Investing in luxury bags that marry trendy and classic
Dear Rissa,
I can’t afford luxury designer bags. But I want to invest in quality handbags that will survive trends but still look current.
Anj
The quickest way to update your wardrobe is through accessories like shoes, necklaces, earrings, and handbags. Next to shoes, bags are also a woman’s best friend. A brand I’m drawn to right now is Rabeanco. This is the bag I would buy if designer leather bags were too pricey. With its roots in Asia and now slowly conquering Europe, the brand was created to make luxurious leather widely available to everyone. Their bags are always chic, functional, and classic. What makes them truly timeless is the use of luxury leather, combined with modern designs, yet without the screaming logos. After all, luxury is always about quiet confidence.
I love how this brand makes luxury leather affordable. Their lush leather bags come in so many styles, too — cross body, satchel, shoulder and handbags, backpacks, totes. Each bag was designed very thoughtfully. You’ll find detachable and adjustable straps, multi pockets, hand-held and shoulder-strap options, and quality hardware. The designs feature unique but classic architectural shapes and maximized storage but minimalist silhouette. Head-turning pieces that never have to scream.
The bags of Rabeanco are well-constructed, too. My own Rabeanco bag has lasted me many years and makes a good travel mate. And every time I use it, people always think it’s a new trendy purchase. Apart from the amazing leather, what makes their bags covetable is they have mastered how to marry trendy and timeless. A Rabeanco purchase can go a long way — their bags look current yet at the same time can last you many seasons after.
Rissa
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Quality Doesn’t Always Come With A Steep Price Tag
Dear Lucy,
How do you take care of your shoes? And bags? I love bags and I am forever saving up for them. But the brand names get so expensive! Will anyone really know if I just buy fake? Chi-Chi
I make sure my shoes are cleaned after use and before I store them. Also, they are never squished together in one place or piled on top of each other, the leather scratching — I either keep them in their original boxes (each of which is labeled outside with a photograph of the shoes) or transfer them into transparent shoebox containers for easy identification.
I get my shoes professionally cleaned every so often, but I also keep near the shoe closet a nice basket of cleaning creams, brushes, cloths for every kind of shoe material. It makes things easy and convenient, negating any flimsy excuse about dirty shoes.
What I find very helpful (and which adds to my safety) is making sure that all walking shoes with leather soles are fitted with rubber soles so that they are not slippery. It also adds a level of comfort. The rubber comes in different colors so it is practically invisible when worn.
Stuff your shoes to keep their shape. Keep them clean and in a clean section that has good air circulating. Air them out, especially the ones not worn regularly.
Regarding bags, it is a matter of choice really. True, maybe no one else will know you bought a fake bag, but why go that way? Maybe no one will know, but you will know. Why not buy instead something from maybe a lesser-known brand but with excellent workmanship? Not everything out there has to cost an arm and a leg. I know someone who says her collection of bags can already buy her a small house and in hindsight, she says she should have bought that instead of all these bags that she never gets to use extensively anyway because always, there is a new “it” bag to be had. She once looked wistfully at all she had and lamented how she had so many bags and no property of her own yet.
Fashion is fun, but maybe one needs not be motivated by having the latest or the best. Buy quality. Invest in pieces that you can enjoy through time. Buy local! We have so many talented designers, let’s celebrate local talent. Do not be dictated by expensive “it” bags to have, you will survive just fine with more quiet choices that are excellent in quality, maybe lesser known brand-wise but beautiful just the same.
Lucy
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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil.
