OUTFIT DETAILS
TEE : Target – wearing a medium // SKIRT : Amazon– wearing a medium // BOOTS : Amazon // SUNGLASSES: Urban Outfitters (old) super similar version here // JACKET : Judith March– wearing a medium // BAG : Louis Vuitton Noe //
I’ve had a lot of inquiries about different bags- the best designers, how to “afford” them, or ways to get them at the best prices. So I thought I would share a little bit about my 5 tips for buying a used designer bag!
Don’t get me wrong, I love buying a brand new bag, but sometimes I’d rather just have one that’s already broken in. Sometimes styles come and go or they do new releases on things. My Noe for example, was from 2001 but they did a remake called the NeoNoe in 2017 which is the monogram and pink one I have that’s a similar shape! Fun Fact: they actually came out with the Noe many years ago to transport bottles of champagne!! How funny is that- I’ve always been a champagne lover and when I read that when I was doing research on the Noe, I knew I had to have one!
WHY BUY USED
Before we dive into the tips- I want to share some of MY reasons why I have bought used bags. Personally, the leather on Louis Vuitton bags (the vachetta) looks better to me when it’s the darker “honey patina” color- like on mine above! They’re also more broken in when they’re gently used and just look more relaxed to me. Again, if you’re in the market to score a deal on a designer bag, used it the way to go.
5 TIPS FOR BUYING USED DESIGNER
1. DO. YOUR. RESEARCH.
My biggest tip that will help you the absolute most, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Once you find a bag you love- color, style, brand everything down to a tee- make notes of specifics on the bag that it has to have to be authentic. Louis Vuitton is probably the easiest to authenticate just because each bag is EXACTLY THE SAME. Like every Noe is the exact same- they are screened that way for a recent so placement of logos, designs, etc NEVER changes unless there is a new release- and then it is usually renamed.
2. GET AN AUTHENTICATOR OR USE A TRUSTED SITE
A lot of websites offer free date code look up, or you can also pay someone – usually less than $20 to authenticate a bag based off of pictures. If you’re using a site like Ebay, Poshmark, Tradesy, or Fashionphile- they’ll come authenticated for you. (*** EBAY listing are only authenticated when they say “authenticity guaranteed”) Julia Rose Boston ( @juliaroseboston) is also a well known and trusted seller- I linked her instagram there- she can also help you hunt down all kinds of rare designer pieces.
3. BE WILLING TO COMPROMISE
Pristine used bags at a good price are very hard to come by, and usually, the price would be closet to that of a brand new bag anyways! Personally, I have bought bags that have interior stains or blemishes. You won’t see any on the outside- but it will save you some money without sacrificing the (exterior) look of a great bag.
4. TEST OUT THE BAG
If you can, find a Louis, Gucci, Chanel, etc near you and try on the bag you’re interested in. If you’re spending this much on a bag, you want to know that you’re going to love it and not be stuck with it. Most sites don’t offer returns on items like this so definitely take it out for a spin first- I mean, would you buy a car without driving it first?! Lol some of these bags can cost just as much as one! I know a lot of people get nervous about going in these stores and just asking to try stuff on. However, in my experience the SA’s ( sales associates) have always been more than helpful. Typically in a luxury environment like this- they aren’t pushy or super sales-y either! I’ve had them help me find exactly what I was looking for without even knowing which bag I was interested in!
5. KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT
I can’t say this enough! These bag are made to pretty much last forever- when taken care of. So do some research about what products are the best to keep your bag SAFE and looking new! If your bag doesn’t come with a dust bag or box- make sure you get one- even if it’s not the brand. (Usually you can buy them on Ebay though) It will help it from fading/bending. I usually stuff mine too, so that they keep their shape!
