August 5, 2016

Bag Talk

Designer Handbags - Celine Handbags Collection - Helena of Brooklyn Blonde. Celine Nano, Celine Phantom and Celine Box Bag.

pictured above is my Celine collection.

One of the most frequented topics I get asked about is designer handbags. I get asked everything from where I buy (when it’s second hand), how I choose my next bag, how I take care of them and where I sell them, when it’s time to move on. So, I’m finally working on a post that’s going to answer any questions you might have. If there’s anything specific that interests you, please let me know in the comment section!

On that note, I’m also starting to think about what my next handbag purchase will be. From my own collection, there are several bags that I’m going to let go of (don’t wear anymore and slightly over them), and “in exchange” I want to get something new and exciting. I have my eye on something I’ve been admiring for months, but the only way I’ll know if it’s “the one,” is by trying it on with several outfits and coats. Of course, I’ll keep you guys posted!

To all my handbag ladies, what’s your favorite handbag of the moment?

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47 comments

  • Jo

    Hi! i have read your blog for like 3 to 4yrs now. I have seen your choices change
    from Channel to Celine, to Gucci, etc. Question: how do you choose your handbags? I have seen and had those with round handlers they are so unforcomfortable to me, What do you look for on a handbag? Materials? Colors? Size? etc.such a nice collection but i know there are some models missing. hugs. Baby Nate is growing fast.

  • Nicole Sioui

    Should we keep those little white silica gel packs in our bags help prevent odours? Are you more particular when choosing a bag for winter; considering snow and harsh températures? I will always love my vintage Chanel!

  • LL

    Fun bags vs. trendy and high end. When purchasing expensive bags (over $2,000) doesn’t It make more sense to purchase one’s that hold their value/that you can trade in e.g. Chanel, Celine, YSL, Goyard??

  • Victoria

    So you’ll be sharing where you’re going to sell your bags, right?

  • Rachelle

    My favorite is still my small chloe marcie in tan, I personally love crossbodies. I would love to know how you go about getting second hand purses, if you do of course.

    xo
    PinkSole

  • sasa

    Can’t go wrong with Celine:P

    Shall We Sasa

  • Emilia Dobrydney

    I love all of your bags and my ultimate dream bag is the Chanel maxi ? However lately I am loving the new Gucci collection and I am super curious what you have your eye on ?

  • Fashion and Frappes

    Is the fact that a bag is a good investment a major factor when you purchase or choose it? And I know you buy bags on ebay – how do you know they are not fake? Have you had a bad experience even as a sophisticated buyer?

  • Kay Aree

    Hi Helena,
    Definitely cannot wait until you blog about this! Interested in learning how you clean your leather bags vs. any canvas material bags you have. Random request, could you please blog about what instructions you relay to your tailor when it comes to altering dresses, pants, suits, etc? Many thanks 🙂

  • Lottie Gibbons

    Definitely jealous of your celine collection! My question is do you chose your handbags based on whether it will be an investment piece- e.g., timeless so would always make money back if selling x
    http://flareaforte.blogspot.co.uk
    https://twitter.com/flareaforte

  • Xoxo

    I Love your handbgs but I sold My Celine nano bags last year. I Love LV:S alma BB and other bags that can stand bad weather.

  • Sophie

    Celine is my favorite handbag designer, sadly I can’t get ahold of any where I live

  • Carolyn

    the Celine box is so high-maintenance! I find the gold clips on the straps scratch my bag like crazy and is a serious design flaw. I’ve just embraced the scratches now haha. do you have any tricks for buffing out scratches, especially on the hardware? thank you!

    http://heyprettything.com

  • Alyssa

    I never see you wearing a Balenziaga bag, is that a style choice? Or do you think that bag is just a “trendy” type bag?

    http://www.fashionsensored.com

  • Mag

    My favorite blogger on my favorite topic! I’m 23 and I’m a working student, still saving for my first designer handbag. Any advice on brands, sizes, etc.? What is a good start for a great collection?

    All the best to you and your family!

  • Valeriya

    I love your blog and cannot wait to read this post! My favorite bags now are Chanel boy bag in black and Valentino lock bag. Now I have an eye on Gucci dionysus bag but still considering if I should go for it. So curious what’s your choice 🙂

  • Amber

    Of course I love ANY Chanel bag, but lately I’ve really fallen in love with the Valentino mini lock bag (the one with the metal studs). Love it!!!

  • Carmel

    I love the Givenchy Antigona. It’s a classic that I never seem to get tired of. My smaller Proenza PS11 is also a favourite. It seems to be the coloured ones I get tired of more quickly xx

  • Sandra

    Hey!
    How often do you buy yourself a new bag?
    Are there any you would never ever sell?
    Which bags do you think will never be out of style? (Aside from Chanel and Hermès? Do you think the Celine Luggage has become a classic?)
    Would you like to own a Hermès?

    Thank you so much for this post, I am already so excited! And I apologise in advance if you’ve heard some or most of questions twice or more 😉

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  • nat

    omg your celine bags are so perfect
    x
    http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au

  • Reagan Tweedy

    No matter what style you have celine has a great handbag for you, which is why I love that brand. Do you buy your handbags all brand new or do you purchase some used?
    totallytweedy.blogspot.com

  • Angela

    I just purchased a pre loved Chanel Caviar Maxi flap. I gave up 3 bags to get this bag. How do you keep your Chanel bags in good condition (shape, leather conditioning, etc.) ?

    • Marry Poppins

      Hi Helena,

      I love Fendi peekaboo and Celine is one of my favourite designer.Do you like Fendi,any of them?
      Thank you, all the best for your cutie ?

  • Camille

    Can’t wait for that post. I have such a hard time letting go of/selling my bags. Need to work on that. To your question… right now I am loving the Burberry Banner tote. I can’t pull the plug just yet as that would be the most expensive bag purchase for me to date, but I really love it and want it.

  • Kerstin

    My questions are:

    Which bags do you have in your collection right now?

    How do you decide what to keep and what to sell? I’ve noticed that you use some bags heavily for a while and then they never show up on the blog again but at the same time you have other bags which you don’t use very often but which seem to be in your collection for quite some time (clue: the burgundy gucci).

    And OF COURSE: when and where are you going to sell your bags?

  • Linda

    Celine mini luggage and the nano’ for casual.

  • Ev

    Great post!
    http://www.evdily.blogspot.com

  • Arniel

    I just love your handbags and style

  • Fiona

    Oh wow, euern your Celine collection is a really big one. Love your bags! 🙂
    xx Fiona THEDASHINGRIDER.com

  • jennifer

    I like the retro style bag, like the first small bag in the picture,a website-newfrog I have ever browsed,people can visit it.

  • Miss Pippi

    Amazing collection!

    http://misspippisstyle.blogspot.hu/

  • Gaiana Bagdasaryan

    Fendi leather tote bag with monster face marquetry on front. 🙂

    I got the grey one 😉 http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Fendi-Monster-Tote-Bag-Gray/prod178240155/p.prod

  • Gaiana Bagdasaryan

    Helena, where do you sell your used high-end designer bags? Thnx!

  • Danielle Mone

    Your bag collection is one to die for! this was a great read!

    XOXO

  • Sheena

    So excited for a handbag post! Would love a comparison on different style of bag…for instance…compare a few cross body bags (perhaps Tori Burch, YSL, and Chanel) and compare a few different brands of the box style bags, like your Celine nano and ? Can’t wait for this post! Thanks!

  • Samantha Waller

    New Chanel or used? I am thinking about getting a pre loved one but unsure if that is the way to go.

  • Deee

    I love reading your blog! You inspire me and help me to try new fashions. My favorite handbags are Channel, Louis Vuitton and YSL. I buy slightly used and new. What do you the color of the season is?????

  • A McG

    For the ladies who live places with some real weather – what do you to protect your bags from the snow, rain, etc? I used scotch guard on the inside of my Antigona bag to protect from coffee and pen, etc. It worked nicely on the inside liner, but I haven’t found a good product to protect the leather. What do you use? I hate getting those rain drop stains that just won’t come out.

  • Indian Salwar Suits Collection

    Really amazing collection of bags, i like the red one, thanks for share here.

  • Adelynn Pang

    For everyday/office outfit I always go with a plain, simple handbag, Celine/YSL is the perfect fit. For night out I think Chanel, LV, Gucci, Miu Miu all have very unique style, pattern and colors. They are my choices for evening or night out.
    It would be great if you could share how to sell them.. I have been trying to get rid of some that I don’t wear much .. Love your blog btw! <3

    xx
    Adelynn P
    http://treasurethatyouthlove.com

  • Danielle Mone'

    I’ve been following your blog for quite some time now and have always admired your bags! Loving everything about this post. You’ve got a bag closet a girl would kill for!

    XOXO
    http://www.xoxodaniellemone.com

  • Angela

    Dear Helena, You’ve mentioned above that you are working on a post about handbags but I couldn’t find it. I’d be very interested to read it. I love your style and handbags are the one piece of my closet that I invest in. Could you please send me a link to that post. Or if it is not ready yet, I’m looking forward to it.

  • instagram video downloader

    Oh wow, euern your Celine collection is a really big one. Love your bags! ?

  • Camille

    What bags do you own that you would never get rid of, if any and how long have you had your oldest bag?

    TheCocooners

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