7 Tips for Buying A Luxury Handbag

It's no secret I have a huge love for luxury designer handbags and I have done several posts, articles, and TV segments on this topic. (here, here, and here ) I definitely gravitate towards bags that are classic and timeless and I am in the process right now of adding a new bag to my collection. In the past I have bought bags without really doing the proper research and I have made some mistakes along the way. So now I try and take more time before making such a huge purchase and I try and follow these 7 tips when buying a luxury handbag. 

Also several people recently have asked me which bag I would recommend right now. I think this is always such a tough and personal question because it depends on what type of bag you want, your budget, what bags you already have in your closet.  I went ahead and included some of my favorite designer bags and you can shop them below. 

 

7 Tips For Buying A Luxury Handbag 

1. Do your research.  Start your search for a luxury handbag with some online research.  I like to hop on You Tube and watch reviews of the bags I am looking at. I also like to go on Instagram and do a hash tag search to see how other people are wearing and styling bags. Lastly, blogs like The Purse Blog and Purse Forum are super helpful for reviews on designer handbags. 

2. Color match with your wardrobe. Choose a color that works with your current wardrobe. I like to visualize a few outfits and make sure the bag matches with items in my wardrobe.  I recommend not spending a lot of money on designer bags that not neutral or colors you don't wear a lot. You will just end up getting tired of that color or you will find it isn't versatile enough for you and it will end up just sitting on your shelf. 

3. Evaluate your current bag collection and lifestyle. Luxury bags are expensive and you don't want to buy a new bag that is too similar in style or color to a bag already in your collection. Also it's good to take inventory of the bags you have and assess what type of bag is missing and where are the gaps are. For example you may want to ask yourself Do I need a cross body or a mini bag? Do I need a large tote to carry items from day to night? Evaluating your lifestyle and how you will use the bag is really important in determining the best type of bag to purchase. 

4. Price research. Shop around and look at pre owned market. I find that most of the time you don't save a lot and it's best to just get it from the store. But sometimes you get lucky and the bag you are looking for is available pre-owned and it's a great price. 

5. Try it on. This one is so important. If you are able to I recommend going to the store and trying on the bag. Be sure to check out the length of the straps and see how you like the size of the bag. Also make sure you can easily take things in and out of the bag and that all your necessary items fit in the bag. Take your time and really make sure you love the bag. 

6. Wait. Don't impulse buy but instead take a little time to think it over and make sure it's something you really want to add. I usually go home and think it over for a couple of days.  I have made a couple of impulse purchases in the past and have regretted those purchases. Now I take my time and make 100% sure the bag is the right one for me. 

7. Buy the bag and enjoy!  Buying the bag is the fun part. But remember to inspect the item for quality with stitching, handles, hardware etc. Make sure you're happy with the bag before you purchase it. Once you purchase your bag enjoy it and use it. I can't tell you how many of my clients don't use their bags. Handbags are meant to be used as much as possible. To help retain the shape stuff your handbags with tissue, dust bags, or old clothes. Lastly display your bags on open shelves if you can. If you see your bags you are more likely to use them daily. 

(Photos by Bonnie Sen Photography) 

Shop some of my favorite luxury designer handbags below 

Beauty Favorites: April

Over the past couple of months I have been replenishing some of my beauty products and also adding some new products in the mix as well. Here is a list of what I recently added.

You can also find these products and all my favorite beauty and makeup products over at CAPSULE. 

1. La Mer The Eye Balm Intense- I love this eye balm and honestly I switch back and forth between this and The Eye Concentrate. Both are amazing and I haven't found a La Mer product I haven't loved. 

2. La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream - In the spring and summer I switch from creme de La Mer to the moisturizing soft cream. It's lighter and my skin isn't as dry so I don't need such a heavy moisturizer. 

3. Organic Coconut Oil- Growing up my mom put coconut oil in my hair every Sunday and I didn't like it back then but now I appreciate it because I had really healthy and thick hair. My sister uses this to remove her eye makeup and I tried it while visiting her and it worked great. I also have dry skin in the winter so this will be really nice to use head to toe for extra hydration and to lock in moisture. 

4. Becca Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop- This is an award-winning highlighting powder with an ultra-buttery texture that melts into skin for the ultimate high-impact glow. I use it to define my cheekbones and I also use just a touch above my eyebrows for extra glow. I love the dewy look this highlighter gives. 

 5. Becca Mineral Blush in Songbird- This blush pairs up nicely with the Becca highlighter for a look that is natural and glowy. 

6. Anastasia by Beverly Hills Highlighter Brush #23- This brush was recommended to me by a sales associate at Sephora and I use it to apply the Becca highlighter. 

7. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Bone- I have been using this eye shadow for a long time and it serves as a great base or it can be used on it's own as an eye shadow. It glides on smoothly and gives a nice matte finish. 

8. Dior Addict Lacquer Plump-I am not a huge fan of lipstick and lip gloss in general. I feel like most don't last and I can never find just the perfect color. This one is pretty good-it's a rosy nude and I like to use this first and add another lighter pink on top to soften and reduce the intensity of this color. 

9. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of ferulic acid and pure vitamin C and E to enhance your skin’s protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals. This SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation (IRA) and ozone pollution (O3). In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, C E Ferulic improves signs of aging and photo damage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion.

Shop these beauty products below 

 

Roundup Of My Favorite Leather Jackets

Photography by Bonnie Sen and makeup courtesy of Glamsquad.

A fabulous leather jacket is one of top 3 wardrobe must have items. It's a great basic or foundational piece that can be layered over almost anything in your wardrobe. I love pairing leather jackets with floral dresses...it gives a little edge and balances out a look that might otherwise be too feminine. 

Today I am rounding up some of my favorite leather jackets. The one I am wearing above is from Zara and I don't think it's available anymore but here are some of my other favorites.

On Air: Golden Globes Fashion at Let's Talk Live

On Monday I stopped by Let's Talk Live to for a fashion recap from the Golden Globes. Black dresses ruled the red carpet in show of solidarity for the mission of anti-sexual harrassment group Time's Up and the #MeToo movement. Thisi year the question was not " Who are you wearing: but instead it was Why are you wearing black?" It was about standing up-not standing out. I think all the women looked so polished and powerful and they seemed relaxed and confident on the red carpet.

Click on the image below to view the entire TV segment. 

RedBook October Beauty Box Review

This month, as a contributor of Redbook magazine's network, I am reviewing a few new beauty products. The products include Big Sexy Hair Power Play Lite Soft Voluminizing & Texturizing Powder, Mary Kay Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask, Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer, Finishing Touch Flawless Hair Remover, and MegRhythm Gentle Steam Eye Mask. 

Mary Kay: Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

My review

This was my first time using a charcoal mask ever and I really liked it! This triple-action mask is formulated with activated charcoal, an ingredient that can bind up to double it's weight in pore-clogging impurities. Plus, mineral clay ingredients, kaolin and bentonite, boost the mask's absorbency. I love how the mask soaked up excess oil and gave a smooth matte appearance. Also the mask contains honeysuckle and navy bean extracts which have been shown to target the appearance of skin discoloration. I only used it once but I think this is something I would definitely use more regularly. 

Features

-Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to unclog pores

-Formula is clinically shown to instantly absorb excess oil and reduce shine 

-Extracts of rosemary and peppermint deliver a fresh scent 

-Gentle cooling sensation as you smooth the formula across your skin 

Curel: Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer

My review

Ever since I can remember I have been in the habit of moisturizing my body after a shower. And over the years I have tried a variety of moisturizers. But lately I have been using Cetaphil moisturizing cream (the one in a big tub) and I love it. So when I tried Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer by Curel I was a little skeptical to change things up. But I actually really like it! And what I love most is that it has no fragrance at all and it completely absorbs into my skin without any greasiness. I definitely recommend this moisturizer-especially for the winter months. 

Features

-Water activated moisture works deep into skin's surface

-Helps repair moisture barrier; contains proprietary Advanced Ceramide Complex

-Immediately absorbs and completely greaseless

-Skin feels more hydrated instantly

-Fragrance free and Dermatologist recommended 

-Received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance 

Finishing Touch: Finishing Touch Flawless

My review

So actually I had seen an article about this product being a top seller on Amazon and I had already purchased it.  I love the way the product looks super discreet and it's also perfect to keep in your purse. I have many occasions when I get in the car and I see a stray hair on my chin or on my upper lip but with Finishing Touch Flawless you can easily take care of this instantly and without pain. This product has the same benefits of shaving but is better for smaller areas and it also works nicely for peach fuzz.  This would really make a great stocking stuffer and pretty sure I will be stocking up on these for the lovely ladies in my family. 

Features

-No need for hair to grow out-can use everyday

-Instant and painless, no redness and irritation

-Safe for all skin types and tones

-Dermatologist approved 

  

MEGRHYTHM: Gentle Steam Eye Mask (available exclusively at Amazon!)

My review

Ariyana and I both tried this the other night and I see why it's selling so well on Amazon. This eye mask is relaxing and relieves tired eyes and best of all it feels calming and warm. The one I had had a lovely lavender scent as well.  Just brew a nice cup of chamomile tea (or a glass of wine), put on some chill tunes, and throw on this mask for a super relaxing bedtime ritual. 

Features

-This eye mask utilizes advanced self-heating technology to heighten relaxation and relieve tired eyes with the warm and soothing sensation of steam heat. 

-Steam heat moistens and relaxes tired eyes while hydrating surrounding skin

-Available in three soothing scents: Lavender, Citrus, and Unscented

-Perfect for use during travel, at the office or before bed

SEXY HAIR: Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Lite Soft Volumizing & Texturizing Powder

I use dry power on a regular basis between washes but Sexy Hair is a little different. It feels a little heavier than dry powder and it's used more for volumizing. The other day I put my hair up in a ponytail and I used the this product to help lift and add some volume to my ponytail.  It evenly mists powder in a cloudlike spray and provides soft volume and texture in an instant. Sexy Hair is lightweight, talc free, and can be used on dark hair colors like mine.

I prefer the texture of dry powder and this feels a bit heavier but I guess if you're looking to add volume the product needs to be a bit heavy.  This is not something I would use regularly but I think I need to play around with it more. I would love to hear your thoughts if you've tried this product or other volumizing and texturing products. 

How To Use:

-Pump on dry hair directly at the root and/or throughout the hair for soft and lightweight volume and texture

This post was sponsored by RedBook and all opinions are my own.