Every bag has a story...

From all the items in my wardrobe my handbag collection is the most valuable to me, they really are my treasures. Because of my exams and the freezing cold I haven't been able to post a lot of outfits, so I decided to share these little "bag stories" instead...

I 've had a thing for bags ever since I was in highschool... My best friend and I would often go shopping together and atleast once a month we came home with a new bag ( usually we both got the same, so typical at that age). We had a real weakness for bright prints and funny shapes. A few years later my taste became slightly less colourful and more classic and neutral bags were added to my closet. Most of them were from Zara and H&M, but I also got my first Longchamp le pliage bag. Back in 2005, these bags were only just beginning to get popular with young people..now they are probably one of the most cliché school bags you can have (I still use it all the time for uni though- but a completely black one). My mom, however, was not very happy with my bag collection. Don't ask me why, but she has a serious problem with faux leather bags ( quote: " that plastic bag looks really cheap"-although in general she doesn't care about brands). Of course the pocket money of a 17-year-old  is not enough to buy a real leather bag, so during sales my mom gifted me one. It was a dark brown Boss Orange tote,decorated with two silk scarfs in the same material as their spring collection at the time. I loved it because it was my first real leather bag (I was so proud), but also because it was fun playing around with different scarves so it would match my outfit. My sister uses it now, so it was definitely worth the money. Anyway, let's start with the bags on the photo... 

1. spring 2009: Marc by Marc Jacobs patent leather turnlock crossbody bag

After my mom told the salesgirl in the boutique I had to buy this bag myself I got a little extra discount... Although I can't say that shapewise I'm still crazy about this one, I do still use it for going out because it's light, practical and easy to match. I thought of selling it, but because it's my first MJ by MJ bag I can't. 

2. summer 2010: Marc by Marc Jacobs black/gold zipper bag

When I went to NY, my mom asked me to bring her one of the "zipper collections" bags, but after a few weeks of using it she found it was too small (???) and gave it to me. 
Although I wouldn't have picked this one myself (well I did pick it, but with my mom in mind) I started liking it more and more, because the zippers can add that extra touch of bling without looking "trashy" and because it was a one-season collection ( or atleast not a "classic" one) I haven't seen a lot of people with the same one. 

3. april 2011 : Love Moschino red bag

This bag was one of the gifts for my 21st birthday...I loved the chain and the fact it resembles a Chanel without wanting to be a copy. Maybe I would have worn it more if I had picked the black or beige version, but this type of bag doesn't really go out of style, so let's hope there will be a lot of red in stores this summer. 

4. july 2011 : Michael Kors beige crossbody bag

This bag is still a bestseller and I can completely understand why, it's so easy to wear, especially for going out at night. My dad was away for work for a few months during 2011 and before he left I got this bag as a little goodbye gift. 

5. april 2012 : Michael Kors camel/tan brown mini tote

Another birthdaybag...

6. september 2012 : Marc by Marc Jacobs

I worked quite a lot last summer ( several studentjobs) and at the end of summer I bought this one for myself. At the time it felt quite strange buying myself such an expensive present, but if I look at the cost per wear it was definitely a good deal. Another plus is that it's much bigger than you'd think: it fits my schoolbooks,my camera, a bottle of water,... and the colour works the whole year round.

Actually in general, I think it's quite important to look at the cost per wear.(I know a lot of what you pay is just "the brand", but there often really is an important quality difference aswell)I have often bought these kind of "trendy" bags at H&M that only cost 20 euros, but usually I end up using them maybe 4 times or simply regretting it. Nevertheless, I will probably do it again...( trends and low prices are so tempting sometimes) 

My worst bag buy : a Balenciaga look-a-like. The leather and colour were really nice and it didn't have a fake label or anything, but somehow I felt like a fake myself when using it. 
The thing is, it's actually a really pretty bag and luckily my sister is using it now, but as a fashion lover it somehow feels wrong to own these items (although I am very much pro Zara and their runway inspired clothing). 


I am really curious to hear what you think of my little collection and how you feel about  handbags in general. (I'm guessing a lot of you are shoe lovers, but I'd pick a bag over a pair of Louboutins anytime). What was your best and worst bag buy ? 

B. x

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