Who thought that buying a purse could be such a minefield? What should happen is you should pop to the store, pick a handbag, and that's 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 an expensive designer handbag or a cheap fashion handbag, 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 I like bags, and we are allowed a little bit of fun in our lives. So here are my top five tips for buying a handbag.

1. What Are You Going to Use it For?

I have a young daughter so my current handbag is very pro-child. It's a budget slouchy bag large enough to carry a few diapers and wipes, along with sunhat, sunscreen, food and drink (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 thrown around the park and sat on the wet floor of the swimming pool changing room. It also fits nicely over the arms of the buggy. It's not my favourite bag ever. In fact, it's rather boring, 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 bag.

2. Your Budget

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 bag? If you've got your heart set on something expensive then save for it - it will be even more exciting when you eventually buy it. Also if you see an cheap handbag but it isn't perfect don't buy it for the sake of it. Wait until something really appeals to you, because you will find something.

3. Define your own style

The 'it' bag becomes yesterday's news within the space of weeks so if you're only buying it because it's worn by celebs then save your money. Buy something that's going to last for years. Will you still use it in ten years time? Ten weeks? Also 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 money for a designer purse then don't get one. If you're buying a bag to take out with your 2-year-old then I'd stick with a fashion handbag. You've got the budget for a designer handbag but there's a fashion bag you love? Stop being such a bag snob and buy the fashion handbag.

5. Replica Designer Handbags

Don't do it. Everyone knows they're knock offs 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.