There are certain things in life that feel like milestones. Not the obvious ones like buying a house or landing a job, but the quieter, more personal markers of who you are and what you love. For me, handbags have always sat firmly in that category.
Long before I could afford them, I was obsessed. I used to sneak into my mum’s bedroom, drape her designer bags over my shoulder, and parade around as if I had somewhere far more important to be than my own hallway. As I got older, that fascination did not fade. It sharpened. High street bags stopped scratching the itch, and I found myself saving, planning, and quietly building a collection that felt entirely mine.
I bought my first designer bag at seventeen, and I still remember the feeling. Not just the excitement, but the pride. It might sound indulgent, but I do not spend my money frivolously elsewhere. For me, a handbag is not just an accessory. It is a reward, a marker of hard work, and occasionally, a little piece of joy that I can carry with me.
Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis
This was the bag that required commitment. At the height of its popularity, it was almost impossible to get your hands on. Every time I checked online, it was sold out, which only made me want it more.
In the end, I called Louis Vuitton directly and asked about pre ordering. There was no list, no guarantees, just the promise that they would take my details. A few months later, I received the call. There was one waiting for me at Bond Street, and I was there the next day without hesitation. Since then, it has been everywhere with me. Used, loved, and never once regretted.
Dior Saddle Bag
I will admit, when the Saddle Bag first returned, I was not entirely convinced. It has a very distinct shape, and for a moment I could not unsee the comparisons. But as I kept spotting it styled in different ways, something shifted.
Now, I own two, and my favourite is the black grained leather with gold hardware. There is something about that combination that feels both classic and slightly undone. I paired it with an embellished strap, which adds just enough edge to keep it interesting. It is one of those bags that transforms even the simplest outfit into something more considered.
Chanel Double Flap
This one is deeply personal. It is not just a handbag, it is a memory. My mum had one when I was growing up, and it was completely off limits. She had worked incredibly hard for it, and I understood, even then, that it was special.
Buying my own felt like a full circle moment. I chose the jumbo size for practicality and caviar leather for durability, because I actually use my bags rather than preserve them. It has been worn endlessly and still looks immaculate. Some pieces earn their reputation quietly, and this is one of them.
Fendi Baguette
This was never going to be anything other than inevitable. If you grew up watching Sex and the City, then you already understand the significance of the Baguette. It is not just a bag, it is a cultural reference.
I always knew I wanted the classic brown monogram, and for years it sat patiently on my wish list. Then one day, walking through Selfridges, I saw it in person and all logic disappeared. It is now my go to for effortless days. The kind of bag that makes it look like you tried, even when you absolutely did not.
Mulberry Alexa
This one is rooted in pure nostalgia. I was completely captivated by Alexa Chung growing up. She had that effortless cool that made everything she wore feel unattainable and essential at the same time.
I remember asking for a Mulberry Alexa as a teenager and being laughed out of the room, quite rightly. Years later, when the bag was revived, I did not hesitate. I bought three. It felt slightly excessive, but also entirely justified. Some things are worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
I am very aware that designer handbags are not a necessity. They are a luxury, and one that requires thought, saving, and a certain level of justification. I do not buy them lightly, and I certainly do not buy them often.
But the ones I do own, I love. They are worn, enjoyed, and woven into my everyday life rather than kept on a shelf. If my house were on fire, after ensuring everyone I love is safe, these are the pieces I would reach for without hesitation.
I would love to know where you stand on this. Are you someone who invests in pieces like this, or do you prefer to keep things firmly on the high street?
