Hey, bag spender

The Berkin

Handbags are major markers of personal style. Some women go for broke with Balenciaga lariats, Mulberry reptile or whatever is this season’s designated arm ornament is. Others prefer the more discreet (but no less luxurious) offerings of Delvaux or Bill Amberg. Still others like the classic lines and sweetie-jar hues of Furla, or the extravaganza of styles possible with vintage. No matter what your carry-on preferences, you can’t go wrong with a beautifully made bag that complements your overall look.

While it’s admirable to have a wardrobe of bags to match different outfits, changing them daily is beyond the budget and the fashion discipline of most of us. That’s why it makes sense to spend heavily on a few really great bags that match the main neutrals in your wardrobe. Bag switches are made easier, by the way, by regularly clearing out debris and keeping make-up in its own holder.

Chanel 5.22
- classic elegance through the ages

Formal evening events are the one occasion when a bag switch is mandatory. A day bag, no matter how nice, will sabotage your gala look. Even if you don’t go formal very often, its’ worth investing in a simple satin or velvet number that will carry you through such events for decades.

Second-hand designer bags

I came across a news article recently of some really good buys that can be found at a second-hand designer bag shop in a city near you or for others in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

If you’ve made some regrettable buys, now here’s where you can load off your mistake busy and maybe pick up some “refurbished” ones that you’ve always wanted.

These bag boutiques offers some the pre-loved designer handbags:

Luxury Vintage

152, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia

T: +603 2095 6266

Glampot

22, USJ 10/1 B Taipan USJ, UEP Subang Jaya, 47630 Selangor, Malaysia

T: +603 5637 9670

Milano Station

Plaza Ampang City, Jalan Ampang, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T: +603 4256 4137

Scoop

Plaza Damas, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T: +603 6201 1206

Lilypot

Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T: +603 6203 9940 or 6203 9941

Treasures Collection

Wisma Sunsrise, Plaza M’ont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T: +603 6203 4231

The Attic

61-2 Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T: +603 2093 8842

Second-Hand Handbags Websites:

Facebook : T: +6012 3555 655

Ebay

Lelong 

Lowyat.net

2nd hand

How a Touch of Vintage Leads to Bags of Style

Style Considerations



Gucci’s black polished crocodile handbag

How will you wear the bags? Over the shoulder, clutched in hand, slung over a wrist? Will you be happy carrying the bag all day, or do you prefer your hands free? These questions should be carefully considered before purchase.

If your wardrobe leans towards crisp lines, go for a geometric bag. If your look is softer, a scrunchier bag is more on target. If you’re a vintage queen, you have the widest range of all.

Petite women can get shoulder straps shortened (by a good shoe-repair shop) so that the bag hangs at a comfortable spot.

Beware of a bag with flimsy straps. It’s easy pickings for a purse-snatcher.

The quickest way to downgrade the look of a great bag is to overstuff it. Bag volume is always smaller than it looks.



Tod's Mummy bag - great pockets to stash stuff in

Rucksacks kill the lines of a good suit, but stylish ones are great at weekends.

Nothing downgrades a great look faster than a sensible totebag, which people do notice, even when it’s at the end of your arm. If you need to transport bulky papers to and from the office or school, get yourself a stylish carry-all.

New mothers: there’s no rule that says you have to carry one of those cartoonish nappy/toy/catch-all baby bags. A roomy nylon bag in a sleek shape is light and waterproof, and looks ten times smarter.

• Be aware that designer initials turn off as many people as they impress.
  

Great Names in Bags

If a given design house is famed for the beauty of its footware, odds are high it will make gorgeous bags as well.

Asprey, Balenciaga, Bill Amberg, Bulgari, Celine, Chloe, Delvaux, Furla, Jamin Puech, J & M Davidson, Hermes, Longchamps, Luella, Mulberry, Philip Treacy, Smythson of Bond Street, Tanner Krolle and many more.

See also How a Touch of Vintage Leads to Bags of Style - Quality Considerations.