6 Ways You Can Afford Luxury Handbags

There are home videos of me in diapers carrying a handbag and looking for items to put inside. The first bag that I remember owning was a gold lamé mini backpack at age 4. So you can see that I have always loved luxury handbags.

The bag to start it all was a 21st birthday present from my parents – Louis Vuitton speedy 35. I was asked if I wanted a trip to Vegas or a handbag. In true me fashion, I chose the bag. Now 5 years+ later, I have built up quite the collection from Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, and much more.

I want to show you easy ways of how you could add a luxury bag to your collection as owning one is surprisingly more attainable than you think.

WARNING: Text-heavy post but very informative.

Shop My Outfit Here:

Top//Zara (similar pink button-up)  Jeans//New Look (old, similar ripped jeans)  

Handbag//Louis Vuitton  Twilly//Louis Vuitton  Shoes//Marc Fisher

Let me preface this post by saying I don’t have any children, own a home, or own a car as in Europe it’s not necessary to have one. I’m 100% sure this contributes to my level of disposable income and everyone has a different budget to work with.

If:

You’re interested in owning a luxury handbag I wanted to provide you with a few tips and ways that you could add one to your collection. 

Even owning just one quality bag that you use every day can really upgrade your wardrobe, and makes you appreciate well-crafted items. Honestly, it’s hard to go back after that.

HOW TO AFFORD LUXURY HANDBAGS

TIP #1: PRIORITIES

This is the number one way that I can continue to purchase luxury handbags and is probably the one you have heard multiple times so I won’t go too in-depth. It is all about choosing where you spend your money because even small amounts can add up over time.

Everything from that Starbucks coffee in the morning on the way to work, regular food deliveries, or even your monthly subscriptions can really affect your level of disposable income.

For me, I choose to cook at home 9 times out of 10, have a Nespresso coffee maker so no Starbucks coffee for me, and my monthly subscriptions are at a minimum. You get the picture!

TIP #2: BIG SALES

Many luxury brands will never go on sale.

Premium brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel will NEVER go on sale or be apart of any department store promo.

That is what makes them great investment bags and easier to resell on the pre-loved market.

So, instead, I have a running list in my head of bags from other brands that I want to purchase. During big sales, I always look for these items to see if they are included or if there is a special offer for spending a certain amount of money.

During Black Friday, Neiman Marcus usually offers gift cards up to $500 depending on the amount you spent, and at the same time, Rakuten cashback offers also increase.

I will say I was very fortunate during the After Christmas Sales at Neiman Marcus to find my Chloe Drew sitting on a sale table. It was marked down from $1,850 to $1,100 so I like to say it was meant to be!

You can read my Chloe Drew handbag review here.

TIP #3: Rakuten

Rakuten is great for those avid online shoppers. Install the plugin to your browser so every time you visit a shop’s page, it will let you know if they offer cashback. You essentially get money for shopping online so it’s a win-win situation.

Some of my favorite online retailers offer cashback with Rakuten from BaubleBar, Neiman Marcus, eBay, Amazon, LUISAVIAROMA, and so many more.

They payout every 3 months so the cashback isn’t instant, but why not be rewarded if you were already intending to buy online. Also during big sale times such as Black Friday, the cashback offers increase.

*If you sign up through one of my links above and spend at least $25 you will receive a $10 credit. 

TIP #4: PRE LOVED MARKET

I have purchased a few bags from the pre-loved market and have had great experiences each time. You can find bags in near perfect condition or even still in their original packaging, which is what I usually look for.

If you’re hesitant to enter the pre-loved market I suggest trying sites such as Fashionphile, Vestiairre Collective, or The Real Real. These sites authenticate each bag to ensure you receive a 100% guaranteed authentic luxury handbag and takes the guesswork out of it.

The pre-loved market is also a great way to find bags from previous seasons or vintage pieces that you can no longer find in-store.

If you’re comfortable with shopping pre-loved and can confidently authenticate luxury handbags then I would also suggest trying eBay. It does take more “detective work” but you can find great deals that more established re-sellers like the one’s above won’t offer.

eBay has been working to ensure unreputable sellers are removed from the platform in the last several years, however, there can still be fakes out there. Now eBay even has a special authenticate section on their site.

TIP #5: LOYALTY CARDS & REWARD POINT SYSTEMS 

Most department stores will offer loyalty cards or store credit cards so when you use the card or just shop there you can receive reward points. The points are usually redeemed for cash towards purchases at that store.

Nordstrom will offer double point days, triple point days, and even first access to sales online for being a cardholder.

Retailers like LUISAVIAROMA, which is where I purchased my Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily and Marc Jacobs Snapshot, offers rewards for every dollar spent. These rewards can be redeemed for money off future purchases.

Read more about their privilege program here. It’s basically an incentive to continue to shop in the same locations!

TIP #6: SHOPTAGR

You gotta love technology! Shoptagr is another browser plugin that can help you save money on bigger ticket items.

How does it work? Once you install the plugin you browse your favorite online retailers as you normally would, and when you find an item that you love but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge just save it to your Shoptagr wish list.

You can choose to be notified when the item goes on sale, comes back in stock, or when the item drops by a certain amount.

A luxury handbag is still an investment by all means. I hope these tips help get you that little bit closer to adding one to your collection. Let me know what is your dream luxury handbag or that one handbag that you are working towards?

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