Handbags Online - A Blog Dedicated to the Rantings of Handbag Addicts!

We all have our weaknesses. Some people like to collect antiques, others spoons. Well, we like to collect handbags. I guess it all began for me about twenty years ago when wearing a comfortable pair of jeans and a T-shirt needed an accessory to pull the ensemble all-together. At first, spending more than $50 on a new purse seemed an outrage. Yet, after my first expensive trip to Fendi, it became an easy to shop for a new designer handbag.

I remember my first designer handbag purchase as though it was yesterday. I'd heard about brands like Prada, Gucci and Fendi. But, I never visited any of their shops. I lived in Houston at the time and the Galleria Mall had all the fabulous designer stores. There was even an ice-skating rink in the center of the three-level enclosed shopping center. It was a wonderful place to get lost for a few hours.

Back in the 80's and 90's designer backpacks were really sylish. The Prada backpack was the biggest thing on the market and just about the time I started looking for my first designer purse, I stumbled into the Prada boutique at the Galleria. The Prada salesperson wasn't very friendly. I didn't feel welcomed. I asked a few questions, and really didn't feel like spending my hard-earned cash at Prada. So, I left. Besides, the Prada backpack didn't seem like it was worth $550! It consisted of a thin layer of nylon, a top closure and backpack adjustable straps. Actually, I was shocked at it's price tag.

I walked across the mall and entered the Fendi boutique. The salesperson was very friendly and I felt more at ease. I had been in the Fendi boutique several times before, so I was somewhat a familiar face. Yet, I hadn't made any purchases, I felt like a purchase was about to happen. I had been eyeing and trying on a Fendi FF Zucca print backpack for about a month or so. It was $450 on sale that day for $325. I pulled it off the rack and threw it over my shoulder again. The salesperson said, "If you try that bag on one more time, it's going to be worn out by the time you buy it."

To me, making a purchase for a $325 purse was a life-changing event. The most I'd ever paid for a handbag was $39! But, I had to have that Fendi! I called my husband and explained my dilemna. It was an approach avoidance conflict and I was stuck! He said, "Buy it."

My walk back into the Fendi store was fun. I explained to the salesperson how difficult it was for me to spend over $300 on a new purse. Of course, she laughed, and said,"The fist time is always hard, but believe me it's downhill from there."

Little did I know I had just entered a new phase of my life. I learned it's not difficult to get the things you want as long as you are willing to work for them, appreciate them and not get too carried away.