If your biggest life goal is to own a designer handbag, it might be time for a reality check. Let’s be honest—having a luxury purse isn’t a fundamental right.
This country wasn’t built on the idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of Louis Vuitton. When the Constitution was being drafted, John Hancock wasn’t rushing to sign it so he could make it to a Kate Spade sample sale. Thomas Jefferson didn’t argue for an amendment granting everyone the right to own a Birkin bag. Yet somehow, the fight for independence has turned into a battle for a spot on the Chloe bag waitlist.
One of the most common questions I get on this blog is how to score designer handbags—whether real or fake. My usual response has always been the same: fakes are a no-go, designer bags are pricey, and mid-range brands like Kooba, Hype, and Coach offer great quality without the hefty price tag.
But the more I think about it, the more my perspective shifts. I recently had a moment of clarity when someone in the audience at one of my talks asked, “Why are so many women obsessed with buying expensive designer bags?” My answer? In cities like New York, handbags are what cars are to Los Angeles—a direct status symbol. Since places like New York, London, and Tokyo are so pedestrian-friendly, people use handbags (and watches, in the case of men) to showcase their status—or at least create the illusion of it.
After reflecting on this further, I’ve come to believe that our obsession with designer handbags stems from the fact that they’re a relatively affordable way to display wealth. In today’s world, status—whether it’s wealth, fame, or influence—seems to be everything. Compared to buying a luxury car or a high-end home, a designer handbag is a much more accessible status symbol for the average shopper.
Plus, carrying an expensive bag can make your entire outfit look high-end, even if everything else you’re wearing came from a thrift store. Just look at the Olsen twins—perfect examples of this phenomenon.
At the end of the day, owning a designer handbag isn’t a necessity, nor should it be a major life goal—unless handbags are truly your passion. Instead, focus on finding bags that reflect your personal style. In the long run, embracing your unique style is the best fashion choice you can make.