Who knew that buying a bag could be such a problem? Common sense says that you should go to the shops, pick a bag, 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 a pricey designer purse or a cheap fashion bag, it's all money spent so you need to make sure you're spending it well.



Of course, I could just tell you to manage without a bag and carry everything around in your pockets (men manage it, after all) but bags are a passion, 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 2-year-old daughter so my current handbag is very child friendly. It's a cheap slouchy handbag 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 hardy 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 dream bag. In fact, it's pretty dull, but it does what I need. I can use it for everything I need when I'm out with my toddler and that's what makes it such a good purse.

2. Money

You already know 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 purse? If you've got your heart set on something exclusive then save for it - it will be even more exciting when you eventually buy it. On the same note if you see an affordable purse but it isn't your dream bag don't buy it because it's cheap. Wait until something really appeals to you, because you will find something.

3. Define your own style

Ultra-fashionable becomes ultra-unfashionable 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 stand the test of time. Will you still use it in ten years time? Ten 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 budget, useability and lust. If you haven't got the budget for a designer handbag then don't buy one. If you're buying a bag to use 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 budget bag you love? Stop being such a bag snob and buy the fashion handbag.

5. Replica Designer Handbags

Stay away. 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.