I’ve always been a big fan of the high-low approach to fashion, with a mix of quality classic designer pieces and more affordable trendy items. Personally, the pieces I tend to dish out the dollars for are accessories and jeans (because good jeans are so hard to find and when they fit well, they are a genuine investment). When it comes to accessories, I think nice belts, bags and shoes can elevate any outfit.   

As I’ve started working full time this year, I’ve gotten a bit more disposable income to play around with and the idea of investing in a designer bag started floating around my head. In the end, I decided not to shoot for the stars with a mega-pricey European fashion house bag but to go with a more affordable purse from a well known American designer - the Classic Q Hillier Hobo from Marc by Marc Jacobs. I found at an incredible New York consignment store (more to come on this later!) and was so excited since I’ve loved it since I was 15 but it had been sold out everywhere.

Making this big purchase didn’t come easy, however. I must admit, I am definitely gun-shy when it comes to making major investments so wanted to make sure I did my research and thought about it for a few months at least to ensure I wasn’t investing in a “trendy” bag that I wouldn’t love in a year. In those few months of research, I came up with a list of classic designer handbags that have stood the test of time - they are the iconic bags of the major fashion houses that look just as beautiful and fashionable today as they did when they were first released 50 years ago. While I am still working at saving up for that big European fashion house purchase, I am loving this bag and know I made the right choice for right now.

So take a gander and appreciate the fine art of designing a bag that stands the test of time… In the meantime, I’ll still be over here dreaming of Chanel and Saint Laurent.