Designer items can be crafted so beautifully, but can definitely cost quite a fortune. What if we told you that you can score awesome luxury pieces at a lower cost? There are a handful of stores where you can shop online and browse reduced designer brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Oscar De La Renta, Versace, Jacquemus, and so many more.

Here are sites to shop for affordable designer brands

The RealReal

The RealReal is your one-stop-shop for all things secondhand designer. The retailer has millions of shoppers and consigners, and its inventory seems almost endless! From women’s, men’s, and kids’ fashion to fine jewellery, watches, fine art, and home decor, the company curates a huge marketplace of authenticated luxury. Plus, it showcases the estimated retail price of its listings, so you know how much you’re saving.

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Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire Collective is a buy-and-sell online consignment store that specializes in reselling gently used items for as much as 70% off the original price. Here, you can find high-end designer items from brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermes, Burberry, Fendi, and Givenchy.

Rebag

Shop thousands of beautiful bags and accessories from 50+ designers, including Dior, Chanel, Hermes, and more at Rebag. The collections are white-glove inspected for the highest quality and authenticity, and new arrivals are added every week.

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FASHIONPHILE

From rare luxury finds to coveted designer pieces, FASHIONPHILE has it all! With over 20 years in business, FASHIONPHILE has become one of the world’s top resellers of pre-owned luxury, and it’s the exclusive re-commerce partner of Neiman Marcus. Not only can you shop an array of designer goods on the site, but you can also sell them!

thredUP

thredUP has a variety of brands for everyone’s style and budget, including designer labels, of course. Prices start at $0.99 and go up into the thousands. We have bought secondhand pieces from brands like Aritzia, Reformation, Zara, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana on thredUP. 

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THE OUTNET

Launched in 2009, THE OUTNET has since established itself as the benchmark of luxury discount shopping, offering over 350 designer fashion brands at exceptional prices of up to 70% off. It has a dedicated buying team in London that purchases over 90% of stock directly. We’ve previously bought a blouse from The Row on the site for an absolute steal!

Hudson’s Bay

Hudson’s Bay is fan-favourite department store that has a ton of discounts on designer items. From outerwear to purses, to footwear, to apparel, there’s something for everyone to shop for with great deals. It also has a sale section with even deeper discounts!

SSENSE Sale

SSENSE is partly known for its amazing sales. At the end of every season (and sometimes during), the site hosts a sale with items from sought-after designer brands for up to 50-70% off! If you’re coveting a specific item, put it on your wishlist and cross your fingers that the sale will come through.

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Italist

To shop new designer items at a discount, you have to check out Italist! “Through our innovative site, customers purchase brand-new, in-season, completely authentic items at the Italian retail price, which is typically lower than retail prices around the world.” Italist shares on its website. Plus, it offers 4-day shipping worldwide, so it doesn’t matter where you are; you can shop its selection of designer items for up to 80% off.

Rue La La

Rue La La is an online shopping destination offering best-selling brands for up to 70% off retail prices. Each day, it curates pieces for its Boutique section that’s filled with the best of the best in women’s, men’s, and kids’ fashion, home decor, and more.

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Neiman Marcus has been a premier destination for luxury fashion and goods for more than a century. The Last Call Sale section is always full of designer name brands that are usually up to 75% off. And yes – it ships to Canada!

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Gilt

Gilt provides insider-level access to coveted designer names at an amazing value, every day. It delivers the best finds for women, men, kids, and home, as well as luxury travel items. There are always new steals to discover on the site.

VSP Consignment

VSP Consignment is a Toronto consignment shop full of amazing designer pieces from brands like Prada, Dior, Loewe, and so many more. The shop is great about keeping its online shop up-to-date with its latest arrivals, and always seems to have a sale going on, so you can score even heavier discounts on already discounted designer items.

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eBay

You can pretty much find anything you could ever want on eBay. Including designer goodies! The vintage selection of designer bags on eBay is especially great. Check out eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee so you can shop stress-free of counterfeit!

Shopbop Sale

The go-to online retail destination for modern style, Shopbop offers a hand-picked collection of apparel and accessories from the industry’s foremost contemporary and designer labels. It launched in 2000 and has grown into one of the world’s leading fashion authorities. Browse the sale section to snag designer pieces for up to 70% off!

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If you’re on the hunt for new bags and accessories, you should definitely check out some vegan options. Over the years, vegan and leather alternatives have amped up the game and have become quite luxurious. Feel good about what you’re using to accessorize your outfit and check out these labels below.

Here are the best vegan brands for bags and accessories.

Matt & Nat

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Matt & Nat focuses on showing appreciation and cherishing the creativity and positivity found in all of us. Each season, the brand continues to explore and utilize innovative ways to improve its sustainable and eco-friendly ways, while still producing high-quality and timeless products. Since 2007, Matt & Nat has been committed to using linings made solely of 100% recycled plastic bottles, which they now recycled over 9 million bottles a year.

Lambert

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Contemporary, fashionable, and affordable, Lambert’s bags and accessories are made for people on the go who aren’t willing to compromise ethical and sustainable standards for the trendiest of styles. Lambert’s bags and accessories are Canadian-designed, PETA-certified, and authentically stylish. Made from PU leather (polyurethane), Lambert is changing the vegan leather world with its multifunctional bags that are made to last!

ai Toronto Seoul

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Founded by Hannah Kim, her mother, and her two sisters, ai Toronto Seoul is a Toronto-based, sustainable fashion brand that uses entirely vegan leather for its beautiful range of PETA-approved handbags and accessories that are made in Seoul. The stunning collection includes totes, work bags, clutches, bucket and cross-body bags, backpacks, card cases, hair accessories, and more. 

JW PEI

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JW PEI is a Los Angeles-based accessories brand founded by a husband and wife duo. The inspiration behind the company was the idea that fashion should be accessible, effortless, and empowering, so its minimalist design in sustainable vegan materials is at the heart of the brand. The beautiful styles and vibrant colours are a great addition to your bag and accessories collection.

Stella McCartney

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You’ve definitely heard of the brand, Stella McCartney, but did you know that it has never used leather, feathers, fur or skin since day one? By taking this powerful stance, it’s proof that it’s possible to create beautiful luxury products that are totally vegan.  Stella McCartney uses cruelty-free alternatives that look and feel luxurious and have an environmental impact that’s up to 24 times lower than animal leathers.

Pixie Mood

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Pixie Mood prioritizes minimizing its environmental impact without compromising style. The brand chooses to remain transparent, in every step toward greater sustainability, so customers can feel good about what they’re accessorizing with. Plus, all of its packaging is 100% biodegradable.

SAMARA

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With just $500 Salima started SAMARA in December 2017 because she couldn’t find a bag that was cruelty-free, simple, and elegant. She named the brand after her younger sister Samara, who joined her shortly after, and the two of them run the company in memory of their mother. Now, the brand has grown to have a cult following thanks to its sleek, efficient, and cruelty-free designs.

Bentley

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Being a pioneer in the luggage and handbag space, Bentley has established itself as the largest retailer of everyday and travel essentials across Canada. The Riona Collection offers chic handbags, wallets, keychains, backpacks, and more, that are all made out of vegan materials!

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When it comes to this season’s ‘It’ bags, although each has its own unique and trendy aspects, one thing all these bags seem to have in common, is a classic element that will allow their wearers to continue to use and love them even has this season passes. Which is key when it comes to making a designer bag investment! Who wants a bag that “expires” after one season, anyway?

We’ve been seeing readditions of past classics alongside some fresh new designs. The playing of colours and textures has been a huge recurring theme for this season’s trending bags as well as an aspect of versatility! 

Here are the designer ‘It’ bags you should be keeping an eye out for this season!

Balenciaga Small Le Cagole Shoulder Bag

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Reminiscent of Balenciaga’s iconic City Bag thanks to its moto-inspired details, is the Le Cagole Shoulder Bag! It gives a touch of Y2K nostalgia with its detachable heart-shaped mirror charm. We can’t seem to scroll Instagram without this bag popping up, and we can’t get enough! If you want to get a bit of a deal, Toronto’s VSP Consignment currently has one available.

YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag

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The absolute anti-micro bag is the YSL ICARE Maxi Shopping Bag. There’s no way you wouldn’t be able to fit everything you need within a day, in this bag. It’s literally huge. As if its size didn’t make enough of a statement, the logo is to scale, making it pretty much impossible to ignore. 

Prada Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag

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What’s better than one bag? Two bags! You get two-in-one with Prada’s Symbole Leather and Fabric Mini Bag. You can wear the duo together or separately – technically making for a total of three bags! Its versatility along with its unique triangle shape and pattern, mimicking the Prada logo, makes for a perfect mix of trendy and classic. 

Gucci Jackie 1961 Bag

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Gucci has brought its iconic Jackie 1961 Bag back in a contemporary way with seemingly endless style choices! You can bet pretty much any bag in the Jackie collection has reached ‘It’ bag status. The best part about this bag is the fact that it’s been around since 1961. This not only means you can trust that it won’t ever go out of style – making it a great investment piece. But also, since it has been around for so long, you can find versions of the Gucci Jackie all over the vintage and secondhand markets. 

Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag

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Coach has been coming out with a ton of amazing, stylish pieces lately! Its Pillow Tabby is amongst its most popular bags of the moment, as it’s been trending for a while now. The original is definitely classic enough to take you through all seasons, however, if you’re looking for a bag stylized for the colder seasons, Coach has come out with a super chic shearling version

Bottega Veneta Jodie

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There’s just something about the Jodie bag by Bottega Veneta. This designer bag is made with Bottega’s signature intrecciato weave and has a half-moon silhouette, which seems to be the bag shape of the season! Although this is considered to be a trending ‘It’ bag, it is absolutely a classic! It comes in various colour and size options, all equally fab. 

Miu Miu Wander Matelassé Shoulder Bag

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Again, the half-moon silhouette making an appearance! Yet in a more structured, feminine twist this time with Miu Miu’s Wander collection. This bag is a perfect example of mixing a classic silhouette with a unique and fun texture – in turn creating another iconic ‘It’ bag. This bag has been making more and more of an appearance and we can’t wait to see all the ways it gets styled this season!

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Online shopping has had a major increase in popularity over the years and for good reason too. You can buy everything you want while hanging out at home or on the move. FWRD has become one of our go-to sites for outfit inspo or to grab unique and staple pieces for the season. FWRD offers a ton of brand name and designer items with categories like clothing, bags, shoes, accessories, and beauty. It can get quite pricey, but we’ve searched the site to round up products that we love that won’t break the bank. Also, in case you didn’t know, Ms. Kendall Jenner is actually the Creative Director of the brand and you can shop ‘Kendall’s Edit’ which has her top picks too.

Here are our fave items at FWRD under $200.

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Buying a shiny new purse has got to be one of the best feelings in the world. If you’re searching for designer handbags, typically, those purchases can seriously put a dent in your wallet. Luckily, if you’re willing to compromise your budget ever-so-slightly, you can find a designer bag for less at a fraction of its original price!

Here are sites & stores to check out to shop designer bags for less.

Bagover

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Bagover.com is a vintage and pre-loved e-commerce website that sells high-end luxury designer handbags such as YSL, Prada, Givenchy, Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and more. Bagover aims to offer a more affordable entry price for luxury handbags, all 100% authentic or your money back. In addition to being an advocate of the sustainability movement, the company is also committed to donating a percentage of all profits to women’s shelters all across America. A feel-good purchase.

Bluefly

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Bluefly is an incredibly versatile online designer discount store. It’s managed to combine discounted luxury items, pre-owned designer items, and modern on-trend items, at an even further discounted rate. So, if you’re on the fence about shopping consignment, this store offers the best of both worlds. They carry handbags from designers such as Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tom Ford, and more.

The RealReal

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The RealReal is an online store that ships worldwide, that actually started as a small business run out of the founders home, and eventually grew into a major consignment retailer. If the name didn’t already give it away, the company’s main mission is to always focus on authenticity. It prides itself on only consigning the best of the best, and that’s why it has an entire team of horologists and gemologists dedicated to deciphering real from counterfeit.

LXR

A woman holding a designer bag that she purchased on sale.
Instagram/@lxrco

Check out LXR for all of your luxury bag and accessory needs. Not only can you sell your pre-loved items or make a purchase on a Chanel crossbody, you can also rent a bag for up to 6 months at a time! How cool is that? Luxury without the cost commitment!

Tradesy

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Tradesy is a buy-and-sell online consignment store that specializes in reselling gently used items for as much as 70% off the original price. Here, you can find high-end designer items from brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermes, Burberry, Fendi, and Givenchy.

Saks Off 5th

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The American discounted department store chain was founded in 1990, and is a subsidiary of the luxury department store chain Saks Fifth Avenue. Shop brands like Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Stuart Weitzman, and much more with deep discounts for up to 70% off.

Gilt

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Gilt is a membership-based online store that offers exclusive discounts on designer clothing and handbags. The website doesn’t even allow non-members to browse through their merchandise, ensuring exclusivity to those that are part of the Gilt club.

Love That Bag

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Love That Bag is a Canadian consignment store based in Montreal that specializes in handbags. More specifically, it curates high-end, designer handbags that are in near perfect condition, and resells them without the huge designer price tag. It also has a hassle-free return policy and worldwide shipping.

Winners

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Winners has been a favourite of ours for years. Although you can’t shop this company online, it’s a discount designer haven, hidden in almost every suburb in Canada. At Winners, whether you’re looking for clothing, skincare products, hair-care products, makeup, jewelry, shoes, linens, intimates, luggage, or of course, handbags, this can be your one-stop-shop.

Hudson’s Bay

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Hudson’s Bay is a fan-favourite department store that has a ton of discounts on designer items. From outerwear to purses, to footwear, to apparel, there’s something for everyone to shop for with great deals. It also has a sale section with even deeper discounts! Plus check out the Bay Marketplace for pre-loved designer bags too.

Marshalls

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Marshalls is actually owned by the same company that owns Winners, HomeSense, and TJX. So, like Winners, you can’t shop online, but you can expect 20-60% off designer products from thousands of vendors from around the world. The only downside to these stores is that there usually aren’t many of the same items, so if you find something you love, don’t hesitate! The magic of Marshalls and Winners is finding hidden gems.

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Looking for that designer handbag look without the designer price tag? Many contemporary brands are closely inspired by luxury designers, so finding a look-alike of the bag you’ve been lusting over is no problem at all. Check out these dupes to stay on trend without breaking the bank.

Here are designer handbag dupes that you can score for under $120 and under.

Aldo Narella $55 VS. Chanel Shoulder Bag $5,600

H&M Small Handbag $19.99 VS. Louis Vuitton Navona Damier Ebene Bag $920

Call it Spring Unaulith $34.99 VS. Bottega Veneta Mini Intrecciato Jodie Bag $2,220

Aldo Onardoniel $55 VS. Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Bag $1,850

H&M Paper Straw Shopper $29.99 VS. LOEWE Beige Medium Basket Tote $69

H&M Shoulder Bag $34.99 VS. Bottega Veneta Brown ‘The Chain Pouch’ $4,505

Call it Spring Adoreyou $39.99 VS. Lady Dior $6,200

Wishbone Collection $120 VS. Bottega Veneta Beige Padded Cassette Bag $3,710

Zara Oval Leather Crossbody Bag $119 VS. SEE By Chloe Hana Mini Bag $294

Wishbone Collection $95 VS. Heiress Rhinestone Nano Pouch $495

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Love designer purses? So do we. The Valentino Online Warehouse Sale has arrived and you need to check it out. With items up to 80%, get ready to snag some really great pieces. The Valentino handbags are absolutely stunning and make quite the statement. Whether you’re in the market for a neutral bag or an eye-catching purse, we’ve got you covered. The deals end soon so browse the sale before it’s gone for good!

Here are the 10 best handbags from the Valentino Online Warehouse Sale.

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If you’ve ever wanted to strut about town toting the latest designer “it” bags, without paying those hefty designer prices, then pay close attention. If this sounds like you, then why not try out renting a designer handbag from The Bag Lady?

The Bag Lady is Toronto’s newest designer bag rental service.

 

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Life isn’t perfect but a Gucci is almost close! Available for rent Item: Gucci small Marmont _____________________________________________ . . . . #fashioncanadians #torontofashion #torontostyle #thebagladytoronto #guccimarmont

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We know designer bag rentals aren’t anything new, but Canadian and Toronto-based rental companies are few and far between. Not only is renting from The Bag Lady a great way to feel your bougie fantasy, but it’s the perfect option for any functions or special occasions you have coming up and you want a fabulous designer purse on your arm.

Wondering what designers you can expect to see? Borrow bags from brands like Chanel, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, and more.

Not only is renting a designer bag a great idea for photoshoots or special occasions but it’s also recommended if you’re thinking about purchasing one of your own. If you’re eyeing the iconic Dior Saddle Bag, why not borrow one from The Bag Lady for a couple weeks to see if you like it before taking the major leap!

Featured Image: Instagram/@thebagladytoronto by @bowocreative

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A good handbag does more than just hold your valuables. It completes a look, gives you an extra something special, and can make you feel like a million bucks. It’s as much of a statement piece as any piece of jewelry or pair of shoes. As much as a bag from a fast fashion store can do in a pinch, investing in quality is always the way to go. But how can you know which bags are worth the investment?

We rounded-up the best designer bags to invest in that will always be popular and have high resale value (some even sell for above retail value!) so you can be sure to get your money’s worth.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy, starts at $1,340

louis vuitton monogram speedy designer investment bag styledemocracy

Instagram/@shopfy

The Speedy is an iconic Louis Vuitton design, and has stayed a consistent classic through the years. Celebrities from Beyonce to Miley Cyrus have been seen toting this purse. With the classic logo, shape, and all around aesthetic, this design isn’t going anywhere any time soon. 

Hermès Birkin Bag, starts at $11,900

birkin bag investment designer styledemocracy

Instagram/@vspconsignment

If they’re good enough for Drake’s future wife, then it’s good enough for us (incase you forgot, he has a massive collection of Birkin bags for his future wife, whomever she may be). Hermès bags have increased in value over 500% in the last 35 years and are widely believed to be a better investment than gold, diamonds, and the stock market, so if you’re looking for a sure investment, this is it.

The Chanel Classic Flap, starts at $4725

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The original brain child of Coco Chanel (she created and debuted the 2.55’s chain shoulder strap in 1955) and Karl Lagerfeld (he introduced the addition of a turning ‘CC’ clasp to the bag) this classic piece was born and perfected. In fact, recent figures from on online resale site show that it’s the site’s continuously best selling bag for the last decade, and it regularly re-sells secondhand for more than the retail price.

The Mulberry Heritage Bayswater, $1,550

Perhaps a little more under the radar than brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermes, but still iconic is Mulberry.  The excellent craftsmanship and posh status have propelled Mulberry to the status of global phenomenon. Available in multiple colours, exotic leathers, and sizes, this bag remains an iconic staple. 

The Lady Dior Lambskin Bag, $5,960

dior lady dior bag designer investment styledemocracy

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The history of this bag is one for the Royals, quite literally. The bag was first gifted to Lady Diana by the French First Lady, Bernadette Chirac, on a visit to Paris in 1994. She immediately fell in love with the design, ad ordered every colour available. It was unnamed at that point, and after being photographed countless times in the design and with her blessing, the bag was named The Lady Dior. 

Dior Saddle Bag, $3,147

dior saddle bag designer invenstment styledemocracy

Instagram/@vspconsignment

The Dior Saddle Bag was an iconic style in the 90’s, and has been now deemed “vintage.” This means that people want to get their hands on it even more! In fact, some have even resold for over retail price.

Featured Image: Instagram/@vspconsignment

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Since I started investing in luxury handbags a few years ago, I’ve treated the pieces in my collection like delicate newborn babies. When you’ve spent hundreds (or let’s be honest, thousands) on a new designer bag, it’s important to give it the TLC it deserves. Here are 8 tricks on how to properly store and care for your expensive handbags so you can wear them for years to come (and win points with your future granddaughter!)

 1. When in Doubt, Leave it Out

Although it may be tempting to carry around everything but the kitchen sink (who knows what lip colour you’ll be in the mood for later?), try to narrow it down to just the necessities. Overstuffing can cause your bag’s materials and handles to stretch, permanently altering its shape.

2. Keep Things Separate

Even with a small purse, put any products that may cause spillage or leave stains (such as hand sanitizer or lipstick) in a separate ziplock or makeup bag. Since the lining in one of my Chanel bags is light pink, this tip is a must for me!

3. Don’t Place it On the Floor

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Not only is this bad feng shui (ever heard of the saying “a purse on the floor is money out the door”?) but it is a guaranteed way for your bag to get dirty and damaged.

4. Clean Hands Only

Just returned from an outdoor run or put on some moisturizing hand lotion? Make sure to wash your hands before handling your bag as the transfer of dirt and oils can stain it easily.

5. Water Safety

If your bag is leather, try to avoid using it on rainy or snowy days as water can cause the bag to swell and lose its shape. If you get water on it accidentally, quickly blot it with a towel and then allow it to air dry naturally.

6. Store With Care

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The same way you would tuck a baby safely into its crib at night, you should always place your purse in its dust bag for extra protection when not in use. It is also best to put back in the original stuffing to help retain the bag’s shape, and if there are metal straps, pull them inside the bag (if possible) to prevent indentation marks.

7. Give it a Rest

As tempting as it may be to use your expensive purchase day after day, try to keep alternating it with the other bags in your closet. The bag’s materials need a chance to breathe, and it will remain in better condition if it is not used on a daily basis.

8. Seek Professional Help

For damage such as stains, rips or broken zippers, take your bag immediately to a professional for repair. Most shoe repair professionals also work on handbags, and some brands do in-house repairs on their own bags. Remember that the sooner you seek help, the sooner the experts can work their magic and save your precious baby bag.

Do you have any tricks on how to store and care for luxury handbags? We’d love to hear from you!

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