Goooood morning bag lovers! And happy Boxing Day. This is my first Boxing Day in 6 years not working retail, and I can’t say I’m upset about it. But I can say - people don’t tend to make the smartest shopping decisions on this day, which often leads to shopping remorse later on.
So, if you’re planning to do some handbag hunting today, here’s a few quick tips to stop you from making the same mistakes my past customers (ahem)…that I made. lol.
1) If you don’t love it, don’t buy it
A low price + a designer bag is my kryptonite. Sometimes I wouldn’t even look at a bag, but if I saw an extremely low number, I’d buy it. Like, pardon ME???
So, if you see an item with a very low price that gets your heart racing - take a second. Breathe. Pick it up, try it on. Imagine at least THREE outfits you’d wear it with. And be honest with yourself. Don’t be blinded by a low price.
2) Don’t buy it as an “investment”
There’s a difference between investment and value. Buying a bag hoping to make a profit later is actually very hard. So if the sales associate is pushing you to buy it because its a “great investment", skip it. Don’t be convinced by a fancy word — buy what you truly love.
3) Don’t ignore condition
The urgency of a sale is so real - the time pressure, the chaos, it can be all-consuming. But don’t let that stop you from properly inspecting a bag. Flaws can be so easy to miss - so spend a few minutes with the bag you’re interested in. Open and close the zipper, check out the interior, open any pockets. A few minutes spent really looking at a bag can go a long way.
If you loved this guide, you’ll love what’s coming next. I write about vintage luxury in a way that feels fun, approachable, and never pretentious. Stick around, ask questions, and make yourself at home — you’ve always got a seat at this table.
XO Bags For Breakfast by Shay Prasad
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available research, archival materials, and my own analysis. I do my best to ensure accuracy, however, this is not a scholarly publication — just a deeply researched love letter to designer fashion.
Image Note:
All images in this piece are used for educational and historical commentary. Credits belong to the original creators and rights holders. If you own any of the imagery featured and would like an update or removal, please contact me and I’ll address it immediately.