if you want a true luxury experience in a store, Gucci is my favorite. I've had good experiences at YSL as well. Louis Vuitton is very hit or miss, those SAs can be rude and not knowledgeable in my experience. Answer from earlysong on reddit.com
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GoodTomiCha
goodtomicha.com › home › how to buy your first designer handbag | a guide to choosing a bag worth the investment
How to Choose Your First Designer Bag-The Best Items to Invest In
October 13, 2025 - A comprehensive guide for first-time buyers including budget tips, new vs. pre-loved, and the best designer bags to start your collection.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/luxurypurses › beginner in luxury bags?
r/luxurypurses on Reddit: Beginner in Luxury Bags?
August 10, 2024 -

Everyone knows a Birkin.. that’s way out of my reach. I read a post that people making 7 digits can’t even fathom being able to afford the pre-spend and the bags!

So my question is, what are some brands that are great quality, maybe not AS expensive, but still to get my toes wet in the luxury brand world of handbags? I currently own Michael Kors and it just seems everyone has one.. I want to take it to the next level! I don’t know where to start. I like the idea of SAs and such, but I just don’t have tens of thousands to spend!

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Fashionably Lena
fashionablylena.com › home › best first luxury handbag to start your collection
Best First Luxury Handbag to Start Your Collection -
March 20, 2025 - Peekaboo – Elegant, structured, and the epitome of quiet luxury. Sunshine Shopper Tote – Perfect if you need a big, logo-forward tote. Pros: Unique designs, amazing craftsmanship. Cons: Prices are high, and not all pieces retain their value. Dior bags exude elegance, but they can also feel quite delicate. If you want something ultra-feminine, Dior is your go-to.
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Life with NitraaB
lifewithnitraab.com › home › blog › the best luxury bags to start your collection
The Best Luxury Bags To Start Your Collection - Life with NitraaB
July 21, 2023 - If I were starting my luxury handbag collection from scratch, I would begin by purchasing either the Louis Vuitton Neverfull or the Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis. Both of these bags have a timeless, classic look while also featuring a considerable ...
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Ldj
blog.ldj.com › luxe-du-jour › a-guide-to-the-best-designer-starter-bags-for-each-brand
A Guide to the Best Designer Starter Bags for each Brand | Luxe Du Jour blog
If you are looking for a great starter tote within the Louis Vuitton collection then the neverfull is a great bag we recommend buying this preloved in excellent condition as you will save hundreds of dollars off retail! The Speedy Bandouliere makes a great starter bag because you can travel with this, be handsfree and on the go and they come in multiple sizes to suit your needs.
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Who What Wear
whowhatwear.com › home › fashion › shopping › handbags
The Best Designer Bags for Women: 21 Styles to Know in 2025 | Who What Wear UK
November 20, 2019 - The bag’s compact yet practical design makes it a versatile choice for day-to-night styling, while its unique shape sets it apart from more conventional luxury handbags. With its minimalist aesthetic and timeless appeal, Le Teckel is not just a fashion statement but a collector’s piece, cementing its status as one of the most coveted designer bags in the luxury market right now.
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Bagsguides
bagsguides.com › home › bags review › 9 best luxury bags to start your collection (expert picks for beginners)
9 Best Luxury Bags to Start Your Collection (Expert Picks for Beginners) - bagsguides.com
October 18, 2025 - Plus, bags that look amazing age ... collection include iconic pieces like the Louis Vuitton Speedy, Chanel Classic Flap, Gucci Marmont, Hermès Evelyne, and Prada Re-Edition....
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Sotheby's Realty
sothebysrealty.co.uk › the-journal › best-luxury-bags-to-start-your-collection
The Best Luxury Bags To Start Your Collection
December 19, 2024 - Discover the best luxury bags to start your collection, featuring iconic pieces from Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and more.
Find elsewhere
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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
5 MUST HAVE HANDBAGS to kickstart your luxury bag collection today - YouTube
Hello ! Starting your luxury handbag collection? In this video, I’m sharing my top 5 must-have handbags to kickstart your luxury bag collection today. that e...
Published   September 1, 2024
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The Relux
therelux.com › the relux › blog › top 10 must-have designer bags for new collectors
Top 10 Must-Have Designer Bags for New Collectors - The Relux
March 28, 2024 - If you're looking for a classic yet trendy designer bag to start your collection, the Hermes Garden Party tote is both a luxurious and practical choice. This bag blends timeless style with functionality, making it a versatile and long-lasting ...
Address   10830 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 101, 85254, Scottsdale,
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/handbags › what would you recommend as a classic “starter” designer bag?
r/handbags on Reddit: What would you recommend as a classic “starter” designer bag?
May 11, 2023 -

I want to get into handbags and will be buying one sometime this year. I don’t have a price limit— I just want something nice that I will use a lot. Also, I love the look of a classic Birkin, but I feel like it’s too old school classic for my style. (Edit: brought up Birkins not necessarily to buy, but just for a sense of the shapes i like!)

I generally dress sporty and casual, and I don’t wear designer clothes very frequently. I’m looking for something classic and recognizably luxury, but not so fancy that it will look totally out of place with my current wardrobe.

For reference, I usually wear a vintage Coach crossbody right now if I use a purse at all.

What are some cool, classic bags you’d recommend to a “beginner” in the handbag game?

Top answer
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Although my knee-jerk reaction would usually recommend the puzzle bag, I'd actually encourage you to check out the Loewe Hammock bag. It has different silhouette to Birkin, but the top handles allows it to be carried handheld/ on the crook of your arms, thus having somewhat similar sensibility. The straps could be modified so that both over-the-shoulder and crossbody style are all possible carrying options. Loewe's quality is top-notch, tactilely satisfying, while being so robust it could stand almost any kind of weather and still looking like the day I got it (and I never treated the leather, it's already so good on its own). Leather is supple and thick, but surprisingly their bags are always lightweight. I hit the ground running using my small Hammock and it's truly both a functional handbag and a work of art. It fits a lot and isn't restricted to one sort of events. Work/ casual day? Crossbody it and have a regular-looking bag. You could truly fill this bag to the brim and it's so comfortable to wear crossbody thanks to the relaxed part on the sides of the bag that would mold to the body. Attending dinner at night? Carry it handheld so that it folds in the middle and you'd get a neat-looking purse. I'd recommend checking it out in-store and see it for yourself. Edit: Added some visual aids XD Another plus is that this bag is well-priced on the secondhand market compared to its current retail price
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A Birkin is def not a starter bag, you need to be on a wait list for years and spend a ton of money at Hermes before you can get the opportunity to buy one. (Except if you get lucky at the Paris flagship store) Maybe a Chloé Marcie, or a Celine Classic?
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/handbags › what luxury bags do you feel are truly special and worth the cost?
r/handbags on Reddit: What luxury bags do you feel are truly special and worth the cost?
April 25, 2023 -

I want to buy myself my first luxury/designer bag as a treat, but I want to make sure it will be worth the $$$$ (I know high cost doesn’t always mean high quality). I would want a bag that I could use semi regularly (not too big not too small). What are your recommendations? Recs can be brands or specific styles within a brand. TIA ❤️

Edit: I would be saving for this purchase so cost isn’t really a factor, although I definitely will never have $25,000 handbag money lol

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PurseBlog
purseblog.com › listicles › the-10-best-bags-to-start-your-handbag-collection
The 10 Best Bags to Start Your Handbag Collection - PurseBlog
July 20, 2021 - Speedy was the first luxury bag i purchased with my own earnings at 16 yrs old. And today at 34, i still love it and use it. But mostly just for travel now because of having a large collection. And the neverfull.. i have 4 kinds. The best “throw all your crap in there and go” bag, haha !
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The Glam and Glitter
theglamandglitter.com › 2025 › 02 › how-to-choose-your-first-designer-bag
How To Choose Your First Designer Bag | Glam & Glitter
The ultimate guide to purchasing your first luxury bag. From Louis Vuitton classics and reigning Prada ‘It’ bags, to mid-range gems and more.
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SACLÀB
saclab.com › saclàb › journal › the five key pieces for your bag collection
5 Key Pieces To Build Your Luxury Bag Collection | SACLÀB
February 14, 2025 - Make a tote the foundation of your ... you should think about carefully before investing. You can’t go wrong with an Hermès Birkin or Kelly bag....
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Reddit
reddit.com › klp › best-luxury-bags-to-start-your-collection
Best Luxury Bags to Start Your Collection - Reddit
Congrats on your first luxury bag hunt! You’ll always remember your first love!! I am a bag girlie since the 90s!! My first designer bag was a Lulu Guiness Couture (I love her and she’s served me well for almost 20 years). I got her in a stunning red and honestly the color works dressed up or down. I’ll never get rid of her 🥰 · My bag collection now includes bags from Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Chloe, Dior, Gucci and Chanel.
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Harper's Bazaar Singapore
harpersbazaar.com.sg › home › fashion › runway › your ss26 guide to the best luxury bags to buy
Your SS26 Guide to the Best Luxury Bags to Buy | Harper's Bazaar Singapore
November 17, 2025 - For his first spring/summer 2026 outing, Demna gave the iconic silhouette a slouchier, more tactile update that leans into laid-back luxury. It feels less precious, more lived-in, and all the cooler for it. A perfect fusion of heritage and new-age heat. ... Equal parts elegance and utility, the Kelly Danse II reimagines Hermès sophistication through a hands-free lens. Worn here slung low on the waist, it turns the iconic top-handle into a street-smart belt bag without losing an ounce of polish.
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Glamour
glamour.com › style › shopping › 25 best designer handbags that are worth the investment, according to style editors
25 Best Designer Handbags To Keep Forever - How To Shop In 2025 | Glamour
April 10, 2025 - Best Investment: Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, $3,150 · Best Under $500: Kate Spade Suite Large Work Tote, $298 ... Designer bags are often—shocker—quite expensive, so it’s a good idea to start by outlining a budget when you’re ...
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Is it leather?
isitleather.com › home › apparel & accessories › how to choose your first luxury leather handbag without regret or risk
How to Choose Your First Luxury Leather Handbag Without Regret or Risk
Focus on Neutrals: Black, beige, or navy bags retain value best across all brands. Verify Authenticity: Use myGemma or Sotheby’s for guaranteed authenticity, especially for Hermès or LV. Store Properly: As your checklist suggests, maintain bags’ condition (e.g., in a dry cabinet) to preserve resale value. Protecting your investment is as important as choosing the right bag. ... Your journey into luxury handbags is a personal milestone.
Published   April 21, 2025
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/handbags › for those who own luxury bags, what was your first one and how did you pick it?
r/handbags on Reddit: For those who own luxury bags, what was your first one and how did you pick it?
November 2, 2023 -

I’m very curious about how people choose their first luxury bag, or luxury purchases in general. What do you consider as the most important things when making a costly purchase? What was the first bag you purchased?

I’ve always wanted a luxury bag and have tried to treat myself for my milestone achievements, but I never follow through. Usually it’s because I feel anxious about making a choice - my pocket and mental frugality doesn’t allow me to have lots of luxury bags, so I worry about making the right decision. There’s also so many designs I like and I end up overthinking myself out of a choice!

If only I had got myself my dream Chanel years ago when prices weren’t as terrifying!

Edit - I’ve woken up to so many lovely notifications. Really enjoying reading through all of your stories! II’m definitely going to stop over thinking my bag choice. Be prepared for ‘this or that posts!’ Sadly I have to work but I would like to reply to everyone where I can 😊

Top answer
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What a great question, OP! The very first luxury bag I bought was a Dior shoulder bag. This was oh-so-many years ago when I worked in a city in Devon and we had just one boutique that sold designer items/lingerie/niche fragrances etc. The bag was Dior logo canvas, in deep green with tan leather trim and adjustable shoulder strap. It had an inner pocket that could be popped out and used as a small clutch. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I fell in love with this bag but at £365 it was way out of my budget. I used to visit it during my lunch breaks. I dreamed about owning that bag but there was no way I could afford it. I kept visiting it, watched as it was reduced by 10%, then 20%…I still couldn’t afford it and neither could anyone else, as it stayed on the shelf and I kept walking up there to see it every day. Then came the wonderful day that - having heard me talk about it for months on end - my lovely Dad said he’d treat me to it from his annual bonus. By that time it was hovering around £200. Welp, on my day off I raced into town, grabbed my beautiful bag off the shelf with my heart pounding, took it to the sales associate to pay for it…and there was a discount event on that day. My bag cost £87.00 and I wore it proudly for the next decade. I’ve since bought other brands - LV, Chloe (my favourite), more Dior, Chanel - but I don’t think anything has come close to the buyer’s high I felt that day I strolled out of the boutique with my first Dior…
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I only have one luxury bag and I don't plan on getting anymore. I wanted a designer bag for me achieving my life milestones. It was to prove to myself that I made it; I got my goals. And the purse is the the celebration and gift to myself. (My goal was basically to get a good job, buy a house, and get a brand new car. Basic. But for someone who came from dirt shit poor and was homeless and had nothing...it means everything to me. I don't have to worry about sleeping in someone's store or walking miles to work. I don't have to worry about my next meal). So anyways, sorry for digressing. I wanted a bag that fits me personally and I don't follow the latest trends or fashion. I wanted a bag that I can get the most use out of. One I don't have to baby the bag. A bag that is THE BAG for me. So I just browse and waited and read reviews and waited. I know I don't want to spend more than my mortgage payments on a purse. I also wanted leather. And small. I don't carry much on me and I don't like heavy things. I also wanted black because I wear alot of black. I also know that if I buy it, I won't be returning it and would most likely pass it onto one of my daughters. So... I ended up falling in love with YSL. I got the mini lou in black with silver hardware. And I got a small key pouch to use as a wallet for the purse. I love it. I do use the small key pouch more than the bag though. But no regrets.