Which Purse to Buy: New or Gently Loved

Designer handbags are my JAM! I mean, I am constantly browsing on-line, or casually window shopping for purses more than I care to admit. But early on I realized that my champagne taste might be a little too much for my wine cooler budget!! Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Chanel… buy just one of these luxury brands, and you’ve just signed yourself up for the ramen noodle meal plan for the rest of the month!!

So, after realizing that while I wanted to be able to have ALL the designer purses… it turns out, I didn’t want to be so broke that all I could do is sit at home and pretty much just look at my new purse. Again, because I spent all my money on… my new purse!

After pondering my dilemma for a while…enter; Fashionphile. I stumbled upon this amazing designer consignment website in 2012, and have been buying most of my bags pre-owned ever since. In fact, anytime I am interested in a new bag, the first place I always look is Fashionphile. The only way I will buy a designer purse full price is if I have checked the site several times and they simply don’t have it, and I don’t feel like waiting! This can happen if the bag is too new and there hasn’t been enough time for someone to use it for a few months and then decide they want to sell it because they no longer want it!  

Over the years, I have been able to buy several designer bags that are fun, unique, and fashionable. And each and every bag is in pristine condition. Fashionphile has a rating system for each bag, and I personally only purchase bags that are in excellent or new condition.

The bags show up in the cutest packaging, and I have never had any issues with the quality or authenticity! Not only that, they are also partnered with Neiman Marcus to take the experience of “recommerce” to a whole new level. That alone makes me even more confident in my purchases.

Other than the obvious benefit of saving money, I think there are several reasons to buy pre-owned.

1.    The bags are cheaper, so you can buy more

2.    You’re helping the environment 

3.    **My favorite ** You get a more unique/vintage selection (i.e. everyone is not walking around with your exact bag.) There’s something to be said about having a bag that no one else has

If you’re going to buy a pre-loved bag, you should make sure you are buying from a reputable website. Fashionphile goes through a very extensive authentication process by multiple expert authenticators. They also offer a lifetime return policy so you can have peace of mind that your bag is 100% authentic. 

Ultimately, it is a personal choice if you want to buy your designer handbags brand new, or “gently loved.” Personally, if I can save money and still get a quality 100% authentic name brand bag, I am going with that option every single time! It frees up my money to spend in other areas!!! Just Kidding!!!! It really allows me to make better choices with the money I’ve saved, and that makes me very happy!

OH.. And I almost forgot…

Bonus: Fashionphile even offers a 60 day layaway so you can budget!!!