Agreed…I have 20-25 yr old well made Dooney or Coach bags that have been used tons. No stitching issues, the hardware has never discolored, zippers/snaps work fine and have never had a glazing issue. LV and Chanel have those issues on many items within weeks or months. Louis Vuitton and Chanel items are luxury price, but a lot are just not luxury quality. I’d rather enjoy travel or a contemporary well made bag.
I’m so over LV. At this stage of my life, I’d rather take a great vacation than have a purse. Im really into Rough and Tumble bags now- handmade in Maine. Beautiful leathers and you can even design your own bag. You choose the leather and the lining. You should check them out.
Great topic! I'm sure I've been guilty of carrying a luxury bag in the past because of the way that it made me feel. My mom would tell me when I was younger that I was paying for the name. I didn't quite grasp that concept at the time; however, now that I've come more full circle in my bag journey, I understand what she meant. What's been interesting and eye-opening for me is to watch the UA-cam channels of folks who repair leather goods as a business. They'll deconstruct an expensive designer bag on camera and then clean it, replace parts, re-stitch the handles, etc. And as I watch that, I think, a bag is really just a bag. Most are put together in basically the same way, using similar materials, etc. And so at the end of the day, is that luxury bag really worth the price difference because the brand has skillfully marketed it as something that will make us or our lives better.
This is a great subject because I had a similar experience at one time and it changed my perspective when I got back into luxury bags. I also don’t care about brand names, and I feel that a true lover of bags will appreciate a bad no matter the brand, because there are so many other factors to consider when choosing a bag other than the label. I will definitely do a video.
I completely understand your progression. As we move along we get to know ourselves better and know what we really like and will use. As a result our taste becomes more refined and our decisions more personalized. xoxo
This is by far my favorite video of yours ! I feel the same way , I just bought a Calvin Klein bag from Marshall’s the other day. I actually saw it two weeks prior and was drawn to it but I kept telling myself it’s not even on the Coach “level”. I had to really come to the realization I’m almost 44 years old , if I like it , that’s what matters !
I was 37 when I got my first pedicure and 40ish when I got my first Coach. I'm a late bloomer. I did all my own grooming, and wore a Liz Claiborne for years.
I too love high end name brands but I would have to think real hard before I laid down 2-3k on a bag. I absolutely have no problem getting a Hammit or Coach bag, it’s great quality and it’s affordable❤️
Yes! People are sleeping on the new coach , even Kate Spade, bags. They're making them in very classic/timeless styles now. I recently bought a turn-lock crossbody and people were surprised that it's a Coach bag! I love my designer bags, but the prices are going up and up and the quality isn't like it used to be tbh.🤷🏻♀️
I have always loved Coach. To me, Coach is classic, very durable and affordable. Also, Coach has stepped up their bags with new designs, upstyled vintage bags, and new colors and collab designs, i.e., Basquiat, Disney, and others. As far as Chanel, well, i have all reps. I know that I will never will be able to afford their bags, be they new or even pre-loved, so my choice of reps. The few CC bags I have are a couple of vintage styles, such as the Chanel Cambon tote and Medallion tote. I only own one rep Classic Flap thats in the So Black Chevron style; the others are reps of the Trendy CC Chevron w/silver hardware, the Cruise 2020 Bowler and a couple others.
A few price rises ago, the luxury brands largely lost me and the last price rise they totally lost me (apart from books). But then . . . . the other day . . . I was with some friends in The Purse Affair, a luxury re-seller here (also on Instagram and worth checking) and I saw some Chanels including a beautiful blue classic flap, gold hardware and I was smitten. I resisted, of course, because my focus is now on saving for Europe, but I need to be cautious about announcing 'no more luxury for me' because I am weak and bags are beautiful. Thank you for the video. This is a fabulous topic.
Brava…. It does seem that it has been more of a competition among some UA-cam influencers to see who can get the most. Know thyself and go with what makes you feel good.
I do love my designer bags I have but Coach has been stepping up their game with their styles and quality. I have definitely been more invested in Coach at the moment and contemporary handbags. 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for this video, because this is one of the reasons I buy more contempory quality bags, because I get tired of / bored with the luxury bags as well. I love quality and variety, so paying for the luxury bags doesnt make much sense, paying for quality and design does. Good to hear from one who promotes luxury bags in general. 🙂
Definitely! I like variety and I can't justify the expense to buy multiple luxury bags to get that variety. I also feel guilty if I have a $2,000+ bag and I'm not using it every day!
I too like to experiment with a different colour or pattern with a contemporary bag. I also wouldn’t use a luxury designer bag for work or attending a sports event, concert or similar. I carry my contemporary bags because I still love them and want use from them and let’s be honest, they weren’t exactly cheap to buy either! They don’t make me feel the same as luxury ones do when I carry them but they suit my mood or the occasion and my wallet.
I have always loved mixing high end and contemporary brands to create a beautiful look. When shopping for a bag I look for quality, creativity and functionality regardless of the brand.
Hi Autumn! What a great question. I was so super bougie, because I also came from a poor family and was a scholarship kid who was surrounded by beautiful things I couldn’t afford.. I’ve sold off many (MANY) of my luxury bags and decided to concentrate of beautiful bags everyone isn’t carrying. I love bags by Italian artisans and small Indy labels no one has ever heard of. Once I started buying whatever *I* liked (as opposed to what I was supposed to like this season), and thanks to you and channels like yours, I’ve re-discovered Kate Spade and Coach. The quality issues and integrity issues of these big name luxury houses have really turned me off. Between going a lot fewer places, feeling like carrying a big name bag is asking for trouble in a big city, and feeling the emperor is wearing no clothes, I have no regrets selling off most of the bougie stuff. It is always so much nicer to have the cash. I just got 2 Coach Marlies that are so beautiful and classic yet practical-I feel like they rival any bag that costs thousands more and the quality is impeccable. Clare V, Botkier, Pratesi, I Medici-all of these brands make beautiful, unique bags and don’t play games. Thanks for introducing us to all of these smaller brands that make practical and realistic luxuries.
This is a great topic!!! Its funny because I think Coach is so underrated and under appreciated! Ive got a variety of vintage Coach bags, Dinky, Willis, Bonnie Cashin era.. and they are fabulous! I got my first Coach bag over 40 years ago. The leather is incredible! I think the big mistake was when Coach went through their their “c” monogram phase but they are now back on track!!!
Luxury goods are nice, but a nice Dooney & Bourke is just as nice for my pocket book. Also, we know that the quality of luxury is not the best these days.😂 Love the video, Autumn!
For those of us on a budget or just starting out it takes time to build a luxury collection and I think that when you’re a bag lover contemporary bags are a great alternative in building a complete collection. I can’t see myself spending over 3,000 on a bag either and I definitely have an annual budget so contemporary designers allow me to have fun because I like variety for my different looks…Coach, Tory Burch and Rebecca Minkoff are my regular purchases and I am very happy with their quality and selection….
My love of designer bags started in college. Back in the 1970s when everyone carried a designer barrel bag, I was bitten. My mother was only willing to buy me an Oleg Cassini barrel bag. It wasn’t Gucci, Dior or LV, but in got me in the door of luxury. That bag lasted for years, and considering it was white, that’s something. The next time I ventured into designer bags was the Kate Spade tote. I actually opted for the diaper bag…same tote, but with more pockets. I wore that thing out! I got into Michael Kors next…his palm tropical collection. I think I bought every style in that print. After that, came Kate Spade’s quirky bags; swimming pool, cruise ship, champagne bottle, cupcake, etc. One of my work colleagues was heavily into Louis Vuitton, and would often go shopping on her lunch hour. She’d come back with a big LV shopping bag. I so envied her. She would give me the shopping bag and the dust bag, so that’s as close as I got until a couple of years ago, when I started my obsession with Louis. I am also huge fans of Judith Leiber and Timmy Woods and have collections from both designers. I love them all.
I made the decision that I am done purchasing luxury bags. I have enough to last me forever. The price increases also have me shaking my head. I am done. I actually carry a Coach bag everyday and change in to my lux bags on weekends.
Simply a bag lover from the moment I was born!!! Luxury, contemporary, vintage, preloved and new!!!! All worn with jeans and shorts, tennis shoes and sandals! My style is casual and all bags are for ME!!!! Great collaboration video! Thank you!💞
Since the luxury prices all the time last year…I stopped browsing their websites and started shopping contemporary. I said no more and haven’t looked back. And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy the contemporary bags
Hi Autumn! Yes I’ve been using more contemporary bags to save the wear on my designer bags, also it takes too long to get them out of the box and dust bag, put on the bag charms and transfer my stuff to it not to mention transferring out the slgs to match. I appreciate my contemporaries because I don’t worry much about wear and damage. Currently I’m using my aloha bags for everyday, they even have pouches sold separately to match.
I was buying Coach and Tory Burch before I could afford luxury bags. Now that I have a small collection, I enjoy the bags that I have and I have to be honest I don’t visit Coach anymore. Their bags are well made and served me very well but I think I’m over them now. Mind you, I’m 47 yrs old so most of my life I bought and own contemporary bags.
You are so correct about the quality of luxury bags going down! I have a goatskin Chanel 19 that is sooo wrinkled. I bought a some what of a dupe by a brand called Pinko and the quality is outstanding, better than my Chanel.
The first bag I got was my mom's gucci but the 1st one I wanted was the dooney bucket bag and I was given a fake one. I bought my first LV in college for a gift. My current LV bags I bought at 40. Now I have many but all pre loved. I actually carry my less expensive bags more. I put my bag on the truck floor board when I commute to work. When you know your bag is getting tossed around I leave the LV at home. I love leather bags and cotton uncoated canvas bags. So I try not to care what people think and just enjoy my vintage bags. I like the 90s lv bags because that's when i was in highschool and could not afford them. I personally hate the boutique experience and I like people so I like knowing my bag was previously loved and I feel like I rescue them.
It so interesting how our priorities change over time. I am pretty much where you are in my handbag journey ….I want quality for my money & luxury name brands mean absolutely nothing to me. I totally understand where you are coming from. Great video, Autumn
Totally agree with you, especially when it comes to Coach… they have made a big turnaround with the Cassie… throw a LV twilly on it and it looks so much like one… I have two and love them… I also purchased two Brahmin as of late… the Nadine crosssbody… these two especially the red have BEAUTIFUL chain handles… add a LV twilly and I get so many compliments because of the look of chain and twilly! I have about several Gucci that it has been over a year since I have carried, my NF it has been over a year… but having fun with these others… check out the Brahmin Nadine crossbody!
Love this content-many contemporary bags are on par with luxury ones in terms of quality. For some, it is the luxury brand that has the appeal which is what you said!
Totally agree with you. I am so bored with the designer bags, there is nothing new or exciting anymore. Luxury has became "fast-fashion" which is pretty sad! The price increase and the quality issues are a huge turn off for me. I don't buy fake bags because it's just not my "thing" but there are beautiful well made premium bags that give me joy ! Not everyone and their mother wear them, you'll catch people staring at your bag wondering what brand it is.... I love that! you can tell that the piece is unique, the quality is top-notch and there is no logo on it. Yup!!!!
I’ve had great luck with my canvas LV. I actually prefer it. I’d like an emprante piece but never got around to buying one. I’m really enjoying the 2 Coach Cassies I have. The quality is every bit as good as LV. I do have a leather Tori Burch tote I bought years ago and use for work. It’s held up beautifully. I’m happy with my LV collection and enjoy what I have. My new favorite is Mulberry. Beautiful leather, beautiful quality and much more affordable.
My first step into luxury bags was a fake LV from Chinatown in NYC. I did a lot of research to make sure i was getting a “good fake.” My first authentic LV is preloved. Coach is my forever favorite, though. This is a great topic. Thanks Autumn.
Whatever makes one happy is what they should do and what they should buy. Life is too short and sometimes, change is good! Great video and thought provoking Autumn!! Enjoy!!
I stopped buying contemporary bags to save for my designers. I research forever before buying. I have the neverfull, LV Twice, Gucci soho disco LV Palm Springs mini, Prada bucket pouch (turned into a crossbody) and just added a YSL mini Lou camera bag. I have one for each style I need and don’t have time to switch bags out. I got rid of so many of mine, (designer I wasn’t wearing and contemporary). I hated the clutter and I was never using them. Now I feel I have what I need and can really enjoy what I own. Oh, I do have a lot of Longchamp totes. 😉
I love designer bags… but, I live in Florida where we have a lot of imported bags from South America that are colorful, woven and beautiful. I wear them during the summer months and love them! They are interesting with no designer labels which frankly I’m tired of! I have the several Chanel bags as well as Prada and Louie Vuitton. Im tired of seeing them everywhere and love my artisan pieces that I’ve collected the most these days. I’ve been fortunate to travel to Asia and Africa quite a bit and love the unique woven bags I have picked up along the way. Interesting conversation Autumn. I really enjoy you channel! ❤️
I had the same "snobby" phase regarding handbags when I would only use my luxury brand bags. But I 💯 agree with you on the quality of some of my Coach bags is exceptional. Just last week I was spring cleaning and was looking at some of my contemporary brand bags that I've had for years. I used and definitely did not baby the bags and they are in very good condition.
I enjoy my contemporary brands. I have 4 City Totes by Coach Outlet for astronomically less than the Neverfull. Multiple patterns I can switch in and out of. I go by style not by name.
Great video and I wholeheartedly agree! I've always been about higher luxury brands myself (previously owned a few Coach pieces in the late 90's and 2000s; never any of the other contemporary brands -no reason other than I just never knew anything about them but knew Coach as a heritage brand) and have recently fell back in love with Coach from their boutique. I needed a new understated work tote and purchased the Alana tote in the camel color from the boutique last weekend and their trench coat (vs. BURBERRY) from the outlet and am very impressed with the quality and understated pieces. I personally am over the loud monogram, canvas, and flashy logos from any brand so its so refreshing to see Coach offer what I was looking for at a much cheaper price point. I've also recently been in to Bottega Veneta for this same reason. I also think Chanel and LV has kind of turned into what Coach, MK, Burberry was in the late 90's/2000s with the oversaturation in the market making those brands almost cheesy that its turned me off from those brands for now. I do rock my Chanel Reissue, LV epi leather and other understated pieces bc they're hardly branded. Would love if you did a video on Coach 2.0 and their comeback!
Shoutout to The Woodbury Commons! I grew up in that town and went to the school across the street, lol. I also could not afford a designer bag until after college.
LV Epi is quite indestructible! I highly recommend that leather! LV made fixes to the Métis design in around 2019. They fixed the flap closure by sewing it differently and they fixed the glazing issues. I have a 2021 now and so far so good. Agreed on the insane price increases, not many bags under $2k now.
I love this and agree with you. I started out purchasing contemporary handbags, strictly Coach for years and then progressed to Dooney, Michael Kors and a few others. The quality of the bags is awesome and the leather feels amazing. I have given many away to daughters of my friends and recently pulled out others that I am trying to sell. I just have too many that I an not carrying, but I am keeping a few that I just can't part with. I got into buying pre-loved LV a few years ago and have a tiny collection that I love. I have only bought 2 new LV items, my desktop agenda and Neverfull GM. Anything going forward will be pre-loved. It just makes good sense.
Great topic and discussion. Prior to my luxury handbag journey, I fell out of love with Coach and shifted my focus to Kate Spade. At the time, Kate Spade was producing higher quality products than Coach (IMO). After Coach acquired KS, within just a few years, I noticed the shift of quality swing back towards Coach. While I felt KS remained playful, colorful and whimsical; I noticed the quality decrease while Coach really re-emerged as the brand I had loved nearly 2 decades before as a teen.
This is by far one of my favorite videos you put out Autumn. Love that you discussed this. Contemporary bags was my “luxury” bag in the day. Love Coach and DB. They’re indestructible! My first Coach Willis is 30yrs old, and the DB Florentine is just as beautiful today. Both are well used and quite abused. Fast forward, I now have a good collection of real luxury bags but my love for contemporary brands remained the same. Although, I have to admit that the lux bags were the ones I have my eye on these past few years. But the recent price increases, quality issues and now this video solidified how I feel with the lux bags. It rekindled my love affair for contemporary brands esp DB (my second love after Coach). And thinking of adding Teddy Blake after your review and Winnie B’s. They’re beautiful esp the Stampato. I must say that my recent Coach Basquiat purchases were influenced by you. Love them all esp the Rogue! Thank you for all that you do.
So funny this video popped up in my feed today! This morning, I bought a Hobo brand bag (The Bantam tote in Faux lizard) and I am SO head over heels in love! I used to be crazy about this brand until I sold all of them to fund some of my luxury bag purchases. I forgot how well crafted and designed the bags are from this brand. Definitely gave me a lot to think about for the future... I still love luxury, but I think I need to check myself sometimes. I need to make sure I'm not skipping contemporary brands just because they aren't from the prestige fashion houses.
Great perspective. I get wanting contemporary to begin or test the waters, but I personally always want the luxe version. I really value the inspiration creative directors use for their collections. I love the story and history behind certain bags. I don’t think I could ever get bored of luxury, I just have to buy less and enjoy my existing collection. I also enjoy preloved, something about the thrill of the hunt. Not for everyone, but I think everyone has a different journey and whatever brings happiness is the way to go.
I'm going through a similar transition. At one time (and not that long ago) I had seven Louis Vuittons, several Guccis (still have my SoHo Disco), Hermes Picotin, Garden Party, Halzan, Herbag; other bags including Loewe, Mulberry, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Celine, Delvaux, Chloe, etc. I've purged most of my luxury bags down to three LVs, a Mulberry, a Burberry and my Gucci. Now I have Polene, Wanderers, Advene Age, ordered a Boldrini Selleria, several Coach bags. I blame Instagram. If I see a bag and I love it, I'll buy it. I'm much happier now that I'm not obsessed with luxury brands.
I grew up poor, too. When I was in my 20s, I bought one Gucci bag, two Dior bags, and two Louis Vuitton SLGs. I got tired of the bags and donated them. I still have most of my LV SLGs. Then I bought a few Coach and Dooney & Burke. Now I am so over luxury bags, although I'd still love to get a real Birkin. I think the last luxury item I got was the Hermes Bearn wallet. I started to lose interest in the luxury bags because of the simultaneous price increases and quality issues and also because I chose to have kids and they are my priority. I don't regret my past purchases, but these days it's Coach Outlet or nothing. Coach really makes some cute things and I can afford enough so that I don't get bored with what I have. And there's money for traveling, which I've always loved.
I agree with you Autumn. I purchased a LV from retail once & I didn’t like the price. My others were preloved. After that, my other luxury bags were purchased preloved. I also love contemporary brands because they come out with more styles & they’re more affordable.
This is an interesting topic and I agree so much with you. Although I don't own a Chanel bag, I did want to at one point. I was around 40 when I purchased my first designer bag, an Alexander Wang Rockie, only 5 years ago. Now, I know it's extremely likely that I'll never own a Chanel. And I'm ok with that. The price increases have left a bad taste in my mouth. I feel it screams the message that my money isn't wanted. I'm not sure I'll ever be adding any luxury brand bags to my collection anymore.
Oh, hey, a Brahmin shout out! They and Coach are my current faves. I like watching yours and others luxury bags, but I don't have a single one. Beyond my price range and, as you said, limited in styles. I like the way contemporary bags look, such variety in style and color. Especially Brahmin has amazing colors!
I was in my 40's before I even heard of luxury handbags. My first was a Chanel tote that I returned because it was so old looking. I loved it at the store, but when I got home it was so blah. Next I bought a LV Hampstead in about 2000, I love that bag. I stopped buying luxury about two years before the plague hit and have been mostly buying tory burch and coach. The Cassie bay is a perfect bag for me because my mimi I pad fits the back pocket like a charm. My luxury unicorn bag is a Sofia Coppola LV monogram Keepall special addition but at this point in my life I don't even think I would buy it, If I ever saw for sale.
My favorite video of yours! I have always admired and studied luxury bags. Studying luxury bags has allowed me to understand what constitutes high value, true elegance, great design, beautiful materials, and impeccable workmanship in a handbag. However, I use this acquired understanding when selecting high quality contemporary bags for myself.
My first contemporary bag was also from Coach. I always preferred small leather goods from luxury brands before bags. And I also got the Cassie after seeing the Pochette Metis from LV. Every brand copies a style from a luxury brand, and some luxury brands also get inspired from other luxury brands.
Thank you for this wonderful talk. So informative as always. When my son was accepted to graduate school my journey began. As a mom I had done myself out of a job. It was all about me now. I swore I would never carry A grocery store bag again. I’ve been collecting for years and almost always buy Preloved. My first pieces were from Japan. I took a different tangent when you went towards Coach. I started collecting Louis Vuitton travel pieces. Collectibles like keychains and kiss lock coin purses. I’ve always been fascinated by teeny tiny things. I have a teeny tiny brass keep all. I have a teeny tiny Single card holder in the multicolor. I have two HL’s which are just nano Speedy’s. I don’t know if they will hold their value. I don’t know if anyone will be interested in these objects that just sit on the shelf. But I enjoy rotating the display every season. Thanks for an interesting topic
After you buy the basic bags (the obligatory LV monogram and an obligatory Chanel), I only buy really interesting, unique editions in Lux brands (like the Fornasetti Alma) or chase Coach because they keep putting out cool designs and they are very affordable. I think I have one more Fendi Bag (the Hairdo Girls baguette) to go and I should be done for a while. Achieving purse peace for the foreseeable future!!! Also, I have seen many bloggers fake their purchases and it’s pretty funny. Truth is that only a fraction of the 1% is truly buying fashion regularly, most wealthy ppl know better if they want to stay wealthy!! But, I love my special pieces and do not get bored of them!
Interesting hearing your "handbag journey" I got so many bags on Canal Street back in the day and I was so proud!!! LOL Great conversation, I may add my 2cents to this. I love a good contemporary bag like Coach and Tory Burch. You have a beautiful and vast collection. Great video...on to Gwenny and thanks for the shout out!
I purchased the Coach Cassie and a couple of Dooney bags after getting into luxury bags so I do mix it up. I also don’t have a lot of bags in general because I don’t like to have too much of anything. The prices of some brands has gotten outrageous imo because the quality isn’t there based on my experiences (LV). I work in financial services with clients that are millionaires but you’d never know it. Many I know aren’t even carrying bags that cost as much as Coach, Tory Burch, etc so that has really put things into perspective for me.
If you’re exploring other brands, you might want to look at both Radley and Strathberry. Both are good quality, Radley is more trend led, and has ‘fun styles’, and Strathberry you get the luxury style packaging experience - beautiful boxes, tissue paper, dust bags with lovely quality leather and solid construction. Radley is the cheaper of the two, but both are pretty reasonably priced.
I won't lie, I am too...and I have found myself only purchasing Chanel bags which gives me no versatility, only with a few other bags that I have. I just told a family member today that I'm shopping bc I'm bored. I found myself actually forcing myself to want/like something else from Chanel....I'm good at this pint. It's over with, for me!
I enjoy your contemporary bag reviews. And those you compare to the luxury lines. I’m leaning more toward function these days and the prices are just out of control on luxury bags. So keep up the good work on showing us new bags that may not be on the radar.
Yes I like what I like! Luxury and all kinds and brands in between! I also love pre loved luxury because I can’t afford to just go buy one in the store! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻
Even though I could afford a designer bag if I budgeted properly, I’ve purchased a few fakes over the years (LV types) just to test see if I liked the style enough to spend the money. I’m nearing retirement age now and so far have never purchased any luxury bag, so I guess that’s how the experiment ended! I do have some wild and crazy Canal Street stories over the years! I’ve bought several pieces of Longchamp from luxury leather to nylon, and now with the XS Le Pliage, the Longchamp brand basically fits my every need ! I have enjoyed what both you and Gwenny had to say on this subject. I completely agree with your childhood playing into your luxury desire as an adult. I had a similar upbringing and felt so good when I could buy nicer things as an adult.
I love handbags - I haven’t gotten to the point where I’d spend thousands of dollars on one, although I enjoy watching unboxings and reviews of luxury bags.
It was much like my path - from fakes to contemporary to designer and back to contemporary. I found I went a bit numb with luxury when I had a bunch of Mulberry bags and I was very consumed with the idea of luxury. Then Mulberry went the LV route, raised the prices and started making bad quality bags. I sort of woke up then. I stopped buying luxury bags, and slowly but surely I turned back to my comfort zone which is contemporary with minimal branding. I've been periodically tempted with LV but with the prices they want for their bags now I don't want to be a part of that club. I just feel like people will feel I'm stupid for paying over 1 000 euros for a canvas bag. That's not the look I want.
Have you ever thought about trying out some of the American made full grain leather companies? (Go Forth Goods, KMM, Portland Leather Goods) I have had quite an extensive collection of luxury over the years. I’ve sold most and now use these leather bags almost exclusively. They don’t have a lot of the extra flash of most luxury or contemporary brands but the leather and hardware quality is superior and so amazing!
Great idea for a video - I think as we mature and we’ve scratched that itch, our purchases are more about functionality and quality without logos. I’ve become a fan of Polene - a company started by 3 siblings in Paris. Their bags are unique, not horribly expensive and made in Spain.
I totally agree with you. My bag collection is small: few bags from M . Kors /Longchamp, some Louis Vuitton's bags (some new ones gifted by my husband, one preloved bought by myself). Each bag has been bought for a special purpose or looks different: big, small, canvas, leather, crossbody bag, shoulder bag, clutch, tote. But all my bags have one thing in common: their quality. On my wishlist: some vintage/preloved LV bags (Batignolles, Turenne, ...), Longchamp, Coach. I planned to buy a T. Blake's bag but Emma Anders (YT) explained in her last video that the quality wasn't that good. It makes me hesitate. What do you think?
Absolutely love your channel. So glad you are buying a variety of bags. Love Coach. It is my long time favorite brand. Started buying Coach for the beautiful leather back in the early 80's. Currently, love Brighton bags especially their Hobo bags. Brighton has the silver jewelry style accents. I also wear Vera Bradley, the ultimate collector bags, especially in summer. I have a real addiction to lovely bags.
I haven’t bought a luxury bag in over two years. I have started buying LV SLG’s in the last few months. I just receive a gorgeous LV black multi color Joey French wallet and I am getting another LV black multi color French purse wallet. Multi color is my favorite LV right now. I have been buying Dooney , Coach, Tory Burch and Rebecca Minkoff because of the quality and price. I have a small collection of luxury bags that I will never sell but for now I am only interested in buying SLG’s. All my luxury items are preloved from Fashionphile and Yoogis closet.
This was a great video, I really resonate with this. When I was a kid I could never in a million years imagine I’d get a Louis Vuitton bag. Now I have two, but my priorities have also changed. Especially with the crazy price increases and decline in quality, I have been drawn to more contemporary brands recently. Then I don’t feel as bad about wasting money on a luxury bag and I can use my leftover money towards other things. 🙂
I think we've had a similar journey in regard to prioritizing/valuing high-end designer bags over contemporary ones. But I blame you for my renewed obsession with everything Coach 😀
That's good because I've been buying bags that are more obscure simply because I want the quality AND the design.. Like DAKS is an English bag, and it's like Burberry but so much cheaper it just hasn't had the marketing behind it. I have one with checks, and it's a wonderfully made bag with 24 carat gold plated hardware. I get a lot of compliments and it's this season colour for winter 2022: burgundy red. Or Bally a Swiss brand, which is sometimes too mumsy of which I have some great bags. I like them because of the bargains I can get. It's part of the fun. Paying through the nose is painful I won't do it anymore.
Agree Autumn...for me function, quality and whether I like the look matters most to me. Have LV (their recent quality is questionable - had to replace glazing and loose snap on my bought new key holder after 13 months at my cost, no more new LV for me!), Coach (love, but noted decrease in leather quality in one bag), Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, McQ, Aspinal (recently sent me bag with large leather flaws & awaiting their reply), Kate Spade (like some of their quirky colorful bags), Patricia Nash (love her tooled leather), Tory Burch, Kurt Geiger...but also loving & using my $20-30 Uniqlo brown saddle shoulder bag (seems well made & get compliments too)! Love ❤️ bags, but does not need to be a luxury brand to be functional, quality & beautiful! Thanks, enjoyed your thoughtful video! 😊
Agreed…I have 20-25 yr old well made Dooney or Coach bags that have been used tons. No stitching issues, the hardware has never discolored, zippers/snaps work fine and have never had a glazing issue. LV and Chanel have those issues on many items within weeks or months. Louis Vuitton and Chanel items are luxury price, but a lot are just not luxury quality. I’d rather enjoy travel or a contemporary well made bag.
I’m so over LV. At this stage of my life, I’d rather take a great vacation than have a purse. Im really into Rough and Tumble bags now- handmade in Maine. Beautiful leathers and you can even design your own bag. You choose the leather and the lining. You should check them out.
Great topic! I'm sure I've been guilty of carrying a luxury bag in the past because of the way that it made me feel. My mom would tell me when I was younger that I was paying for the name. I didn't quite grasp that concept at the time; however, now that I've come more full circle in my bag journey, I understand what she meant.
What's been interesting and eye-opening for me is to watch the UA-cam channels of folks who repair leather goods as a business. They'll deconstruct an expensive designer bag on camera and then clean it, replace parts, re-stitch the handles, etc. And as I watch that, I think, a bag is really just a bag. Most are put together in basically the same way, using similar materials, etc. And so at the end of the day, is that luxury bag really worth the price difference because the brand has skillfully marketed it as something that will make us or our lives better.
💯 yes! I definitely have moved on from the in-your-face designs/designer bags that I felt I *needed* to have in my younger days.
This is a great subject because I had a similar experience at one time and it changed my perspective when I got back into luxury bags. I also don’t care about brand names, and I feel that a true lover of bags will appreciate a bad no matter the brand, because there are so many other factors to consider when choosing a bag other than the label. I will definitely do a video.
I completely understand your progression. As we move along we get to know ourselves better and know what we really like and will use. As a result our taste becomes more refined and our decisions more personalized. xoxo
This is by far my favorite video of yours ! I feel the same way , I just bought a Calvin Klein bag from Marshall’s the other day. I actually saw it two weeks prior and was drawn to it but I kept telling myself it’s not even on the Coach “level”. I had to really come to the realization I’m almost 44 years old , if I like it , that’s what matters !
Amen
I was 37 when I got my first pedicure and 40ish when I got my first Coach. I'm a late bloomer. I did all my own grooming, and wore a Liz Claiborne for years.
I too love high end name brands but I would have to think real hard before I laid down 2-3k on a bag. I absolutely have no problem getting a Hammit or Coach bag, it’s great quality and it’s affordable❤️
I love hammit the daniel is on my wish list
Yes! People are sleeping on the new coach , even Kate Spade, bags. They're making them in very classic/timeless styles now. I recently bought a turn-lock crossbody and people were surprised that it's a Coach bag! I love my designer bags, but the prices are going up and up and the quality isn't like it used to be tbh.🤷🏻♀️
I have always loved Coach. To me, Coach is classic, very durable and affordable. Also, Coach has stepped up their bags with new designs, upstyled vintage bags, and new colors and collab designs, i.e., Basquiat, Disney, and others. As far as Chanel, well, i have all reps. I know that I will never will be able to afford their bags, be they new or even pre-loved, so my choice of reps. The few CC bags I have are a couple of vintage styles, such as the Chanel Cambon tote and Medallion tote. I only own one rep Classic Flap thats in the So Black Chevron style; the others are reps of the Trendy CC Chevron w/silver hardware, the Cruise 2020 Bowler and a couple others.
You've said what needed to be said. We don't need designer handbags to define our success!
I am in love with Sezane and polene. Quality is stunning and the designs are unique. I always get compliments!
A few price rises ago, the luxury brands largely lost me and the last price rise they totally lost me (apart from books). But then . . . . the other day . . . I was with some friends in The Purse Affair, a luxury re-seller here (also on Instagram and worth checking) and I saw some Chanels including a beautiful blue classic flap, gold hardware and I was smitten. I resisted, of course, because my focus is now on saving for Europe, but I need to be cautious about announcing 'no more luxury for me' because I am weak and bags are beautiful.
Thank you for the video. This is a fabulous topic.
Brava…. It does seem that it has been more of a competition among some UA-cam influencers to see who can get the most. Know thyself and go with what makes you feel good.
THIS. Agree 💯% Especially about pricing people out. So many good points made in this video. As usual, well done Autumn!
Love your video today have a great day autumn Beckman
I do love my designer bags I have but Coach has been stepping up their game with their styles and quality. I have definitely been more invested in Coach at the moment and contemporary handbags. 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for this video, because this is one of the reasons I buy more contempory quality bags, because I get tired of / bored with the luxury bags as well. I love quality and variety, so paying for the luxury bags doesnt make much sense, paying for quality and design does. Good to hear from one who promotes luxury bags in general. 🙂
Definitely! I like variety and I can't justify the expense to buy multiple luxury bags to get that variety. I also feel guilty if I have a $2,000+ bag and I'm not using it every day!
I too like to experiment with a different colour or pattern with a contemporary bag. I also wouldn’t use a luxury designer bag for work or attending a sports event, concert or similar. I carry my contemporary bags because I still love them and want use from them and let’s be honest, they weren’t exactly cheap to buy either! They don’t make me feel the same as luxury ones do when I carry them but they suit my mood or the occasion and my wallet.
I have always loved mixing high end and contemporary brands to create a beautiful look. When shopping for a bag I look for quality, creativity and functionality regardless of the brand.
Hi Autumn! What a great question. I was so super bougie, because I also came from a poor family and was a scholarship kid who was surrounded by beautiful things I couldn’t afford.. I’ve sold off many (MANY) of my luxury bags and decided to concentrate of beautiful bags everyone isn’t carrying. I love bags by Italian artisans and small Indy labels no one has ever heard of. Once I started buying whatever *I* liked (as opposed to what I was supposed to like this season), and thanks to you and channels like yours, I’ve re-discovered Kate Spade and Coach. The quality issues and integrity issues of these big name luxury houses have really turned me off. Between going a lot fewer places, feeling like carrying a big name bag is asking for trouble in a big city, and feeling the emperor is wearing no clothes, I have no regrets selling off most of the bougie stuff. It is always so much nicer to have the cash.
I just got 2 Coach Marlies that are so beautiful and classic yet practical-I feel like they rival any bag that costs thousands more and the quality is impeccable. Clare V, Botkier, Pratesi, I Medici-all of these brands make beautiful, unique bags and don’t play games. Thanks for introducing us to all of these smaller brands that make practical and realistic luxuries.
I really appreciate your transparency about returning bags!
This is a great topic!!! Its funny because I think Coach is so underrated and under appreciated! Ive got a variety of vintage Coach bags, Dinky, Willis, Bonnie Cashin era.. and they are fabulous! I got my first Coach bag over 40 years ago. The leather is incredible!
I think the big mistake was when Coach went through their their “c” monogram phase but they are now back on track!!!
Luxury goods are nice, but a nice Dooney & Bourke is just as nice for my pocket book. Also, we know that the quality of luxury is not the best these days.😂 Love the video, Autumn!
I will buy a dooney & Bourke until the ends of time!! Their bags are still beautiful
For those of us on a budget or just starting out it takes time to build a luxury collection and I think that when you’re a bag lover contemporary bags are a great alternative in building a complete collection. I can’t see myself spending over 3,000 on a bag either and I definitely have an annual budget so contemporary designers allow me to have fun because I like variety for my different looks…Coach, Tory Burch and Rebecca Minkoff are my regular purchases and I am very happy with their quality and selection….
My love of designer bags started in college. Back in the 1970s when everyone carried a designer barrel bag, I was bitten. My mother was only willing to buy me an Oleg Cassini barrel bag. It wasn’t Gucci, Dior or LV, but in got me in the door of luxury. That bag lasted for years, and considering it was white, that’s something. The next time I ventured into designer bags was the Kate Spade tote. I actually opted for the diaper bag…same tote, but with more pockets. I wore that thing out! I got into Michael Kors next…his palm tropical collection. I think I bought every style in that print. After that, came Kate Spade’s quirky bags; swimming pool, cruise ship, champagne bottle, cupcake, etc. One of my work colleagues was heavily into Louis Vuitton, and would often go shopping on her lunch hour. She’d come back with a big LV shopping bag. I so envied her. She would give me the shopping bag and the dust bag, so that’s as close as I got until a couple of years ago, when I started my obsession with Louis. I am also huge fans of Judith Leiber and Timmy Woods and have collections from both designers. I love them all.
I made the decision that I am done purchasing luxury bags. I have enough to last me forever. The price increases also have me shaking my head. I am done. I actually carry a Coach bag everyday and change in to my lux bags on weekends.
Simply a bag lover from the moment I was born!!! Luxury, contemporary, vintage, preloved and new!!!! All worn with jeans and shorts, tennis shoes and sandals! My style is casual and all bags are for ME!!!! Great collaboration video! Thank you!💞
Since the luxury prices all the time last year…I stopped browsing their websites and started shopping contemporary. I said no more and haven’t looked back. And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy the contemporary bags
Hi Autumn! Yes I’ve been using more contemporary bags to save the wear on my designer bags, also it takes too long to get them out of the box and dust bag, put on the bag charms and transfer my stuff to it not to mention transferring out the slgs to match. I appreciate my contemporaries because I don’t worry much about wear and damage. Currently I’m using my aloha bags for everyday, they even have pouches sold separately to match.
I was buying Coach and Tory Burch before I could afford luxury bags. Now that I have a small collection, I enjoy the bags that I have and I have to be honest I don’t visit Coach anymore. Their bags are well made and served me very well but I think I’m over them now. Mind you, I’m 47 yrs old so most of my life I bought and own contemporary bags.
You are so correct about the quality of luxury bags going down! I have a goatskin Chanel 19 that is sooo wrinkled. I bought a some what of a dupe by a brand called Pinko and the quality is outstanding, better than my Chanel.
The first bag I got was my mom's gucci but the 1st one I wanted was the dooney bucket bag and I was given a fake one. I bought my first LV in college for a gift. My current LV bags I bought at 40. Now I have many but all pre loved. I actually carry my less expensive bags more. I put my bag on the truck floor board when I commute to work. When you know your bag is getting tossed around I leave the LV at home. I love leather bags and cotton uncoated canvas bags. So I try not to care what people think and just enjoy my vintage bags. I like the 90s lv bags because that's when i was in highschool and could not afford them. I personally hate the boutique experience and I like people so I like knowing my bag was previously loved and I feel like I rescue them.
It so interesting how our priorities change over time. I am pretty much where you are in my handbag journey ….I want quality for my money & luxury name brands mean absolutely nothing to me. I totally understand where you are coming from. Great video, Autumn
Totally agree with you, especially when it comes to Coach… they have made a big turnaround with the Cassie… throw a LV twilly on it and it looks so much like one… I have two and love them… I also purchased two Brahmin as of late… the Nadine crosssbody… these two especially the red have BEAUTIFUL chain handles… add a LV twilly and I get so many compliments because of the look of chain and twilly! I have about several Gucci that it has been over a year since I have carried, my NF it has been over a year… but having fun with these others… check out the Brahmin Nadine crossbody!
Love this content-many contemporary bags are on par with luxury ones in terms of quality. For some, it is the luxury brand that has the appeal which is what you said!
Totally agree with you. I am so bored with the designer bags, there is nothing new or exciting anymore.
Luxury has became "fast-fashion" which is pretty sad! The price increase and the quality issues are a huge turn off for me.
I don't buy fake bags because it's just not my "thing" but there are beautiful well made premium bags that give me joy !
Not everyone and their mother wear them, you'll catch people staring at your bag wondering what brand it is.... I love that! you can tell that the piece is unique, the quality is top-notch and there is no logo on it. Yup!!!!
I’ve had great luck with my canvas LV. I actually prefer it. I’d like an emprante piece but never got around to buying one. I’m really enjoying the 2 Coach Cassies I have. The quality is every bit as good as LV. I do have a leather Tori Burch tote I bought years ago and use for work. It’s held up beautifully. I’m happy with my LV collection and enjoy what I have. My new favorite is Mulberry. Beautiful leather, beautiful quality and much more affordable.
My first step into luxury bags was a fake LV from Chinatown in NYC. I did a lot of research to make sure i was getting a “good fake.” My first authentic LV is preloved. Coach is my forever favorite, though. This is a great topic. Thanks Autumn.
Amber this is off topic but I just wanted you to know that with your help I am styling and loving my purses even more now. I appreciate your channel
Whatever makes one happy is what they should do and what they should buy. Life is too short and sometimes, change is good! Great video and thought provoking Autumn!! Enjoy!!
I stopped buying contemporary bags to save for my designers. I research forever before buying. I have the neverfull, LV Twice, Gucci soho disco LV Palm Springs mini, Prada bucket pouch (turned into a crossbody) and just added a YSL mini Lou camera bag. I have one for each style I need and don’t have time to switch bags out. I got rid of so many of mine, (designer I wasn’t wearing and contemporary). I hated the clutter and I was never using them. Now I feel I have what I need and can really enjoy what I own. Oh, I do have a lot of Longchamp totes. 😉
I started buying luxury bags in 2011. I have always still bought contemporary. I still love Coach bags.
I love designer bags… but, I live in Florida where we have a lot of imported bags from South America that are colorful, woven and beautiful. I wear them during the summer months and love them! They are interesting with no designer labels which frankly I’m tired of!
I have the several Chanel bags as well as Prada and Louie Vuitton. Im tired of seeing them everywhere and love my artisan pieces that I’ve collected the most these days. I’ve been fortunate to travel to Asia and Africa quite a bit and love the unique woven bags I have picked up along the way.
Interesting conversation Autumn. I really enjoy you channel! ❤️
I had the same "snobby" phase regarding handbags when I would only use my luxury brand bags. But I 💯 agree with you on the quality of some of my Coach bags is exceptional. Just last week I was spring cleaning and was looking at some of my contemporary brand bags that I've had for years. I used and definitely did not baby the bags and they are in very good condition.
I enjoy my contemporary brands. I have 4 City Totes by Coach Outlet for astronomically less than the Neverfull. Multiple patterns I can switch in and out of. I go by style not by name.
Great video and I wholeheartedly agree! I've always been about higher luxury brands myself (previously owned a few Coach pieces in the late 90's and 2000s; never any of the other contemporary brands -no reason other than I just never knew anything about them but knew Coach as a heritage brand) and have recently fell back in love with Coach from their boutique. I needed a new understated work tote and purchased the Alana tote in the camel color from the boutique last weekend and their trench coat (vs. BURBERRY) from the outlet and am very impressed with the quality and understated pieces. I personally am over the loud monogram, canvas, and flashy logos from any brand so its so refreshing to see Coach offer what I was looking for at a much cheaper price point. I've also recently been in to Bottega Veneta for this same reason. I also think Chanel and LV has kind of turned into what Coach, MK, Burberry was in the late 90's/2000s with the oversaturation in the market making those brands almost cheesy that its turned me off from those brands for now. I do rock my Chanel Reissue, LV epi leather and other understated pieces bc they're hardly branded. Would love if you did a video on Coach 2.0 and their comeback!
Hope you’re having a good morning autumn🎀🌞🎀
Shoutout to The Woodbury Commons! I grew up in that town and went to the school across the street, lol. I also could not afford a designer bag until after college.
My first designer bag was a Michael Kors Savannah. Electric blue. I still have it, and it's beautiful.
Great video! A personal factor for me these past few years when purchasing products is discerning where products are made.
LV Epi is quite indestructible! I highly recommend that leather! LV made fixes to the Métis design in around 2019. They fixed the flap closure by sewing it differently and they fixed the glazing issues. I have a 2021 now and so far so good. Agreed on the insane price increases, not many bags under $2k now.
I love this and agree with you. I started out purchasing contemporary handbags, strictly Coach for years and then progressed to Dooney, Michael Kors and a few others. The quality of the bags is awesome and the leather feels amazing. I have given many away to daughters of my friends and recently pulled out others that I am trying to sell. I just have too many that I an not carrying, but I am keeping a few that I just can't part with. I got into buying pre-loved LV a few years ago and have a tiny collection that I love. I have only bought 2 new LV items, my desktop agenda and Neverfull GM. Anything going forward will be pre-loved. It just makes good sense.
Autumn, each and every word you said in this video made sooo much sense. 💕
Great topic and discussion. Prior to my luxury handbag journey, I fell out of love with Coach and shifted my focus to Kate Spade. At the time, Kate Spade was producing higher quality products than Coach (IMO). After Coach acquired KS, within just a few years, I noticed the shift of quality swing back towards Coach. While I felt KS remained playful, colorful and whimsical; I noticed the quality decrease while Coach really re-emerged as the brand I had loved nearly 2 decades before as a teen.
This is by far one of my favorite videos you put out Autumn. Love that you discussed this. Contemporary bags was my “luxury” bag in the day. Love Coach and DB. They’re indestructible! My first Coach Willis is 30yrs old, and the DB Florentine is just as beautiful today. Both are well used and quite abused. Fast forward, I now have a good collection of real luxury bags but my love for contemporary brands remained the same. Although, I have to admit that the lux bags were the ones I have my eye on these past few years. But the recent price increases, quality issues and now this video solidified how I feel with the lux bags. It rekindled my love affair for contemporary brands esp DB (my second love after Coach). And thinking of adding Teddy Blake after your review and Winnie B’s. They’re beautiful esp the Stampato. I must say that my recent Coach Basquiat purchases were influenced by you. Love them all esp the Rogue! Thank you for all that you do.
So funny this video popped up in my feed today!
This morning, I bought a Hobo brand bag (The Bantam tote in Faux lizard) and I am SO head over heels in love! I used to be crazy about this brand until I sold all of them to fund some of my luxury bag purchases.
I forgot how well crafted and designed the bags are from this brand. Definitely gave me a lot to think about for the future...
I still love luxury, but I think I need to check myself sometimes. I need to make sure I'm not skipping contemporary brands just because they aren't from the prestige fashion houses.
Great perspective. I get wanting contemporary to begin or test the waters, but I personally always want the luxe version. I really value the inspiration creative directors use for their collections. I love the story and history behind certain bags. I don’t think I could ever get bored of luxury, I just have to buy less and enjoy my existing collection. I also enjoy preloved, something about the thrill of the hunt. Not for everyone, but I think everyone has a different journey and whatever brings happiness is the way to go.
I'm going through a similar transition. At one time (and not that long ago) I had seven Louis Vuittons, several Guccis (still have my SoHo Disco), Hermes Picotin, Garden Party, Halzan, Herbag; other bags including Loewe, Mulberry, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Celine, Delvaux, Chloe, etc. I've purged most of my luxury bags down to three LVs, a Mulberry, a Burberry and my Gucci. Now I have Polene, Wanderers, Advene Age, ordered a Boldrini Selleria, several Coach bags. I blame Instagram. If I see a bag and I love it, I'll buy it. I'm much happier now that I'm not obsessed with luxury brands.
12:32 OMG that bag is gorgeous!
I grew up poor, too. When I was in my 20s, I bought one Gucci bag, two Dior bags, and two Louis Vuitton SLGs. I got tired of the bags and donated them. I still have most of my LV SLGs. Then I bought a few Coach and Dooney & Burke. Now I am so over luxury bags, although I'd still love to get a real Birkin. I think the last luxury item I got was the Hermes Bearn wallet. I started to lose interest in the luxury bags because of the simultaneous price increases and quality issues and also because I chose to have kids and they are my priority. I don't regret my past purchases, but these days it's Coach Outlet or nothing. Coach really makes some cute things and I can afford enough so that I don't get bored with what I have. And there's money for traveling, which I've always loved.
I agree with you Autumn. I purchased a LV from retail once & I didn’t like the price. My others were preloved. After that, my other luxury bags were purchased preloved. I also love contemporary brands because they come out with more styles & they’re more affordable.
This is an interesting topic and I agree so much with you. Although I don't own a Chanel bag, I did want to at one point. I was around 40 when I purchased my first designer bag, an Alexander Wang Rockie, only 5 years ago. Now, I know it's extremely likely that I'll never own a Chanel. And I'm ok with that. The price increases have left a bad taste in my mouth. I feel it screams the message that my money isn't wanted. I'm not sure I'll ever be adding any luxury brand bags to my collection anymore.
Oh, hey, a Brahmin shout out! They and Coach are my current faves. I like watching yours and others luxury bags, but I don't have a single one. Beyond my price range and, as you said, limited in styles. I like the way contemporary bags look, such variety in style and color. Especially Brahmin has amazing colors!
I was in my 40's before I even heard of luxury handbags. My first was a Chanel tote that I returned because it was so old looking. I loved it at the store, but when I got home it was so blah. Next I bought a LV Hampstead in about 2000, I love that bag. I stopped buying luxury about two years before the plague hit and have been mostly buying tory burch and coach. The Cassie bay is a perfect bag for me because my mimi I pad fits the back pocket like a charm. My luxury unicorn bag is a Sofia Coppola LV monogram Keepall special addition but at this point in my life I don't even think I would buy it, If I ever saw for sale.
Yes great perspective on these luxury bands, thanks for sharing.
The Tory Burch Ella tote is my favorite work bag ever!
My favorite video of yours!
I have always admired and studied luxury bags.
Studying luxury bags has allowed me to understand what constitutes high value, true elegance, great design, beautiful materials, and impeccable workmanship in a handbag.
However, I use this acquired understanding when selecting high quality contemporary bags for myself.
My first contemporary bag was also from Coach.
I always preferred small leather goods from luxury brands before bags.
And I also got the Cassie after seeing the Pochette Metis from LV.
Every brand copies a style from a luxury brand, and some luxury brands also get inspired from other luxury brands.
5:01 Leather is paintable, patchable, sections can be replaced, more comfortable to carry despite being heavier and looks better as it ages.
Thank you for this wonderful talk. So informative as always. When my son was accepted to graduate school my journey began. As a mom I had done myself out of a job. It was all about me now. I swore I would never carry A grocery store bag again. I’ve been collecting for years and almost always buy Preloved. My first pieces were from Japan. I took a different tangent when you went towards Coach. I started collecting Louis Vuitton travel pieces. Collectibles like keychains and kiss lock coin purses. I’ve always been fascinated by teeny tiny things. I have a teeny tiny brass keep all. I have a teeny tiny Single card holder in the multicolor. I have two HL’s which are just nano Speedy’s. I don’t know if they will hold their value. I don’t know if anyone will be interested in these objects that just sit on the shelf. But I enjoy rotating the display every season. Thanks for an interesting topic
After you buy the basic bags (the obligatory LV monogram and an obligatory Chanel), I only buy really interesting, unique editions in Lux brands (like the Fornasetti Alma) or chase Coach because they keep putting out cool designs and they are very affordable. I think I have one more Fendi Bag (the Hairdo Girls baguette) to go and I should be done for a while. Achieving purse peace for the foreseeable future!!! Also, I have seen many bloggers fake their purchases and it’s pretty funny. Truth is that only a fraction of the 1% is truly buying fashion regularly, most wealthy ppl know better if they want to stay wealthy!! But, I love my special pieces and do not get bored of them!
Interesting hearing your "handbag journey" I got so many bags on Canal Street back in the day and I was so proud!!! LOL Great conversation, I may add my 2cents to this. I love a good contemporary bag like Coach and Tory Burch. You have a beautiful and vast collection. Great video...on to Gwenny and thanks for the shout out!
I purchased the Coach Cassie and a couple of Dooney bags after getting into luxury bags so I do mix it up. I also don’t have a lot of bags in general because I don’t like to have too much of anything. The prices of some brands has gotten outrageous imo because the quality isn’t there based on my experiences (LV). I work in financial services with clients that are millionaires but you’d never know it. Many I know aren’t even carrying bags that cost as much as Coach, Tory Burch, etc so that has really put things into perspective for me.
If you’re exploring other brands, you might want to look at both Radley and Strathberry. Both are good quality, Radley is more trend led, and has ‘fun styles’, and Strathberry you get the luxury style packaging experience - beautiful boxes, tissue paper, dust bags with lovely quality leather and solid construction. Radley is the cheaper of the two, but both are pretty reasonably priced.
I LOVE Strathberry. And love that EVERYONE doesn’t carry them
Glad to know! I’ve seen these but didn’t know if they were well made.
Thanks for linking me🌈🤗
I won't lie, I am too...and I have found myself only purchasing Chanel bags which gives me no versatility, only with a few other bags that I have. I just told a family member today that I'm shopping bc I'm bored. I found myself actually forcing myself to want/like something else from Chanel....I'm good at this pint. It's over with, for me!
I enjoy your contemporary bag reviews. And those you compare to the luxury lines. I’m leaning more toward function these days and the prices are just out of control on luxury bags. So keep up the good work on showing us new bags that may not be on the radar.
Yes I like what I like! Luxury and all kinds and brands in between! I also love pre loved luxury because I can’t afford to just go buy one in the store! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻
I prefer contemporary bags always!! 💕
Even though I could afford a designer bag if I budgeted properly, I’ve purchased a few fakes over the years (LV types) just to test see if I liked the style enough to spend the money. I’m nearing retirement age now and so far have never purchased any luxury bag, so I guess that’s how the experiment ended! I do have some wild and crazy Canal Street stories over the years! I’ve bought several pieces of Longchamp from luxury leather to nylon, and now with the XS Le Pliage, the Longchamp brand basically fits my every need ! I have enjoyed what both you and Gwenny had to say on this subject. I completely agree with your childhood playing into your luxury desire as an adult. I had a similar upbringing and felt so good when I could buy nicer things as an adult.
LOVE all of my STAUD bags! So happy to see that you've purchased a bag from that designer- please let us know what you think of that moon bag :)
So relatable! Cassie is what brought me back to reality 😏. Now using that “extra” cash and investing it.
I love handbags - I haven’t gotten to the point where I’d spend thousands of dollars on one, although I enjoy watching unboxings and reviews of luxury bags.
It was much like my path - from fakes to contemporary to designer and back to contemporary. I found I went a bit numb with luxury when I had a bunch of Mulberry bags and I was very consumed with the idea of luxury. Then Mulberry went the LV route, raised the prices and started making bad quality bags. I sort of woke up then. I stopped buying luxury bags, and slowly but surely I turned back to my comfort zone which is contemporary with minimal branding. I've been periodically tempted with LV but with the prices they want for their bags now I don't want to be a part of that club. I just feel like people will feel I'm stupid for paying over 1 000 euros for a canvas bag. That's not the look I want.
Have you ever thought about trying out some of the American made full grain leather companies? (Go Forth Goods, KMM, Portland Leather Goods) I have had quite an extensive collection of luxury over the years. I’ve sold most and now use these leather bags almost exclusively. They don’t have a lot of the extra flash of most luxury or contemporary brands but the leather and hardware quality is superior and so amazing!
I do agree, I carry a bit of everything. I just can’t justify the outrageous designer bag prices now.
Great idea for a video - I think as we mature and we’ve scratched that itch, our purchases are more about functionality and quality without logos. I’ve become a fan of Polene - a company started by 3 siblings in Paris. Their bags are unique, not horribly expensive and made in Spain.
Gwenny mentions Polene in her video. You may enjoy watching that if you haven't already. The link is in my description box.
I love polene
I totally agree with you. My bag collection is small: few bags from M . Kors /Longchamp, some Louis Vuitton's bags (some new ones gifted by my husband, one preloved bought by myself). Each bag has been bought for a special purpose or looks different: big, small, canvas, leather, crossbody bag, shoulder bag, clutch, tote. But all my bags have one thing in common: their quality. On my wishlist: some vintage/preloved LV bags (Batignolles, Turenne, ...), Longchamp, Coach. I planned to buy a T. Blake's bag but Emma Anders (YT) explained in her last video that the quality wasn't that good. It makes me hesitate. What do you think?
Great video as always 🌈🤗🎀❤️🎀
Absolutely love your channel. So glad you are buying a variety of bags. Love Coach. It is my long time favorite brand. Started buying Coach for the beautiful leather back in the early 80's. Currently, love Brighton bags especially their Hobo bags. Brighton has the silver jewelry style accents. I also wear Vera Bradley, the ultimate collector bags, especially in summer. I have a real addiction to lovely bags.
YES. Autumn seriously you always hit the mail on the head. I’ll definitely being doing my take on this topic. ❤️❤️❤️
I haven’t bought a luxury bag in over two years. I have started buying LV SLG’s in the last few months. I just receive a gorgeous LV black multi color Joey French wallet and I am getting another LV black multi color French purse wallet. Multi color is my favorite LV right now. I have been buying Dooney , Coach, Tory Burch and Rebecca Minkoff because of the quality and price. I have a small collection of luxury bags that I will never sell but for now I am only interested in buying SLG’s. All my luxury items are preloved from Fashionphile and Yoogis closet.
I use my Coach bags way more right now too. Cassie is the best I found the Cassie from your video when it came out!
This was a great video, I really resonate with this. When I was a kid I could never in a million years imagine I’d get a Louis Vuitton bag. Now I have two, but my priorities have also changed. Especially with the crazy price increases and decline in quality, I have been drawn to more contemporary brands recently. Then I don’t feel as bad about wasting money on a luxury bag and I can use my leftover money towards other things. 🙂
Great conversation! I have been thinking about this and appreciate that you made this video. I have a very similar journey.
I think we've had a similar journey in regard to prioritizing/valuing high-end designer bags over contemporary ones. But I blame you for my renewed obsession with everything Coach 😀
I love this! This really resonates with me. My channel is only new but I'm excited to make a video on this! Great tag!
Fab video !! Completely agree with your point of view - will definitely record a take on this topic ☺️☺️
That's good because I've been buying bags that are more obscure simply because I want the quality AND the design.. Like DAKS is an English bag, and it's like Burberry but so much cheaper it just hasn't had the marketing behind it. I have one with checks, and it's a wonderfully made bag with 24 carat gold plated hardware. I get a lot of compliments and it's this season colour for winter 2022: burgundy red. Or Bally a Swiss brand, which is sometimes too mumsy of which I have some great bags. I like them because of the bargains I can get. It's part of the fun. Paying through the nose is painful I won't do it anymore.
Agree Autumn...for me function, quality and whether I like the look matters most to me. Have LV (their recent quality is questionable - had to replace glazing and loose snap on my bought new key holder after 13 months at my cost, no more new LV for me!), Coach (love, but noted decrease in leather quality in one bag), Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, McQ, Aspinal (recently sent me bag with large leather flaws & awaiting their reply), Kate Spade (like some of their quirky colorful bags), Patricia Nash (love her tooled leather), Tory Burch, Kurt Geiger...but also loving & using my $20-30 Uniqlo brown saddle shoulder bag (seems well made & get compliments too)! Love ❤️ bags, but does not need to be a luxury brand to be functional, quality & beautiful! Thanks, enjoyed your thoughtful video! 😊
Great video, Autumn! I love Coach. It's pretty much all I use and buy these days. And the black Cassie is my everyday go-to bag. Definitely a winner!