To many women, purchasing a handbag is a very personal thing. Women often view the handbag a status symbol, rank of achievement, fashion must have, and necessity. Hey, we have to have at least one to carry our wallet and other essentials.

To onlookers, your handbag can be a measure of who you are. Think about the last time you saw a successful woman. Was she wearing a 10 year old denim purse in the middle of January? Probably not. The handbag that you wear tells others exactly who you are, where you are and what you think you want to be. Want to be a bum? Carry your stuff in a plastic bag from a discount store. Want to be a success? Carry a nice bag. It is the one thing you should spend your money on because you will use it every day.

A handbag is an investment.
It's true. Some bags may become worthless with wear. Others may increase in value. It's like playing the stock market in a way. So, how do you know if it is a wise investment?
First and foremost, is it something you'll love and want to use again and again for a long period of time? The more you use it, the less it will cost you per use.

Not convinced? Okay, look back in fashion history and take note of handbags that were used say 30 or 40 years ago. You'll see Birkin bags on celebrities such as Princess Grace. Vuitton and Coach bags have been noted in movies and media. 


How to choose the bag of your investment dreams.
Take a good look at yourself and your lifestyle.

If you wear sweats on a daily basis, you'll probably not be able to pull off a $2000 Gucci bag. Should you be spending that kind of money on a college education instead?

Do some research.

Get the Low-Down on Designer Bags
Most designers have websites for you to check out their merchandise. These sites are a great spot to  get an idea of which bag you like and  a starter price range . 

What's big right now?

If you are looking for a good trend to follow- try one of these;
Patent Leather Handbags are back. They are in pretty colors- red, blue, yellow and white.
 
Mini Handbags- like the letter carrier. GREAT for on-the-go activities such as vacations or games.
 
Metallic Handbag- Gold, Copper, Silver dyed leather.
 
  Clutch Handbag- many celebrities have been photographed with these in their hands. They are great for clubbing and can fit into larger bags for convenience.

Tips for buying a handbag

• Decide on a realistic budget 
• Do Your Research- start online. Check out the manufacturers, stores etc.
• Consider the use that you will get from this new bag. Will you only use it for work or will you use it for everything?
• Ask around for advice from others- especially the Diva's in your life.

 
Caution

Be careful when considering a replica of a designer handbag. Not only are they illegal, but fake designer models may have shoddy or poor construction, so be sure to examine the stitching and materials.


Here are some guidelines to get the most for your money:

1. Consider the color harmony of your wardrobe.

2. The personality of the handbag should be a lot like you and your lifestyle.

3. Leather is the best choice for year-round use.  Summer and warm weather offer choices such as straw and fabric. Fall is known for tweed.

4. Make sure the bag you're considering will hold all of your normal contents.  Do you collect and carry everything?

5. Get to know the store's return policy prior to purchasing. 
 


A word about counterfeiting.
  The counterfeiters illegally profit at the expense of big names such as Coach and affect the entire economy through lost revenues and taxes. In addition, counterfeiters do not typically honor safety and environmental regulations, namely child labor and anti-sweatshop laws.

Without a doubt, the high quality and workmanship embodied in a genuine product, such as Coach  is not duplicated in the counterfeit product; counterfeit quality is typically poor.

Coach DOES NOT offer its merchandise for sale through individuals, street vendors, unauthorized retail locations, internet auctions, or at house parties.

 The ONLY avenues in which Coach offers its merchandise for sale is via: 1) Coach Stores; 2) Coach Factory Stores; 3) Direct Coach Catalog Sales; 4) Authorized Department Stores; 5) authorized specialty stores; 6) limited duty free locations; 7) corporate accounts; and 8) their  website, www.coach.com.

Many of the authentic bags that you see on eBay have been honestly purchased from department stores or at one of the Coach outlets. 

To report counterfeiters,  you can notify the manufacturer.
They will want to know the following about your purchase;

1. Where is the location?
2. What kind of location is it (i.e. retail, street vendor, flea market, internet, factory, etc.)? If you are reporting an internet auction seller, please provide the seller name and/or item number of the item at issue.
3. What quantities and styles are being sold?
4. Are counterfeits of any other companies present? If so, which companies?
5. Do the items bear any of the manufacturer's trademarks?

 The purchase of a counterfeit item will only yield an unsatisfactory handbag. The quality of the workmanship, leather, hardware, etc. will not last. You will always be best off purchasing the real thing in the long run.