favourite celeb has it/your favourite website recommends it. You'll be the one wearing it so make sure you like it.
4. Designer Handbag or Fashion Handbag
This comes down to money, useability and lust. If you haven't got the budget for a designer purse then don't get one. If you're buying a bag to throw around with your toddler then I'd stick with a fashion handbag. You've got the budget for a designer handbag but there's a fashion handbag you love? Stop being such a bag snob and buy the fashion handbag.
5. Replica Designer Handbags
Steer clear. Everyone knows they're fake and you won't impress anyone, least of all yourself. If you can't afford the real thing then get yourself a beautiful fashion handbag - there are plenty out there.
