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Strategy for Buying Luxury Handbags

Strategy for Buying Luxury Handbags

Bag Borrow Or Steal has become my go-to destination for luxury handbags. Whether you just want to take the newest quilted CHANEL cutie for a quick test run, are thinking about buying a luxury handbag, or even selling that impulse purchase that’s never seen the light of day, I’m sharing my strategy.

When I made the decision to attend my very first Paris Fashion Week this season, words couldn’t express my excitement. Although I’ve been attending NY Fashion Week for the past 4 years, Paris has always been reserved in my mind as “next level territory”.  My excitement after booking flights very quickly began to turn into stress. Anxiety of the unknown, yes, but primarily the stress of… WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?!

Living in NYC, I am fortunate enough have built a fabulous arsenal of brands and PR agencies that I can pull clothing from. However, when it comes to designer handbags, it becomes a little trickier.

If you’ve been following me for awhile now, you’ve probably realized that CHANEL holds a special place in my heart. After interning for the brand during college in 2005, I fell in love with the company and culture. For me, CHANEL is synonymous with Paris, so when dreaming up my ultimate PFW wardrobe… it was CHANEL or bust.

Over the years, I had heard tons of amazing things about luxury handbag e-tailer, Bag Borrow or Steal. I would visit the website frequently, “hearting” different bags, and vowing to rent something one day. I figured if there was ever a time to try out the service, it was for Paris Fashion Week, n’est-ce pas?

Bag Borrow or Steal couldn’t make it any easier or more seamless to rent a luxury designer bag. When making my selection, I knew I wanted a structured, beige-colored bag that would go with almost all of my then-unplanned outfits.

Fashion week demands that you look perfect at all times, while on-the-go, and typically in the freezing cold. I knew I needed something big enough to fit my life in (i.e. my phone, credit cards, biz cards, keys, makeup and comb). However the bag would still need to retain it’s shape in photographs. I had been thinking about purchasing the CHANEL CC Filigree Small Vanity Case in beige caviar leather with a black leather trim for about a year already. When I searched on BBOS (you can filter by brand, color, style, etc), I found it in seconds. When I saw it was also marked as “available” for rent, I decided to take it for a test run.

For those of you that haven’t used BBOS before – you can rent a bag in pristine condition for 30 days (it ranges from $175-$500 for CHANEL).  They have tons of other brands, Dior, Saint Laurent, Celine, Gucci, Prada you name it. You can always rent items for longer than 30 days, and pay the rental fee each month. They also have brand new bags purchased directly from the designers, or gently used vintage bags that you can find for a discounted price. Lastly, you can sell or consign your designer bags to them. They only accept authentic merchandise, so this is a great way to turn your existing handbag collection into cash.

Bag Borrow Or Steal tells you the exact date of arrival, which for me was key since I was going to be gone for 2 weeks. I wanted to give myself a few days before my trip for the bag to arrive, and a few days after my trip to send it back. It arrived in pristine condition, exactly as pictured, and on the original estimated date.

For me, BBOS was the perfect solution to instantly elevating my Parisian wardrobe. It gave me the ability to try out a bag that I was thinking of buying in the future. I’m now planning on renting each month. As a blogger, it will help keep my content fresh, and also allow me to feature new brands. It’s also a great way for handbag lovers to try out a trendy piece that you wouldn’t necessarily ever buy, but would love to style for a month.

The verdict on the purse? While I LOVED the bag for the trip, I am so glad I got to take it for a test run first. I’m now thinking that the all-beige caviar leather, CHANEL CC Filigree Medium Vanity Case makes the most sense for me personally. Next on my list, renting the Gucci fanny pack that I’ve been seeing everywhere – just as soon as it becomes available for loan, that is!

WHY TO TRY | BAG BORROW OR STEAL:

  • All bags are 100% Authentic
  • Rent Designer Handbags for a Fraction of The Cost
  • Amazing Blogger Resource For Fashion Week
  • Allows You To Try Out Designer Bags That You Are Considering Buying
  • Option to Buy New or Vintage Designer handbags
  • Sell or consign your designer bags

*Pro Tip: For rentals, I would try to start your bag rental weeks before NYFW begins. I’ve noticed that a lot of the most popular styles go on loan by bloggers beginning late August, and late January before “fashion month” starts.

Have you ever rented, or bought a bag from Bag Borrow or Steal? Would love to hear your experience in the comments below!

XO

Jordan

Photos by Scott White

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2 Comments

  1. Scott
    March 22, 2018 / 8:20 am

    That Chanel bag was the crown jewel of all your fabulous looks j!

    • Jordan
      Author
      May 23, 2018 / 3:34 pm

      Thanks Scott! It was one of my absolute favorites!

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