Bag Bankruptcy

How much is too much to spend on a bag?

Every fashionista must have an iconic bag. Seriously what is an outfit's completion without that distressed leather or crocodile pattern hanging confidently from your arm? But how much is too much? $50? $150? $500? $5,000??? Does it even make sense that designers and brand makers charge such variations of prices for a product that does the same as its competitor? A bag is a bag. We all can agree on that right?
But where is the financial line drawn when it comes to iconography and self expression? Personally, I adore heading to my favorite outlet versions of all the stores I can't afford and finding MK for $140 instead of $240 or a $99 Kate Spade (no joke, I found one at a Marshalls). However, someone else may find those prices outlandish still. Well, if they find those prices unethical what would they say to a regular priced Chanel, or a Louis V, or (be still their hearts), a Birkin!? Chanel bags can be seen as the pinnacle of feminism where as Vuittons are considered investment pieces for their upstanding and long lasting leather. But what about those Birkins?

Hermès Birkin bags are the epitome of status. It's the bag all the celebs wear from Kim K and Housewives, to J. Lo and Lindsay Lo, and even our favorite villainous mother, Lily Van Der Woodsen of Gossip Girl. What entices regular people more than the possessions of the famous and elite? Forbes magazine published an article online last year solely on how to purchase your first Birkin because it is in that high of demand. Instructions included attending lavish auctions of the wealthy and literally having a game plan on how to conquer. Prices on these bags vary by condition and relativity. For instance, an older version of the "Blue Jasmine" Birkin from 2006 seen on Cate Blanchett would cost a mere $3,000, which is a steal compared to the $11,000 price tag on a more recent version of the same bag. But don't be fooled by those low prices; these bright colored beauties can actually climb into the $50,000 and even the $100,000 range. The article only lists auctions as the way to buy, be it live or online; but this makes sense considering there aren't too many places you can get your hands on them anyway. They aren't usually sold at your local Bx4 (Bergdorfs, Barney's, Bloomingdales, or Bendels). In fact, it's been rumored that not only are there waiting lists for these bags, but there are limits to how many one person can purchase at a time and if you don't buy from an auction you can purchase from a dealer! These bags have dealers! Like for cars and...other things. This has all mainly been hearsay on different shows like The Real Housewives of Miami (now cancelled...aww) but it wouldn't come as much of a surprise.

What makes these bags so desirable and expensive? You could say it's its construction and design but lots of bags are made from the best of leathers and animals. Lots of bags take endless hours for craftsmanship. Lots of bags have more recently taken on similar design structures, too, at more affordable pricing. It clearly must be the likes of the who's who we see them on because I have yet to read a report claiming the bag can make me a sandwich, walk my dog, or clean my house to justify the price. In fact, I feel as though if you can purchase and afford an investment piece such as a Birkin, you probably should introspect where you're investing and be sure there aren't better causes-like a needy child's college fund or a homeless shelter. But just because interest in buying any of the outrageous, totally impractical elite bags seems unethical and selfish...doesn't mean we'll stop trying to snag one to be the envy of all our IG followers...and the rest of the world.

I'm even on a few waiting lists myself (can't beat 'em, join 'em; duh. Countdown to 2018 in 3...2...1...).

xo,

LBL