Are designer lux bags worth it? Think Birkin, Kelly, YSL. I can afford them, and don’t mind investing in a few good pieces I’d use regularly (though color selection is hard when you only buy a few). But is it really worth it? Feel bad not investing that money but at what point do you buy yourself something nice?
Also, concerned about image, like I want to look like someone who owns a real bag, not just a suburban mom wearing Coach/Michael Kors who upgraded. How to deal with imposter syndrome?

Like other people said, it’s worth it if you genuinely care about brands and image.

For me it isn’t, and I personally buy unbranded bags from local artisan leather crafters. The price is less, the quality is usually great, and they’re local so if I ever need a repair, I can just call them and drop it off a few blocks away. And I have been able to ask them for custom pieces before. Like if I want a specific shape or feature on a bag.

For imposter syndrome, you should make a list of things you like/want and consider if you actually like each item or if you like it because other people like it. Note the items/qualities that you actually like in a bag or any style purchase, and align your decisions to that. If you’re doing it for you and you alone, you don’t need to impress anyone else

It takes more than a bag. Then comes the shoes, clothing, outer-wear, car, home, vacations, jewelry, never ending if you are doing this for image. Might as well start buying pieces now. For me? Rule of thumb: wealth is silent.

I don’t think so. I already feel plenty fancy using coach and Kate spade bags. They’ve lasted years and still look great. I am a mom and im working this year to get my wardrobe to be more stylish and fit my new (ish) body. I’m going to take the process as far as I can and then hire a stylist to help. I’ve only just started but it’s already helped me feel good about myself. But I still won’t be spending $500 on a shirt like many (on fishbowl) apparently do. Personally don’t feel luxury purses would bring me much joy

I’m going to join the “not worth it” wagon if you are already feeling unsure and have some outside pressure making you feel like you need it. I am currently on the lookout for a nice professional looking laptop bag as I am going into the office more but am using a tote bag I made with dorky Hawaiian print and I get so many compliments on it! I work in a tech environment where I feel like everyone is very stylish and posh. But I’m just me and it seems to go over pretty well! Just do you with confidence!

I don’t know if by ‘worth it’ you mean ‘a good investment’ or ‘I love this and it makes me happy’. If the former, a classic Chanel is an excellent investment. I bought mine 10 years ago and even used its value has doubled. If the latter, that’s a very personal question and no right or wrong answer.

Most brands like that have a very high resale value. Say for example you buy a $2,000 bag and resell it two years later at a 20% discount. That bag only cost you $400 over 2 years, not bad. Just keep it in good condition.

As for your reasons surrounding appearances… I’m mixed with this but ultimately can’t relate. I want to buy a nice bag (and I have plenty of savings for it) solely for my own happiness, but I’m actually paranoid that it’ll make me a target when in public (I live in nyc so I don’t have certain suburban protections like a car). Seeing Carrie’s shoes get robbed in SATC scarred me as a kid 😅.

I have a few designer items to use from time to time. I remember one of the first designer bags I bought was the YSL Kate Small bag and it was so well made and beautiful. Since then I bought some Hangisi pairs and they are completely gorgeous too but shoes got damaged more often. I only wear them to events or parties though because I don't want to overdress for work. I have a boss who has considered buying a designer bag for years and still hasn't, so... Anyways I think having a few items is fine. Also before buying designer bag I do think taking care of other aspects of your appearance like weight management, skincare and hair care is important too. Everytime I see someone with terrible skin, teeth and hair wearing a Prada or some insanely pricey Van Cleef jewelry, it just doesn't feel right...

I was always told dress for where you are trying to go. Take a look around at those in the position you desire to be in (career and socially). If it makes you feel good and it fits with your goals (financial) then go for it. Disclaimer * I felt so shallow writing the earlier part.

It’s worth it if you really want and like it.

I finally got the black and pink LV tote I’ve wanted for a long time. I love LV because I’ve found them to be durable as hell. I still have some from the early 90’s that I use that have really held up.

I will say I owned a Michael Kors and it fell apart in months. I was somewhat shocked how cheaply made it was. I would never buy MK again.

lol no

You sound like someone that has the money now but didnt always and needs to show it. Real money doesnt usually need to worry others will think it's cheap. I don't know, it sounds totally unecessary. I mean if you see one and love it go for it but otherwise wtf. What is that comment on suburban moms.

In my experience, outside people don’t care too much about brands or how much you paid for something. People spend much more time worrying about themselves than worrying about others fashion choices. So don’t buy it for outside approval. IMO, Buying expensive designer things doesn’t contribute to lasting happiness at all. Most likely you will enjoy the novelty of the purse for a week or two but will then say to yourself “why did I spend so much money on that?” Spending more is sometimes good on practical things, where the higher cost is tied to increased utility. For purses though, I would try and find something that’s built well and does the job of a purse where you aren’t paying a premium for a designer brand

If you can afford it and like the look, why not? I have a Kelly, Birkin and few other designer bags. Each of them is in different, but classic color so I can always match one with an outfit. But I don’t plan on buying anything more. I wanted a few bags that will last a lifetime and if anything bad happens in my life I can still sell them for a good price. It just makes more sense to me, than buying new bags every few years. And now, like others say I rather spend money on travel or charity. One doesn’t exclude the other.

I wouldn’t buy a designer bag for its resale. I buy my bags to use them and because I like the style or functionality. I carry Hermes and Chanel, but also MZ Wallace and Transience. Depends on my mood, the activity of the day, etc. My nicer designer bags really do bring me joy so I think they’re worth it to me. I couldn’t care less what other people are thinking of me when I carry them. I spend my hard earned money on what I want and that happens to include luxury brands. I can also recommend fashionphile if you’re ok with pre-owned. I’ve gotten a few bags that have been pristine. They have a generous return policy so if you get the bay and don’t love it or the condition is not to your expectations, just return it. I usually do some research on a bag before committing since they are so expensive, but I’ve also bought something because I saw it in the store and I loved the look of it.

If you want it, buy it. Your money, your choice.

For me, I have zero desire to buy or own one and if someone’s opinion of me is dependent on what I own and not who I am, I would end the friendship immediately!

This is such a personal decision. The only designer bags I have were gifts from my mom because she cares about that stuff. I spend my high dollars on farm equipment, greenhouses because that's what I like.

Don't spend your money based on what other people think or how you present to those people. You will still be unhappy and would have wasted money.

I love my $18 target bag! It’s your money so do what you want

Do you know how many families you could bless with the amount of money you would spend in a Birkin? Buying those bags is a waste of money. Use the money for good.

There’s a lot to unpack here but I think it centers on the fact that you’re looking for a gift “from you to you” to celebrate the fact that you can treat yourself with an income and career you’ve worked hard for. Others have mentioned trips or charity and that’s great but for me personally I treated myself with a handbag that I tried on many times and researched to make sure I truly loved it and would wear it, and I have found a lot of joy in wearing those bags out because of the reminder it serves. If you’re looking for something to feel more “legitimate” you could also consider luxury handbags, jewelry or other accessories but do your research and buy it because YOU love it and not for anyone else.

So many of these comments are so ridiculous. There’s nothing wrong with a successful woman, wanting to spend money on herself and whether that’s a beautiful dress, a car she loves, or a beautiful handbag then you should do what you want. And by the way, most of us that can afford a gorgeous, multi-thousand dollar purse, Also donate generously to charities, donate our time endlessly and are always around to help others. This is ridiculous that you should be made to feel somehow like you’re not deserving or that by buying a handbag you’re not contributing to others ridiculous. Enjoy yourself buy the hand bag.

When you say, " investing"... are these bags going to give you a return on your money you spend on them? Or, are you just making their designers rich and your wallet poor? It's a waste of money. If your going to invest, do so that your investing in assets that can create cash flow INTO your wallet, not OUT💯