My name’s Cass and I love handbags. 😂.
I prefer vintage and pre-loved handbags for a couple of reasons so today I’m going to tell you why and share my pre-loved handbag collection with you.
First up, why do I like to buy pre-loved handbags?
Originally, I started to buy pre-loved handbags because that was the only way I could afford to pay for some of the bags I had my eye on and that’s probably still my main motivation when I really think about it but I do also like the fact that the bags have a story behind them – even if I don’t know what it is myself.
I know it sounds a bit cray cray but the idea that my bags all have a history of their own and could have been to posh parties and expensive events makes me love them even more.
(I considered deleting the above for way longer than necessary as I’m convinced it makes me sound like a bit like a crazy old bag lady but I’m nothing if not honest. 😂 )
They’re a much more affordable and sustainable option for handbag lovers and as an added benefit you’re not going to have the latest fashions that everyone is sharing on Instagram if you’re buying vintage or pre-loved.
Before I show you my bags though, I am 100% aware that some of you will look at them and shake your head at me as there’s a couple that weren’t cheap at all and I get that. I really do.
I know I don’t need to justify what I spend but you know what? I work super hard in a job that can be quite stressful and pressured and sometimes I work extra hours in the day or extra days in the week so when I get a payslip with overtime on it, I move some over to a savings account just for me. The cheeky treats I can save for make the extra hours easier as I always try and have my next ‘treat’ in my head so I know what I’m working towards. Not sure if that makes sense to anyone but me or if it makes you shake your head a little less but I feel better for telling you so we’re good.
Also, all of my bag purchases are really considered purchases and the bags I’m sharing below have been added to my collection gradually over a good few years and aren’t going anywhere so if we’re talking cost-per-use then I’m happy that I either already have or absolutely will get my money’s worth out of each and every purchase!
Let’s just get on with it, shall we? Here’s my pre-loved handbag collection…
Louis Vuitton
So, I’m never going to tell you that a handbag is a good investment but… I bought this one for just under £300 about four years ago now and because Louis Vuitton just keeps going up in price (and demand) it’s now actually selling for upwards of double that price with some being listed for sale for £1000+ in the same age and similar condition.
I wouldn’t ever sell it though as it means a lot to us (I now share joint custody of this with Miss Frugal) because I bought it with some money that my Dad gave me to treat myself when I went to Nice and Monte Carlo for a short break about four years ago now. He was unwell at the time and hated how much care he needed and this was his way of saying thank you, even though it wasn’t needed at all.
I found it in a second-hand designer goods shop in Monaco which was filled with the most amazing, beautiful and super expensive handbags, clothes and jewellery! I wandered around the shop for ages knowing I couldn’t afford anything but enjoying imagining the parties and occasions that these pretty things had all been to in their time. This handbag was tucked away behind a Chanel and a Gucci and although it’s in great condition, it just wasn’t as glamourous as most things in the shop so when I pulled it out and saw that it was only just over what my Dad had given me to spend, I was over the moon with this pre-loved handbag purchase!
And despite the fact, it was probably the cheapest thing in the shop, the lady made such a fuss of me buying it and took time to wrap it in paper and its dust bag and a lovely Louis paper bag with as much care and attention as if I was buying something much more expensive.
I was convinced it was an original as it had a certificate of authenticity and this was a pretty reputable shop from what I could see but I did have it authenticated when I got back just for my own peace of mind and it’s been used frequently since the day I bought it.
Prada Canvas Tote
I wanted this bag for months and stalked all my usual handbag selling sites for ages before I found one that was within my budget and managed to get it for £250 which I know is a lot but again it was a good price in comparison to others out there and looking now, similar bags are selling for around £400.
This is the bag that I always use as my travel bag! It’s been all over the world with me since I bought it and it always makes me happy to get it down from the top of my wardrobe (where it sits so I can see it every day) and pack it up for a trip and I can’t wait to be able to do it again.
It’s not a practical colour at all and it’s definitely well-loved by this point but I just love it!
Also, not the point at all but it looks good in my obligatory ‘This is me on my way to….’ photo at the start of every trip.
Vintage Prada Clutch
I’m 99% sure that I bought this from Vestiaire which is pretty much like eBay for designer goods and it cost me about £80 as a present from me to me for Christmas the year before last. I bought it because I was so frustrated at a year of lockdowns and a year of not being able to go out very much at all so it was like my statement that as soon as the world re-opened, I’d be there!
It’s actually been used loads in the last 12 months and has seen some really good nights out including a wedding, a hen night, an awards ceremony and a couple of other fun times.
I’ve just checked and the same bag in a similar condition and age is selling for £168 so I feel like it was another good buy.
Next Cherries Basket Bag
I just love this bag in the Summer as it’s so fun and pretty! I bought it years ago at a car boot sale for the grand old price of 50p and it’s been used so many times since it came home with me. I’ve never seen anything like it or ever received so many compliments on a bag when I’m using it!
This super cute little bag was from a charity shop near me a couple of weeks ago. I bought it because I have a pair of rose gold shoes that never match any handbag and this little beauty is an exact match for the colour of the shoes so for the couple of pounds that it cost me, it’s an absolute bargain and probably my cheapest pre-loved handbag to date!
That’s probably enough for today although I do have a few more so I could probably do a part two at some point. 😇
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Why not do your future self a favour and pin ‘my pre-loved handbag collection’ for later…
