Taking the Plunge: What Designer Bags to Invest in and Why

There comes a day when every girl just needs a genuine designer handbag. Whether you saved up or irresponsibly just put it on the credit card you swore off, there are some things you should take into account to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

When I get a designer handbag there are 5 qualifications I take into account before making my purchase.

1. Is the price reasonable (enough)
Is the bag...
2. Classic
3. Versatile
4. Durable
5. Functional

If you keep these characteristics in mind you will not be let down by your purchase and will enjoy your bag for longer (than just one season). With that being said, I picked a few designer bags from some of my favorite designers that embody these 5 qualifications. They are reasonably priced (for the brand), are a nice classic design that will last throughout the years, can be used for many occasions, will hold up well, and will work well for your everyday life.

Marc Jacobs

Now this is not a typical handbag, it is a clutch/case which is absolutely essential for going out on the town. Thus, I recommend this fantastic little Marc Jacobs for only $260!
Coach

Coach is usually pretty reasonable and most of their bags are cute. I particularly like the the Madeline Medium Signature Tote is perfect for you "Charlotte" types. It is very prim and can be perfectly matched to any outfit with an adorable sash as shown. I might buy it for only $328!

Louis Vuitton

I have to admit that LV is one of my favorite designers. I think this is because my first designer bag was a LV. I recommend the Speedy bag. Its roomy, and a classic design that will never go out of style. Priced at $660 it is more than reasonable for a bag you will carry forever!
Gucci

I love Gucci. Every season the come out with the most fabulous bags and it is so tempting to buy the latest trendy bag. This will be a waste of money. I recommend the Hysteria Medium Shoulder Bag. It is priced well for Gucci at just $750 and would be a good investment for any Gucci lover.
Prada

A Prada bag is an understated display of posh sophistication. No geek off the street can recognize a Prada bag right away, which is how you know its good! I love the Medium Push Lock Bag at $930 its practically a steal.
Dior

Now, Dior can be a tricky one. Most of their bags are super trendy and are only good for a season. Not to mention they are stupidly expensive, However their Lady Dior Soft Tote is cute and is only $1350.
Man this makes me want to shop... damn. Hope you can.

Pure Opulence, a Real Estate MUST SEE!

I have never seen anything like this home. I really do not have the words do describe it. If you have $72,000,000 to spend on some choice real estate (since so many of us do), this is the place. Please see this ridiculous spread. Pay special attention to the "closet". I almost died. 

Shout Out to my Frugal Friend

As I mentioned in a previous post, my friend Kari writes a blog (sorta the ying to my yang) "The Art of Frugality" where she discusses the "Freegan" lifestyle and more practical things to save money on then the things I discuss here on Opulence. Anywho, from time to time we have complimentary ideas and I plan on sharing any ideas featured on her blog that you, dear reader might enjoy. So, here is the link. Please read and enjoy. The post that I would like to point out is entitled, "e.l.f., more than just a mythical creature". I will not spoil the surprise for you, suffice to say, its worth the read. 

Highway Robbery, what I like to call the Swarovski Crystal Flip Flops

Yeah, so the blinged out Swarovski Crystal flip flops are cute but this is what they are going for:
In case you can't read that below it says $145!!! I find this to be outrageous. I had been eying a similar pair at a local boutique for a similar price and almost took the plunge. Then I came to my senses and realized that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to make them yourself. I went to my local bead shop. picket up 2 grosses of crystals in my choice color, costing me around $14, and picked up some flip flops at Old Navy for around $3. I bought some heavy duty craft glue that ran me somewhere in the ballpark of $6 and went to town. You can see the similar results for a total cost of about $23 (top, beige). Bottom line, all you need is a steady hand and some time to achieve the same results. It took me about 3 hours to bling both flip flops with 3 rows of crystals on each strap. I always encourage bejeweling items yourself. Its cheaper and fun! So bling on. 

Inspiration for "Opulence"

So I never thought I would be one to blog, although I did always see the appeal. You can create your own little world where you actually feel like people really give a damn about what you have to say. I can dig it. However, my true inspiration came from my friend who started a blog (this must be a cliche' by now) called "The Art of Frugality". We have talked in depth about her ideas to save money by creative means (many of which I brutally rebuffed, sorry...) but turns out, it quite an interesting read. This got me thinking, perhaps I should start a blog honoring those primal desires of ours (despite her new found appreciation for frugality, she too is an Opoholic) while paying homage to all the things we wish we could have, but can't while offering some tips on how to mimic the fabulosity, or find it for less. So, thank you Kari, for inspiring me to be proactive and not just shit on other people's ideas. Link to her blog to follow.