One of the questions I get most often—whether it’s in person, through DMs, or in comments—is about handbags. Designer handbags, to be exact. Over the years, I’ve realized just how much interest there is in the topic. People want to know everything: where I shop when I’m looking for secondhand treasures, how I decide which bag will be my next investment, what I do to take care of the ones I already own, and, of course, where I sell them when it feels like time to move on.
So, instead of answering these questions one by one, I figured it was time to put everything in one place. Consider this post a handbag catch-all: part resource, part personal diary, part update on where I’m at in my own collection right now.
The Handbag Cycle
My relationship with handbags has always been cyclical. There’s the excitement of adding a new piece, the years of wear (and sometimes obsession), and eventually, the moment where I realize a bag isn’t being reached for anymore. I don’t believe in keeping something just because it once held value to me—especially when I know someone else out there would love it more in their current wardrobe.
That’s why selling has always been part of the process for me. Platforms like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, or Fashionphile have made it so much easier to pass along pieces in a trustworthy, streamlined way. Every bag that leaves my closet feels like it opens the door to something new, which makes it less of a “goodbye” and more of an exchange.
Choosing the Next Bag
When it comes to choosing my next handbag, I like to give myself time. For me, impulse buys rarely work out—at least not with pieces at this price point. If I’ve been admiring something for months (or sometimes even years), that’s usually a good sign that I’ll get plenty of wear out of it.
The real test, though, happens when I try it on. A handbag can look incredible online or sitting pretty on a boutique shelf, but until I’ve worn it with a few different outfits—especially with my go-to coats and jackets—I can’t be sure it’s the right fit for my style. The size, the strap length, the way it sits on my shoulder or crossbody… these small details make all the difference in how often I’ll reach for it.
Right now, I have my eye on something I’ve been admiring quietly for months. I don’t want to jinx it by naming names just yet, but let’s just say it’s different from anything I currently own, and that’s exactly why I’m drawn to it. The excitement of adding something fresh is what makes the whole process fun again.
Caring for Handbags
Another question I get often is about care. Truthfully, I don’t believe in babying my bags too much. Yes, I want them to last, but I also believe they’re meant to be used and enjoyed. That being said, I do follow a few rules:
- Storage matters. I keep most of my bags in their dust bags when not in use, and I stuff them lightly to hold their shape.
- Rotation helps. Using the same bag every single day is the fastest way to wear it out, so I try to rotate—even if just between two or three favorites at a time.
- Leather care is key. A little conditioner goes a long way, and I avoid setting bags on the floor or in places where they can get scratched.
These habits don’t require much effort, but they’ve made a big difference in keeping my collection looking polished.
When It’s Time to Move On
There’s always a bittersweet moment when I realize it’s time to let go of a bag. Sometimes it’s because my style has shifted. Sometimes it’s because the size or structure just doesn’t fit my lifestyle anymore. And sometimes, honestly, it’s just because I’m over it.
I try not to feel guilty about these decisions. Fashion is meant to evolve with us. Letting go doesn’t diminish the joy a bag once brought me—it just makes room for something that feels exciting and relevant right now.
What’s Next for Me
At the moment, I’m in the process of editing my collection. There are a few bags I know I won’t be wearing again, and once they’re out of my closet, I’ll feel ready to invest in something new. I don’t know if the bag I’ve been eyeing will end up being the one, but that’s part of the fun. I’ll definitely keep you posted once I make the decision.
Let’s Chat
Now I want to hear from you. If you’re also a handbag lover, what’s your current favorite? Do you have one that you reach for constantly, or are you, like me, eyeing something new and trying to decide if it’s worth the leap?
I love that handbags spark so much conversation—it’s one of those accessories that feels deeply personal while also being universal. Whether it’s your first big designer purchase or your tenth, every bag carries a little story with it.
So, let’s share: what’s your handbag of the moment?
