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Designer Handbags - yes or no? Vestiaire Collective?

Sal

Veteran

Hi All

I have been having a look at Vestiaire Collective over the last week as I am planning a new bag (probably a tote) and I am considering second hand. There are some gorgeous and expensive bags!! I have not bought a true designer bag ever but have had good quality leather pieces from NZ companies.

I am interested to know if you have a gorgeous designer bag and what are the details that set it apart from more mainstream offerings.

Also interested in experiences with Vestiaire Collective - does the bag get sent from the current owner to France for verification and then to me? Just thinking that maybe I would be better to look at a NZ or Australian seller.

I have purchased three second hand bags in the past (day bags) and a couple of evening clutches. I find bags a good thing to buy second hand as there are no fit issues and wear and tear is quite easy to spot in photos.

In saying that I am also open to new and there were some stunning recommendations from the forum last month which have prompted some research.

Thanks in advance

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from

rachylou

Veteran

I don’t know Vestiaire. I’m not a handbag person; I don’t collect them. I have a few from Target and I like them because they’re not heavy. I have my one Gucci queen mum style top handle bag and that will do me for life. I’ve had it for 30 years and it’s fine. I used it daily when I was totally about office work. It has little gold feet, and the leather is heavy duty but somehow it’s not heavy to carry, which is what makes it perfect. I also like that the handle is substantial; this is why I didn’t go with... the company that makes the Grace Kelly one. Lol. I can’t remember the name. That’s got to be some sort of fashion faux pas.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have some older second hand designer bags; Fendi, YSL, Gucci, Dior vintage Celine and Marni, probably others (I am on vacation now). Apart from the Marni, I don't use them because they are in the potential to be sold category. I have not bought nor sold through Vestiaire but my understanding is the items do have to be authenticated, although some may be pre-authenticated and ready to ship. You are better off waiting a bit more for an authentic bag if you are paying good money. That said, I am not overly impressed that Vestiaire offers the best value for money.
You might also consider the RealReal.
Whether designer bags are worth the price is another question. They vary just like everything else and it really depends what you are looking for - iconic design? durability? brand image? I do find that designer items often have that extra "it factor" that makes them look and feel a cut above, but again that is not universal.
That was long! Hope it helped !

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Rachy - you made me laugh. No fashion faux pas with me.

Shevia - I am curious re designer handbags....for me I could see it being more worth the spend than designer shoes or clothing....but I suspect I won't go for true Euro designers in the end. I am just curious - I don't see many designer bags in my circles. And I feel uncomfortable in the boutiques to really examine them with eyes on me when I won't buy....... It is another world about which I know very little.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Sorry if this is a repeat- but I did mention in your last post ( I think) about NZ Light Leathers and how some of their leather is used by brands like Coach and Louis Vuitton. That’s what I had read in Fashion Quarterly or similar over the past few years. So you could look at a newish NZ brand like Yu Mei that uses the same leather. To me I am never sure that the premium for the brand name would be worth it. The Yu Mei prices are still high for a tightwad like me who has never paid over approx $160 for a handbag. I have paid that sort of amount the last twice since I like leather. Deadly Ponies is a nice NZ designer brand too.
Pretty sure it is the Hermes Kelly, Rachylou.

Style Fan

Veteran

I am not a handbag person but for some reason I like vintage bags. I have some of my own bags that I bought (or were bought for me) from the 80s and 90s and some bags that I bought at vintage stores.
I am not sure if my bags would be Vestaire quality but I have a Gucci bag, Coach (the old Coach) and some others. I love the way good quality leather ages and the designs are beautiful. The hardware is always excellent and never fails.
I only have the Coach bag in finds.

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Anonymous

I have owned several Burberrys, two Pradas, and a Fendi over the years. I don't think Coach is really considered designer, and I've owned a lot of those over the years too. I have an LV carry-on duffle , which is now 30 years old, and although pretty beaten and worn, I still love it.

Do they live up to expectations and are they worth the price? Absolutely. My Fendi is 18 years old, and in pristine condition. I only wear it in the winter, but it's what makes a look , in my mind . The Pradas are even older, I think, and get used once in awhile (colours aren't great and I'm glad I didn't pay full price for these). Construction and materials are simply superior, and the timelessness of the styles makes them worthy of their prices.
At this point in my life I wouldn't buy designer anymore (unless I win the lottery) and would look for previously loved or vintage versions.

missvee

Veteran

Well my one and only true designer bag is a Chanel that I bought wth an unexpected windfall. In spite of the eye watering price I have no regrets. It’s just a beautiful bag, beautifully made, and it elevates any outfit. Will I buy another one? Probably not. I like good quality clothes, shoes and bags but usually watch for sales. For me, quality has to go hand in hand with value.
Before I bought my bag I did check out Vestiaire and the Real Real, but decided against them due to the substantial duty and tax that would be added to the price. (I’m in Canada). I didn’t think the savings would be all that much in the end.
If you get a chance to see some “fancy bags” in person, don’t be intimidated at all. Just tell the sales person you have a special birthday coming up and this is one of the gifts under consideration. My view is that every birthday is special so this is never a little white lie lol!

bj1111

Veteran

for a non-bag person, i have a frightening number of them. including the designer ones in the find. i also have a hermes in a golden brown in a different leather.

as @lisap says, it makes the outfit. re design details, the orange hermes bag is lined in goat leather. there are leather straps on the outside bottom going from front to back that prevent the bottom from sagging--my chief complaint with the grey quilted bag. the handles are sturdy although narrowly placed unlike old school gucci handbags.

each of these bags are tied to a milestone achievement and tell the story of me. there are bags that i use more, are more practical for my day-to-day life, much for value if you define value as cost/wear. BUT, when i want to feel special, i'll whip out one of these babies in a flash.

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kkards

Veteran

i've owned a couple of designer bags...a couple of Prada's, a Burberry and an other brand i just can't think of right now...worth it to me as these bags just functioned better... where non designer bags may go cheaper on the hardware, or cut down on material where it doesn't show, these bags did not...in general they opened and closed better, had better handles.....now that's not to say that i haven't had wonderful non designer bags.....and don't worry about going into a shop and not buying, stores exist to present merchandise to people who may be customers sometime, which you maybe

Anonymous

I'd have to make Much more to consider a designer bag (aside from outlet versions). Would rather use the money for travel or other experiences.

That said, there are a lot of designers on Etsy, as well as local leatherworkers that make really nice bags for $200 or less

Jane

Veteran

I haven’t bought a top end / luxury brand but I love my Furlas. They wear so well and look polished even after time. The leather detailing seems more refined on a Furla than other similar priced brands.

I enjoy any and all bags though so imagine I will be swooning over a top top end bag at some point. I’ve not bought from Vestiaire before but have looked.

notsaf

Veteran

I've bought from Vestaire twice (both times lightly used Ferragamo Vara pumps, not bags), both times while I was in Europe with items shipped from Europe. I think your instinct to stay within Australia/NZ is right, because (if memory serves), shipping can be expensive. I was happy with both experiences.

LaPed

Veteran

I don't have any designer bags; they don't interest me and I'm not really comfortable with the statement made by designer logos/design elements. If one did catch my eye, luxury resale sites would be my strategy as well. I try to avoid buying leather goods new anyway (I do make more allowances for shoes than for bags because it's so hard to find comfortable shoes). I wouldn't say no to a vintage Coach Ergo bag like the one Style Fan posted above if I found one in a thrift shop.

JAileen

Veteran

I love vintage Coach bags. Their form was based on function, and the leather was such great quality. Did you know you can wash them? Are they considered designer? I wouldn’t have thought so. The Coach ergo is one of my favorite styles. I have many many many Coach bags. They’re mostly all from thrift stores.

I do not care for things with their name all over them. If they want me to advertise for them, they can pay me!

Katerina

Veteran

I am a bag person and I have many bags of different kinds and price levels. Some vintage, some thrifted and some new. I own a few designer bags, mostly Italian brands. I am not a fan of large logos though and I like more ”understated” bags.
One of my favourite brands when it comes to both bags and shoes is Tod’s. I have a Tod’s D Styling Bauletto in light grey leather. It is a large bag, quite understated with subtle hardware, very practical and extremely durable. It works with almost any outfit. It is probably my most appreciated bag.
A second favorite brand is Ferragamo. The bags are brilliant and the quality superb. Quite timeless.

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all - and to those that shared their lovely bags. I have always been more of a shoe or dress person than a bag person but I am coming around a bit.... partly prompted by the 30x30 challenges or my current challenge, where I realise that my day bags get more use than my favourite dress or jeans or coat etc...

My most expensive bag was a Briarwood one for close to NZ $400 and it is lovely. I have looked at Yu Mei, Helen Miller and Deadly Ponies and Saben and admired their offering as well - all this type of price or more.

I was thinking that second hand would be a good option as I am trying to increase my second hand purchases (1/4 of purchases for 2019 so far are second hand )..... And the range available is amazing and the prices range from below $100 to well over $10,000.

I do have a significant birthday next year so I would be telling the truth:) I should be more confident in these types of shops when at the airport and really check out the quality.

Jenni - I do remember that and funnily enough my Uncle was talking about them in the weekend - I think he knows the owner.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well Sally you are certainly right about day bags getting a lot of wear! This has been a great thread, interesting to see people’s bags!
Think I’m with J’Aileen about the big logos...

Muffin

Veteran

Most of my handbags are designer and I do love them. I think they have a longevity that I would never get from designer clothes or shoes (but I do own some of those too). My most useful bag is the LV Neverfull. I wish I would have bought it years ago and not wasted money on “filler” bags. For my casual, mom, travel lifestyle it is the perfect fit for me. I also have a LV Speedy (bought second hand) which doesn’t get much use because I prefer something that can go over my shoulder. I have a Tods D-ring and the quality is fantastic but it is heavy and off-white so it doesn’t get much use. I have a YSL evening bag in black and I can’t imagine I’ll need another evening bag ever (truly). I also have a Chanel black caviar double flap (bought second hand-local but fully authenticated). I adore it but it doesn’t get used much because it’s so small inside. On vacation this year I treated myself to a Strathberry. I purchased it from the showroom and met one of the designers. It was a really neat experience (and a significant savings over US prices). The other bags I use are the Longchamp La Pilage nylon totes. I really don’t bother with anything in between. My teenage daughter isn’t in to designer anything so hopefully they will stay pristine for when she is an adult should her tastes change.

So yes, go check the bags out in person, read up on them, watch YouTube videos, etc. Inspect them and even put all of your necessities in it to see if it really works for you. Airports are really great for this (Heathrow is heavenly) but they may not have exactly what you are looking for.

smittie

Veteran

I think second hand bags are a great way to go.

I have a second-hand Prada luggage-coloured tote.

The reason I bought it was the nice toffee colour, the structure, and the small details. The Prada bag was worth the price I paid for it second-hand, and a new, non-designer equivalent would have cost the same or more. The Prada, as far as I can tell, is roughly the same as a mid-range bag in terms of quality.

The one thing I don't like about it is the leather scratches easily. It also too big for my needs, so I don't use it much.

Anonymous

I have never paid more than $430 for a bag & don’t have any designer ones. In that price range, for the quality, I love Furla & Frye.
I think a second hand designer bag could be a wonderful investment and look forward to seeing what you settle on. I hope you find something you really love.

Anonymous

Also, YOOX sometimes has incredible deals on designer bags.

Anonymous

This is such a great post. I hope you found it useful.

Comments from Lisa P, Missvee, BJ1111, and Muffin were interesting to me. I especially liked Muffin's comment that read: I wish I would have bought it years ago and not wasted money on “filler” bags.

Sal

Veteran

It has been interesting!

I guess I am unsure what the quality difference is when you move from a really good bag to a designer bag. And I suspect it is often the intangible and the glamour and a few design features. It is interesting - same with things like tap wear in a home or even a car.

I am still not shopping til August but I will be adding a bag as one of my purchases for the rest of the year.

Anonymous

Excited for you.

bj1111

Veteran

Early happy birthday wishes. May all your champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true.

Or least a new and fabulous bag in your size.

Sal

Veteran

BJ - birthday is June next year:) But I can have a year of celebrating?

I doubt I will get a true designer bag!! I am thinking a good work tote or maybe satchel with some structure to it... I have decided it does not need to hold my laptop but other bits and pieces. Thinking black but I could go for a different colour.

bj1111

Veteran

Oh yes, a full year. When my hubs turned fifty, I dubbed it the year of wonder. Up to you if you celebrate leading up to it (my preference, with lots of fun anticipation) or the 12 months after.

smittie

Veteran

I definitely spent my 39th year celebrating! I bought myself quite a few treats!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I’m not sure if people “count” Kate Spade as designer, but anyway, I have one. I bought it despite its being designer, not because of that. I’m sure you saw the posts. I got it because I thought it was ideal for my needs (size, number & placement of pockets, how it’s carried) and a great color for me. I looked for similar non-designer bags, but couldn’t find any. If I’d been able to see it in person before buying, I’m not sure I would’ve gotten it, especially because in the meantime I got the red puffer, which isn’t great with a red bag. It’s a nice bag, doesn’t have any design or construction flaws, the logo isn’t that huge, so it’s in my wardrobe, along with the sak, bags from Free People, desigual, and others. I certainly hope it has the vaunted longevity and high quality of a high (for me) priced bag.

I don’t know the difference between old Coach and new. I have a very small black crossbody that the I got secondhand for $25. The Coach Store verified that it is authentic, but I probably killed any resale value by having a local cobbler replace the strap when it broke. He does good work and it looks nice. That bag was awesome for me then. I was in the car all the time; all the little things I wanted to have with me fit well, and I could dump everything else in the car, free to run around empty-handed and not weighted down.

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