After sharing my closet reveal last week, I have had several of you reach out and ask how to create a timeless handbag and shoe collection. Today, I thought I would share some tips on how I started my collections and how you can get started.
Let me start off by saying any collection takes years to complete. It’s part of the journey and part of the fun! Don’t expect your collection to be complete over night. Another important tip, is to buy what your budget allows!!! DO NOT think that you HAVE to spend money you don’t have! Invest in pieces you can afford, when you can afford them. You can replace items with higher quality items when you have the means. You can build a stunning, versatile handbag and shoe collection without buying all designer!
I’m sharing how you can create a timeless handbag and shoe collection on a smaller, medium and higher budget. Use these tips no matter what your budget is and you will be on your way to creating a timeless collection you will love for years and years.
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Tips to Create a Timeless Handbag + Shoe Collection
- Choose classic lines that will always be fashionable. Avoid trends, instead, look for pieces with timeless elements. A black heel with a slightly pointed toe, a simple black purse that can be dressed up or down and with a strap that can be worn in several ways (over the shoulder, crossbody and over the arm).
- Select the highest quality your budget will allow and choose quality over quantity. I would much rather have 10 pairs of comfortable shoes I love, than 50 inexpensive, uncomfortable, trendy shoes that will be out of style and donated by next year.
- Purchase neutral colored pieces for versatility. Think black, nude, pink, creams or whites. These colors go with everything! Once you have your base collection, add in a fun mix color.
- Stay true to your personal style! My style is more fancy. I like to dress up everyday, no matter what I’m doing. So, I invest in pieces that fit my personal love for dressing up. Don’t waste your money on fancy pieces if you’d rather be in tennis shoes! Instead, invest in the most comfy, cute pairs of kicks your budget will allow! Find your unique style and build your collection around the way you live!
Here is a peek at the collection I have built over the years. Yes, it’s taken years!
How to Style Your Collection
- Once you’ve started your collection, displaying your shoes and handbags in a visually appealing way is a must! Arrange your shoes and purses by color and style. Keep sandals together, heels together, etc. I like all of my toes facing forward. To save room, you can do one forward and one backward.
- Use purse hangers to display your favorite purses. I love these adjustable gold purse hangers.
Which Purse you Should Purchase First
With so many options, what should you buy first? Here are a few tips to help you decide!
- If you were going to invest in just one designer piece, I would start with a white/cream handbag. White can be used year round and is so incredibly versatile. Then go to black, pink and nude. Same with your shoes.
- When selecting a style, look for one that can be worn and style in multiple ways. I love the crossbody style. It can be worn on the shoulder, crossbody or over the arm. This style can be worn with jeans or a fancy dress. Each one is timeless and versatile. I found pieces at several price points to help you find the perfect one for your budget.
- Which designer should you choose? This is such a personal choice. Go with one that fits your budget and personal style. Chanel is my favorite designer brand for handbags. I love the story and detail behind each of her classic pieces. Chanel tends to be a more dressy, which fits my personal style. You do have to visit a boutique or have a sales rep help you over the phone, in order to purchase a Chanel bag. Buying a previously owned handbag from Fashionpile is a great way to get designer pieces for less.
More Designer Brands I love
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- Dior, similar in price to Chanel. I also love their shoes and costume jewelry.
- Gucci, YSL, Louis Vuitton and Valentino handbags are less expensive than Chanel and have gorgeous options as well.
- Tory Burch , Kate Spade and Rebecca Minkoff are really good, affordable designer brands you can also check out for classic pieces.
- Some of my favorite brands for special, more trendy pieces are MME Mink and Pamela Munson.
Below is a collection of purses that are similar in style to the timeless pieces I have in my collection. Each one is timeless and versatile. I found pieces at several price points to help you find the perfect one for your budget.
Black
White/Cream
Pink
Nude/Camel
Top 10 Shoe Styles to Start your Shoe Collection
- Look for shoes that fall into one of these 10 categories to start off your shoe collection. Then you can fill in other shoes. These 10 shoe styles are the heart of your collection and is where you should invest the most of your budget. You will wear these shoes the most, so buy the best you can afford so they can last for years.
- Selected colors that match with what colors you wear the most. They should be neutral! If you wear more black, look for more black options. If you tend to wear more soft, neutral colors, select neutral colored shoes. Neutral shades go with everything!
- Shoe categories…These are all shoes I own and can attest to their quality and comfort.
- Neutral Colored Mule
- Classic Black Heel
- Dressy Slide Sandal
- High Quality Sneaker –
- Casual Slide
- Ballet Flat
- Neutral Colored Sling Heel
- Neutral Colored Boot
- Dressy Sneaker
- Neutral Colored Ankle Strap Sandal
These are the exact shoes (unless no longer available, then the most similar style found is substituted), I have in my collection and LOVE! Gucci and Valentino are the most comfortable designer shoes for high heels. I could wear them all day! I also linked some of my favorite, high quality, more budget friendly shoe options that fit these looks. 
