May 24, 2013

Bag Lady

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If you’ve been following my blog for a bit, it’s probably obvious that I’m quite the handbag girl. I usually make one “investment” piece a year (If I’m being good, two if I’m not) an have no problem selling the bags I no longer wear. Case in point, since starting my blog I’ve already “swapped” this PS11 and this light olive  Balenciaga, to name a few. I’ve had people ask how I don’t get attached to these bags and the truth is, I actually find the process quite gratifying. Out with the old, in with the new.

Right now the only handbags I say that I’ll never sell are my Chanel’s, but we’ll see if I’m singing a different tune in a year or two from now. As of right now, I’m loving all the clutches and pieces from Saint Laurent.

Let me know if you guys have any questions! I’ll be happy to answer in the comments section.

xo,
Helena

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95 comments

  • Adele

    I'm also a handbag girl & would never sell my Chanel double flap jumbo! I was happy to sell my olive Mulberry to buy my LV Alma Vernis!
    Seems we have the same strategy!!
    Would love you to check out my latest outfit post:)
    Have a fab weekend Hun xoxo
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

  • Gabriela

    Hi!! How do you know if you buy used on-line if you are dealing with a reputable seller? Any advise would help!! Also, love your blog πŸ™‚

    • BrooklynBlonde

      I only buy from sellers who have past history of selling similar items and who have tons of positive feedback. If they have an eBay shop (selling items similar to what you're looking at) that's even more of a plus. Lastly, I always refer to the Purse Forum. They're a huge help with helping authenticating handbags.

      Hope this helps!

  • SimonΓ¨ Noorie

    You have some lovely bags! The pinky-purply clutch is gorgeous.

    Simone, XO
    http://roc-ldn.blogspot.co.uk

  • Sarah

    I LOVE all your bags! If you could only choose one bag to own which would you choose?

    • BrooklynBlonde

      Probably a black Chanel bag! Classic, timeless and although expensive… I probably wear that one more than anything else. Plus, ties my entire outfit together!

  • Janine Maral

    i'd love to have a chanel bag one day!

    – Janine
    http://theeoptimist.blogspot.com

  • kcomekarolina

    how cool !

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    kcomekarolina.com

  • Emily

    I adore your handbags! So so cute.

    creamystyle.com

  • Amanda Joy

    your bag collection is truly to die for.

    xx
    A

    http://www.denimanddaydreamsblog.com

  • shades of voguish

    your collection is amazing! jeslous πŸ™‚

    Aga
    http://shadesofvoguish.blogspot.com/

  • Ms. Femmy Fashion

    I love the sweater you're wearing with white denim. It's not tan but also not white. It's perfect. Any suggestions on where to buy a similar sweater?

    • BrooklynBlonde

      I got that from Zara a few years ago and it really is a favorite. I'd keep checking there for that price point. I know Vince & Theory have amazing classic pieces, but a bit more expensive.

  • Teresa

    Look 1,3.4 and 5 are my favourites! Amazing! Very clean and chic styling.

    CHECK OUT MY NEW POST http://sapphire-brushstrokes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/leather-mini-and-metallic-zipper.html?m=1

  • Carol

    love the burgundy the most but love them all, would love to have this bag collection too πŸ™‚
    maybe one day:)
    have a nice friday and kisses from

    http://franchemeetsfashion.blogspot.cz/

  • KaleiV

    I would have loved to buy the PS11 mini, where do you sell your bags?

    http://Www.barksandbrew.blogspot.com

    • BrooklynBlonde

      Usually eBay, Craigslist or I'll tweet about it and sell it to a reader!

  • FASHION SNAG

    You have a great handbag collection!

    http://www.FashionSnag.com

  • Andrea Litsch

    I think I actually just drooled at over my computer. I am totally completely 100% not a shred of doubt a handbag girl. I love them to death. I appreciate & enjoy a good shoe but if I had to pick it's handbags all the way for me.
    I applaud your ability to go out with the old & in with the new! I don't know if I could ever do it…but I applaud it!!!

    I remember from a post about the blue chanel that you bought it from ebay. What is your typical method for handbag purchasing? If you are buying second hand what tips do you have?!

    Have a great long weekend!!!

    http://stylishadventures-al.com

    • BrooklynBlonde

      Yes, I did buy the Chanel from eBay and I always make sure to buy from a reputable seller. What that generally means: 1) The seller is selling many items similar to what you're looking for. I'm not going to buy a Chanel bag from someone who is just selling car parts on eBay or even worse, someone who hasn't sold anything in the past. I know everyone has to start somewhere, but when i'm spending that kind of money, I'd rather be safe. I also refer to the Purse Forum. They have true experts who can spot the little details that guarantee whether the handbag is authentic or not. Also, they've started knowing most of the big designer sellers.

      For second hand tips, my blue Chanel bag needs some TLC but I knew this when I bought it. Ask a lot of questions, ask for more pictures if you're not happy with the amount you see online and have a good place to take it to restore/polish..etc. I just took my black Chanel to Leather Spa in NYC and it came back looking brand new. Planning to take my blue one there next week.

      Hope that helps!

  • Trends2

    Hi Helena,

    2 quick important questions ;):

    Did you happen to snag your beautiful Celine on E-Bay as well?

    Also besides Chanel (which I am dying for), what do you think are considerate classics to purchase without breatking the bank enitrely?

  • Rachelle

    You have an amazing collection.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

  • Ainslee Hanger

    Your bags are so amazing, love the Chanels especially! πŸ™‚

    xo, Ainslee

    abeautifulheartblog.blogspot.com

  • Kisti Belle

    I loved all of those bag. I would love a chanel handbag and would also probably never sell it if I got my paws on it. Especially since they are so timeless!

    Great collection!

  • Emma Finlayson

    I am a bag whore. I love em. I want a quilted Chanel.

    xo Emma
    http://strollingthecityinheels.com

  • Jaclyn Andrade

    every single one of your bags is pure amazingness! like really getting rid of them is only to make another girl happy! like that Celine- im already in line!!

    check my blog:http://stylevolver.blogspot.com

  • Christina Storm

    Great shots of all of the bags! Love your style and handbag collection!

    The Style Storm

    xo, Christina

  • Adela

    It's safe to say you've got a great bag AND shoes collection. Love all in pic 1, all the Chanel and actually just all.
    Adela x

    Misspinkstyle.net

  • Rachel Lynne

    Such a great collection!

  • dipped in yellow

    such a fun post!! love them all! x

    dipped in yellow

  • ZxM Style-Squared

    The bags are great but the blue shoes are amazing!!!!;))

  • Kiwi Fashion Blog

    Would you mind maybe doing your entire handbag collection? πŸ™‚

    • BrooklynBlonde

      haha, this is pretty much it at the moment!

  • Jennifer Boyd

    Love all of them! I have a black Chanel that I will never part with!

    http://www.FripperyVintage.com

  • I Can't Afford Any of This

    I think by the looks of it, you are a handbag, shoe, and every other item of clothing/accessory girl. Not that there's anything wrong with that, more power to you πŸ™‚

    http://www.icantaffordanyofthis.com

  • Kelsey Bang

    fun bags! you are good to only get one a year! I am bad….online shopping is just way to fun!
    kelseybang.com

  • Josephine

    You have such an amazing collection!! I wouldn't part with those Chanel bags either, they're perfectly classic and will last forever. I wish I had your discipline to sell bags! I just don't have much of a collection and take forever to buy new ones. Have a great weekend!

    <3 Josephine
    http://www.champagnestar.com

  • Sasha

    It's great that you change up the bags so much. It's a very good investment, 'casue a REALLY good bag is a rare thing nowaday.

  • Emma

    You have such an amazing taste for bags
    ​emmastyleguide.blogspot.com

  • Amberly

    Beautiful bag collection! I'd have difficulty in parting with them! haha

    Amberly
    http://www.asliceofglam.com

  • melissa ward

    Love them all

  • Miss City Chic

    you always look fab!

  • Debbie

    very nice outfit, you look great!

    najciekawsze modowe trendy
    blogi modowe

  • Jenny B.

    From one bag lady to another… love your taste! Though you really must pass on that gratification to me, I cannot seem to let go of anything =X

  • Kacie Cone

    Ah my life will not be complete until I own a chanel and a celine!

  • Lubna O.

    A very stylish bag lady that is πŸ˜‰ Love your bag collection! You should show us the entire collection one day πŸ™‚

    Lubna | ELLE VOX
    OASAP GIVEAWAY: Win your favorite item!

  • Fashion is for idiots [like us]

    A bag is such a good investment but I totally agree with your "out with the old, in with the new" idea! πŸ™‚ x

    fashion is for idiots [like us]
    fashion is for idiots [like us]

  • Janet Mandell

    I agree CHANEL is classic and I will never buy another CHANEL unless its a classic style. I LOVE LOVE bags. I probably own 50 or more bags….and need every "it" bag of the year. OBSESSED!!!! Shoes too πŸ™‚ Great collection πŸ™‚ LOVE them all.

    http://fashion-a-holic.com

  • Angela

    You have a sick collection! Very jealous. Love the title of this post. πŸ™‚

    xoxo- from Chicago

    http://theyogalifechicago.blogspot.com/

  • Elizabeth Exposito

    So many gorgeous handbags! Chanel is always a classic!

    XOXO

    EK

  • Mary @ The Classy Cubicle

    All of them are beyond amazing, but I literally DREAM about that Gucci saddle bag. It's the most beautiful thing of all time. Ahhhhhhh!

    xxoo,
    Mary
    The Classy Cubicle

  • Marijana Fraska

    Wow beautiful:) I like your blog:)

    If you want pls visit my blog http://armellamea.blogspot.com/ and if you like it we can follow each other:)

    Thanks:)

  • Lippylash

    I love the red/Bordeaux one! it is so gorgeous!!!!

  • Marie

    Nice blogpost!

    Check out my blog

    http://www.paddingtoncharlotte.com

  • Anonymous

    Helena,
    did you part with your balenciaga City and work bag? I'd love to see an updated bag collection post too.

  • Krizia

    I'm not sure if I'm emotionally ready to part with any of my designer bags, haha.
    Loving the CΓ©line in the first picture and the electric blue Chanel bag!

    x Krizia

    Shark Attack – Fashion Blog

  • Aux Caprices de Flore

    I Love your blog

  • Cassandra Too

    This is such a bag galore post! I am not really a bag lady but I love love love looking at bags!

    Sending you loads of love β™₯β™₯β™₯
    See you over at BACKTOFIVE !

  • Little G

    Helena, your black roomy Chanel – what's the model of that bag and circa what year is it?

    http://trapkeybygaia.tumblr.com/

  • selinalie

    Lovely looks. I like your blog! Maybe you can visit my blog and follow me πŸ™‚

  • Petra

    I love handbags too and your collection is amazing. Love it. Great post.
    Wish you a great day.
    xo, Petra

    http://www.sweetsoflife86.blogspot.com

  • The Style-o-Meter

    Beautiful bags, I couldn't pick just one!

    http://thestyle-o-meter.blogspot.ro/

  • .......

    love this clever title and those are fantastic bags! love the chanel ones of course and that orange colorblocked one is my fav! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

  • Aubrey and Melissa

    That's pretty cool how you swap out the old ones for new ones, I know you say its gratifying but I feel like it would be hard not to get attached! You have so many gorgeous bags, love your taste.

  • TSO OTM

    Well, you own the perfect bags. I live precariously through you.

    xx,C
    http://www.thesweetestoneoverthemoon.com

  • Jackie

    love these pics!

    for more cute bags and shoes check out our site (;

    http://www.shadesofstyle-lj.com/

    also vote for us on Lucky Community, please and thank you

    http://contributors.luckymag.com/post/red-patterned-dress

  • far and wild jewelry

    it's great that you don't get attached to them. i'm with you, i usually love a new bag for a couple of months and then i'm onto something else. all the bags pictured here are gorgeous, you've got some taste!

    abigail
    http://www.farandwildjewelry.com

  • Timna

    Lucky you! I would love to have just one Chanel bag! πŸ™‚

    xx Timna

  • Am2Pm Chic

    Fantastic details shoots.
    Xoxo
    Christy

    http://www.am2pmchic.com/

  • Diana

    Loving all the bags!!!

    xoxo, Diana ☠
    http://www.TheNeonFactor.com

  • Savannah

    I'm so jealous of your fab bags!

    xxx

    http://www.glamorousgirl2014.blogspot.com

  • Dominique

    I would love to swap a few of my bags. What site do you use?

  • Angel Hendricks

    love your celine and your chanel purses
    xoxo angel
    http://borntodieforfashion.blogspot.ca/
    enter my give away sponsored by Oasap
    http://www.oasap.com/

  • Rock and Sole

    Hi Helene, I would love to know what the dimensions are of the Clare Vivier clutch you have. I just ordered the oversized one from Shopbop and it's too big.
    Thanks a bunch. Love your blog and style.

  • Anonymous

    Do you have a "work bag" recommendation? Something that is fashionable and yet can still fit files. Thanks for your feedback.

  • Sofia Donatelli

    What great additions to anyones summer outfit.

    If you get a sec, check out my latest post "Palm Tree Paradise'. They are my latest find for my summer vacation. I would love to read your thoughts about them. Thank you!:)

    Kisses,
    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

  • fashionlikealife

    That is great look πŸ™‚

    follow?
    fashionlikealife.blogspot.com

  • Call me M

    Major bag envy! hehe Love them all! They're all gorgeous!

  • drama

    woow!! love these pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    http://aboutdrama.blogspot.ru

  • Anonymous

    Does anyone know where the red spectator purse is from…can you say DREAM BAG.

  • Shikha Yadav

    you bag n shoe collection is BEAUTIFUL. and u have an amazing blog πŸ™‚
    http://fashiononroll.blogspot.in/

  • Oscar M. Skinner

    Your collection is really amazing… i loved it. I also know a site that has a collection of handbags and watches.
    ioutletcenter

  • Anonymous

    where did u get that burgundy bag?? it is gorgeous!!!!

  • parijat pande

    Wow lovely!!! This is very big collection of beautiful bags.I love it.fashion handbags

  • Amber paige Miles

    You love celebs. You really love round-ups. So now, in lieu of our usual daily celeb features, we'll be presenting our readers with a twice-weekly bag-carrying celeb smorgasbord. There's something for everyone, so if you suffer from Kardashian fatigue, or Real Housewife fatigue, or Birkin fatigue (highly scientific studies show that they are all irrevocably linked), there are plenty of other attractive celebs carrying gorgeous designer bags upon which to rest your gaze. Check out Robecart.com Designer Women's Top Fashion Brands it has the best selection of fashionable clothes, jeans, dress, bags, shoes, accessories, etc.

  • Ashely Wong

    I am very addicted to all teh bags you show to me. In my mind, every woman needs a bag to be accompanied with herself. As usual, the bag can be very suitable to match some clothes. It will be helpful and great to own one bag.

  • kika

    Your story is so amazing. I hope your collection is really amazing… i loved it. I also know a site that has a collection of leather bag brands .

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