Go "green" with handbags...

Okay it's a nice and misleading subject headline that might make you think that I'm about to promote some enviromentally friendly handbag like that cloth bag many years ago. Actually, no.

Over the past 5 years i've accumulated a small treasure chest of handbags that would have been breeding mould if Beijing was humid enough. Honestly, i really only carry 2-3 bags at a given time. Since becoming a mother my repertoire has grown even smaller. I have basically gotten rid of the really heavy ones like the Balenciaga Giant Hardware series, the ones i haven't worn in a year except for a Jimmy Choo that my mom got for my wedding gift which i intend to keep, and the really delicate ones that only gets to see the light/night of day when i'm out without Mountain Boy- which is never.

In the past 1 month alone, I've sold 4 handbags- 2 Chanels and 2 Balenciagas. Making my handbag count at -3 this year because i've only acquired 1 bag this year, which was the Marco Tagliaferri . Totally an excuse to get more before year end. *snigger*

After buying/selling so many handbags i've learnt a few tips to make a good handbag recycler.

1. Keep all tags, dust bags, receipts.
2. Invest in brands and models that have good resale value. LV and Balenciaga retains their value pretty well, Chanel classic designs are very good investments because the actual retail price increases every year and there's a huge 2nd hand market. I've not sold any other premium brands but just by looking at ebay trends, the contemporary and sub-premium brands don't sell as well. I'm not sure about Bottega Veneta, but i'll find out some day. *snigger*
3. Care for your bag. This is something i need to work on but it's hard protecting your bag when your toddler thinks its a stepping stone to mommy, which has been the fate of the Miu Miu Bow Satchel that was gifted by Mountain Man for Christmas last year, now it looks rather like roadkill.

Open yourself up to the idea of 2nd hand bags if you cannot bear to fork out the full price. Sometimes a good buy does come along. I personally don't mind if the bag is no longer sold, or that i like a vintage look, or if i'm not sure i like this design so maybe paying less for it will cause less heartache if i i end up hating it. =)