Who guessed that buying a handbag could be such a minefield? Common sense says that you should pop to the shops, choose 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 bag or a budget fashion handbag, 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 usage will it have?
I have a young daughter so my current handbag is very pro-child. It's a budget slouchy bag roomy enough to carry a few diapers and wipes, along with all the usual toddler paraphernalia (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 soggy 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 pretty non-descriptive, 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 great bag.
2. Money
You already know that if you can't afford it you shouldn't buy it. Now is not a good time to be getting into debt, and do you really want to do that for a bag? If you've got your heart set on something exclusive then save for it - it will be all the sweeter when you eventually buy it. On the same note if you see an budget bag 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. Stay away from Ultra-Fashionable
High fashion becomes old news 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 stay chic forever. Will you still use it in five years time? In five 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 budget, useability and love. 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 fashion purse you love? Stop being such a bag snob and buy the fashion handbag.
5. Replica Designer Handbags
Leave well alone. 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.