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Thursday, March 21, 2013

Wardrobe Essentials part 2 : Investment Handbag



I would argue to say in our culture the handbag becomes an extension of many women’s arm right around junior high going into high school. It is an essential element to every woman’s look.   I have felt naked if I make it out of the house without a handbag.  Given its importance it’s only natural to want to select the best your money can buy when choosing this daily companion.  







The purchase of a bag that makes your heart skip a beat every time you look at it is very very possible if you keep a few things in mind

We are looking for a bag that can be worn with almost everything in your wardrobe. This bag should enhance every outfit you wear it with. The selection of a classic silhouette and neutral color will ensure your handbag is a long term member of your wardrobe and with care will last for years even decades depending on the bag. The selection of a Designer bag will ensure it retains its retail value over time in order to provide the most ROI.
 
 


Use the price per wear calculations way of thinking. I have fallen victim to the “Its only blank dollars” or “This handbag is on sale” While it may have seemed like a deal at the time I also got what I paid for in regards to quality. Not to mention being faced with the chore of purchasing a new sub par handbag every year.  Once you have cultivated a collection of neutral classic designer handbags you will be able to purchase a trendy “ on sale “ bag from time to time with little consideration of its long term use because it will then be a great purchase based on the same price per use calculations

Now lets say you invest 500.00 into your dream  designer bag and you wear it 5 days a week for six months because it’s a perfect fall/winter bag.

 So you wear this fab new bag 5 days a week , there are  4 weeks in a month

 5x4 = 20 days   20 days each month You are going to wear it for 6 months

20x6 = 120 wears in 6months.

 The cost comes out to be $4.70 per wear and you’ve only worn it for 6 months. And you absolutely LOVE the bag.
 

You can store it safely in your closet and take it out and wear it for at least 5 or 6 more fall/winters  or you can resell it and get close to the price you paid for it.

Now lets have a look at the bargain trendy bag I found on sale. Given my history, I will probably only wear the trendy sale handbag say 5 times.  The sale price is $45.00 and I wear it 3 times this year and 2 times next year that is a 7.50 price per wear. Which in theory is a higher cost per wear than the gorgeous designer bag that you were apprehensive about paying such a large lump sum for.  

 Now that we have taken a look at the numbers what are we looking for in this bag?

 A luxury handbag made by a top designer. Why?
QUALITY!! 

The quality that you will receive from a top designer should directly correlate with the price range for which you are looking to pay.

·         Great quality leather is buttery soft and  has a distinctive scent

·         Impeccable stitching, heavy duty thread, no puckering or loose strings

·         Heavy hardware, no plastic zippers all fixtures should be smooth as to avoid clothing snags

·         Metal feet on the underside of the handbag to protect the leather

·         Lining should be made of quality material if patterned the print should match at all seams.  


By doing a little research and taking your time you can make an informed purchase decision and score that  designer bag you really want.
 
 

I do not however condone using the price per wear logic to incur debt, or purchase every expensive item your hear desires but I do believe everyone should have access to the best quality wardrobe items her money can buy.  

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