Have you ever scrolled through blog posts or Instagram and seen those dreamy designer bags? Maybe it’s a perfectly proportioned Chanel with a gold chain, a sassy Gucci with a playful pattern, or the mama of all bags – the Birkin. Suddenly, your trusty backpack feels a little, well, ordinary.  We’ve all been there! But before you dive headfirst into seeking good first designer handbags, let’s take a fun and informative stroll down this exciting avenue.

This isn’t your average “which designer bag is right for you?” guide. We’re all about finding a bag that reflects your unique style and makes you feel fantastic –  a bag that’s more than just a purse, it’s an extension of you! So, grab your favorite drink, put on your comfy PJs (because who needs pants when you’re daydreaming about handbags?), and let’s get started!

• What are your bag goals?
• Feeling Guilty? Don’t! Here’s Why…
• Considering the Future When Buying Yourself a Present
• Where to Purchase a Good First Designer Handbag
• My Personal Collection (with Reviews)

What are your bag goals?

First things first, what are you hoping to achieve with your first designer bag? Are you a busy bee who needs a reliable tote to carry your laptop and life essentials? Maybe you’re a weekend adventurer seeking a stylish crossbody for exploring the city. Perhaps you crave a timeless clutch for those special evenings out. You could also just be looking for a neutral, practical daily use bag that can handle some wear and tear.

Think about your daily routine and the occasions you envision carrying this bag. This will help narrow down your search and ensure you choose a design that complements your lifestyle.  Do you picture yourself grabbing your bag with a little pep in your step every morning? If so, that’s a win!

It’s important to remember that there are no right or wrong answers to what is a good first designer handbag or the purpose for purchasing one. Whether it’s for a thrill or to have something you can get a lot of use out of, the choice is yours. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t offer my opinion. As a first time designer bag buy, I would recommend something:

• Durable so that it’s easy to clean and you’re not nervous taking it in public
• Good for daily use so you can enjoy it plentifully, for example, a neutral color that matches with most outfits or a bag that has a lot of space to hold your essentials
• At a lower price point – for good designer handbags, this can mean at $1000-2000, which gives you room to grow later

My first designer handbag was a black Celine mini belt bag (more detail on this later), but I was very happy with my decision because I knew what I wanted and the bag fulfilled just that. I decided to take the practical route and thought my pick made a good first designer handbag choice… excellent even! The bag fulfilled all of the criteria I listed above, too. You’ll be happier with your purchase if it’s based off your desired criteria instead of buying what others are telling you to.

Feeling Guilty? Don’t! Here’s Why…

A hefty price tag for something that’s not considered a necessity can easily bring on a lot of guilt. Of course, be financially responsible and pull the trigger on a good first designer handbag only when it’s comfortable for you and you have the funds to cover it. However, even if this is the case, there can still be nervous feelings, especially the first time purchasing. It does go away the more you buy and get used to the market, but common first-time buyers guilt can be:

Uncertainty If It’s Worth It
A well-crafted good first designer handbag is an investment that can last for years, maybe even decades. I’ve seen many vintage bag sellers that have pieces of stellar quality that are over 20 years old. Imagine your future self thanking you for snagging that timeless beauty. There are some fashion houses that are notorious for yearly price increases (ahem, Chanel) so it can be tough to pull the trigger but with that being the case, the earlier you buy the better. Without even doing much, this means you’ll most likely get your money back in the coming years if you ever sold the bag. 

Hesitance to Use the Bag
After spending so much time deciding on a bag and spending a large amount of money, when the bag arrives it makes sense that many people feel guilt over using it. Please, use the bag. Of course, there could be certain circumstances like a rare piece that shouldn’t be chanced, but largely, most of the fun of getting your first designer handbags is bringing it out into the wild. Be smart about where and when you use it – many leathers don’t do well in the rain, and a baby shower is probably not the place for a new white bag – but you lose out on the experience if your bag is tucked away in the closet. Additionally, some bags shouldn’t be stored in their boxes for long periods of time anyway otherwise they can mold, so let that be another reason to take my advice!

Disapproval of Animal-based Materials
It’s no surprise that there is a lot of controversy around luxury bags regarding sustainability and use of animal-based materials. Frankly, it’s not talked about enough. If either of these things are important to you, know that the luxury handbag market is evolving. There are several designers that use alternative materials and are more environmentally-aligned so this doesn’t need to be a barrier for those looking for a good first designer handbag anymore.

Considering the Future When Buying Yourself a Present

We all love a trend, but when it comes to a good first designer handbag, consider going for a classic style that will transcend time. Think clean lines, neutral colors, and functionality. This doesn’t mean your bag can’t have a touch of personality! But a timeless foundation ensures you’ll love it for years to come. For me, my Celine embodied just that. Popular isn’t always a good thing, and if you don’t buy something you’re absolutely in love with, you’ll be disappointed, which isn’t the way to start out your designer handbag experience. A classic bag never goes out of style, which means it will always be an “it” bag to be proud of carrying around, and holds its value better.  That way, if your tastes ever do change down the line, you can potentially resell it and use the funds towards a new adventure.

Where to Purchase a Good First Designer Handbag

Now for the fun part: the hunt! Once you’ve picked a good first designer handbag, there are many ways to find it:

• Department stores (i.e. Nordstrom, Saks, Bloomingdale’s) offer a luxurious shopping experience with helpful salespeople
• Boutique shops can have a more curated selection of unique finds
• Online retailers provide convenience and a wider range of options
• Consult the fashion house itself, whether via their online website (if available) or at a store near your location
• Bag curators, which are usually small businesses, are very connected with sellers or special shoppers to source bags for the best deals and most desired pieces (both vintage and new items)

Don’t forget about pre-loved designer bags! This is a fantastic way to score a beautiful bag at a fraction of the original price and a great option for a good first designer handbag. Just be sure to shop from reputable sources that authenticate their items. Also research any reviews, especially if you haven’t worked with the seller before. A credit card should be used in case there’s a problem with the purchase and you need extra insurance on your purchase.

My Personal Collection (with Reviews)

No gatekeeping here! These are some of the bags I have in my collection (in the order I purchased them) and whether or not I’d consider it a good first designer handbag choice:

Celine Mini Belt Bag (black)
I highly recommend this bag as a good first designer handbag choice because of its neutral color, durable material that’s easily cleaned, and small size that can still fit all my necessities. Not to mention, for the quality it’s at a great price point. It’s also versatile and can be worn in the crook of the arm or crossbody.

Bottega Veneta Mini Intrecciato Pouch (pale blue)
This is a great bag, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a good first designer handbag. It’s smaller, has a unique color that might not match all outfits (it’s very spring-oriented), and the leather is very soft so it could be easily damaged.

Louis Vuitton Bum Bag (monogram print)
This is a great bag for someone who wants to go hands-free. It can be worn on the shoulder or across the front of the chest for easy access. Additionally, the inside is very spacious and can carry all your essentials for an outing. The only thing stopping me from recommending it as a good first designer handbag is its price.

Prada Small Galleria Saffiano Bag (pistachio green)
I would highly recommend this as a good first designer handbag due to the amount of space it has, its durability, easy-to-clean material, and flexibility of open or zipped pockets. It has very pretty gold hardware that bring warmth to any outfit and can be dressed up or down. The green could also be considered very close to a neutral color to match with many outfits.

Chanel 19 Medium Flap (beige)
This is a great bag, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a good first designer handbag purchase. The leather is very soft so it can be easily damaged and the color is light which puts it at risk for transfer from jeans or dark pants. It’s also the most expensive bag on this list so the stakes feel higher.

This is just the beginning of your designer bag journey, and it should be a fun experience that is ultimately an expression of who you are and your personal style. I’ll also repeat what I said in the beginning – there are absolutely no wrong answers when deciding on your first bag! Do what’s best for you and give your luxury bag collection its best foundation. I hope this was a helpful guide to jump-start your designer bag shopping. Now, go shopping!