The 12 Best Places to Buy Designer Bags Online

Originally Published on Byrdie
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By: Casey Clark

If you’ve never shopped for a designer handbag before, then it might feel a bit intimidating. With so many designers, retailers, and styles to choose from, it can be stressful because you’re spending thousands of dollars on a single bag and want to make the right choice. Not only do you have to think about the type of bag you want, but if you want it fresh out of the box and completely untouched or used but in pristine condition to shave off hundreds of dollars. Regardless of what you choose, there are online and in-person retailers that have hundreds of designer brands to find the perfect handbag. 

You’ve probably heard of some of the major department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom, but other new online commerce stores are popping up over the resale marketplace making it easier than ever to snag a luxury handbag. Plus, we had two experts sit down to answer some of the most burning questions about designer handbags from how to care for them to why they are such a coveted item.

To help make the process easier, we’ve gathered some of the best places you can shop online for the designer handbag of your dreams.

MEET THE EXPERT

• Leena Alsulaiman is a creative mentor, strategist, stylist, and style coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  What to Look for When Buying Designer Bags

  Bag construction

  When shopping for a designer bag it’s imperative to consider your style preferences. Do you want a crossbody, clutch, tote, or shoulder bag? Plus, the small details like whether there’s a snap closure, zipper, etc. are important to keep in mind because if you have an active lifestyle the last thing you want is for your belongings to accidentally fall out.

  Signs of wear

  Depending on the retailer you purchase your bag from, you’ll want to stay on top of the condition. If it’s a new bag, then you won’t have to worry about it. However, for designer handbags that are being resold, it’s important to take note of the condition. On many of the sites mentioned above, there’s typically a condition section next to the product. There you’ll find the categories (typically along the lines of fair to pristine) which indicate how much wear and tear the bag has gone through, like having worn corners or scratches on the hardware or leather.

  For some people, a designer bag with a scratch or two might not mean anything if it means getting the bag at a fraction of the price. However, for those who want the bag to resemble as close to an unopened original, then paying attention to the small details is important. 

  FAQ

  • How do you take care of designer bags?

    When it comes to taking care of designer bags, Alsulaiman gets her expert advice on how to do this at home. Here are the five tips she shared with us: 

    Protect your handbag from moisture

    “Dampening from the air where the bags are stored or from using the bags outdoors can lead to mold growth and wear down the leather. Investing in a small dehumidifier can help avoid the occurrence of mold on or in your handbags.”

    Avoid color transfer

    “This transfer can be both ways. For example, the dye can transfer and stain your leather if you wear dark jeans. And on the flip side, if your handbag has dyed and colored leather, be extra careful around water, or the dye can bleed and stain your clothes.”

    Don't place your handbag directly on the ground

    “We are all guilty of this bit unless your handbag comes with protective metal feet; you risk wearing down the leather and getting it dirty by placing it on the ground when you are out. Alternatively, ask for an extra stool or seat, or bring a bag hook to use on the table.”

    Avoid loose pens or makeup inside the bag

    “Lids can come off inside the bag, and the last thing you want inside your designer handbag is ink stains or makeup stains. So carry everything in pouches to avoid any mishaps.”

    Store the bags in the original boxes

    “Whenever possible, hold on to the original box and store the handbag there; however, suppose you don't have space or don't have the box. In that case, it's best to keep it upright in its original dust bag or lay it flat if it has handles or chain-link to ensure that they don't touch the body of the bag, possibly causing some indentations or stains.”

  • Do designer bags go up in value?

    The short answer is that most designer bags don’t go up in value. Alsulaiman says that very few designer bags go up in style and the few brands that do typically are Hermes and Chanel.

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