Bags You Can Bank On

In today’s difficult economical environment, spending money on the “it” bag may come across as indulgent. This is all the more reason why investing in a classic is a smart decision. But what about when you’re ready to purchase a piece that will last a lifetime – those "to-die-for" totes that will never go out of style?

Exotic Skin

Specific animal skins often used in the most high-end bags. More common examples are alligator, crocodile, ostrich, lizard and snakeskin. Less common are shark, eel, stingray and buffalo.

Hardware
These are the metal accents on a bag, and can include handles, snaps, buckles, locks, clasps, grommets, frames and feet.

Limited Edition
Bags produced in limited quantity that are typically available for a chosen period of time, and are more difficult to obtain as a result of demand for rare product.

‘It’ Bags
Highly coveted seasonal bags that receive a flurry of media attention. Often carried by high-profile celebrities before they are even available in stores.

Custom bags
One-of-a-kind pieces commissioned by a customer.

Finding and Buying an Investment Bag

Much of buying a handbag has to do with the owner’s personal style. But before you even consider whether you are more of a ‘hobo’ or ‘doctor’s bag’ type of gal, you need to first narrow down your list of Investment Handbags via 4-steps:

• Choose from an established design house with known staying power such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Hermès. Buying solely for a brand name can seem tacky in some situations, but with handbags, you get what you pay for. These ultimate luxury brands put the most time, care and craftsmanship into their products and it shows. Bags are handmade with the best materials and will last for years to come.

• Further narrow the field by zeroing in on the brand’s most enduring styles–ones that are sold season after season. If you are more worried about style than resale, go for the classics. These are bags that don’t lose their appeal because they are not based on fads or seasonal trends. See below for a list of Ultimate Classic Investment Handbags.

• Choose a long-lasting material that will not easily rip, fade or damage. Many of the most sought-after bags are made with exotic skins. These skins are often rare and thus more coveted and expensive. If properly taken care of, a bag made of crocodile or alligator in a classic style will remain a status symbol for years. Calfskin is one of the most beautiful and durable leathers and is often used by Hermès. Also, textured/embossed leathers tend to hold up very well, as they have a tendency to be more weather proof than other leathers and do not scratch as easily as a smooth polished leather.

• Pick a neutral color that will lend itself well to resale or will match with most of your wardrobe. It’s no surprise that black, brown and neutral toned handbags are timeless and do better at resale than brightly colored bags (except for certain limited edition pieces or brands, more on that later). In addition, these neutral colors will work with virtually any outfit and in most seasons, depending on the material you choose.

Read more about The Ultimate Classic Investment Handbags