Purse Essentials: 40 Things To Keep In Your Bag

Bagnet is woman-owned and sells magnetic bag holders and phone slings.

Promising review: "This is the best bag holder ever! I was completely blown away, the magnet is SO strong. Works in so many places: in restrooms (try the hinges if the door isn't metal), at restaurants (on tables, chairs, even under the table), at the gym to hold my water bottle and keys so they don't end up on the floor. But my absolute favorite place to use it is on my car! I can attach it to the side of my car while I unlock it without having my hands full and leaving me vulnerable. If you have ever felt nervous trying to fumble with all your stuff while trying to unlock your doors in a dark parking lot, you need this! My only regret is that I didn't know about it sooner. I am going to get one for everyone in my life for Christmas. Any person who carries a bag should have one (or two). Seriously, it's life changing​." —robert rodriguez

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in 30 styles). 

It's time to start treating handbags like a legitimate investment.

In 2020, the investment potential of handbags outpaced rare artwork, cars and whiskey, according to Art Market Research. By 2027, the market is expected to reach $100 billion, compared to today's $72 billion.

As the founder of Rebag, a designer handbag resale site, I've kept a close eye on the resale value of sought-after luxury goods.

Based on our proprietary pricing tool, which uses millions of data points on primary and secondary market pricing and demand, here are six designer handbags that are actually worth the money — and the ones you may regret buying:

1. Telfar bags

Telfar Shopping Bag

Photo: Rebag

Thanks to high demand, limited drops and celebrity fans like Dua Lipa, Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé, Telfar bags have an average value retention of 195%, meaning that they appreciate to nearly twice as much as their original retail price.

That's well above other major designer names — like Chanel, for example, which boasts an average value retention of 87%.

Founded in 2005 by Telfar Clemens, any model of the Telfar Shopping Bag, especially the Ugg, Eastpak and Moose Knuckles collaborations, will earn at least its retail value at resale.

2. Hermès bags

Hermès Birkin Sellier

Photo: Rebag

Like Telfar, Hermès is a designer "unicorn." On average, the brand's products retain their initial retail value and are worth more on the resale market.

The French luxury brand has an average value retention of 103%. The Birkin and Kelly bags — named after Jane Birkin and Grace Kelly — do especially well at resale because they are two of Hermès' marquee items.

Birkins have an average value retention of 96%, while the Kelly averages 108%. The rare Birkin Sellier has an especially high average value retention of 226%.

3. Louis Vuitton bags

Louis Vuitton x NBA Ball in Basket Bag

Photo: Rebag

Another designer "unicorn," Louis Vuitton boasts some impressive resale values, especially on their short-release styles.

For example, the Nigo Keepall Bandoulière bag has a 119% average value retention, while the Louis Vuitton x NBA Ball in Basket Bag has a 147% average value retention. 

The brand's average retention value at resale is 92%.

4. Chanel bags

Chanel Deauville Tote

Photo: Rebag

The resale value of Chanel bags climbed with its primary market price increases. Up 12 percentage points from 2021, the brand's average value retention is 87%, although several bags exceed 100%.

Chanel's Deauville Tote and Grand Shopping Tote are among the highest-value bags, retaining an average of 112% and 110%, respectively, of their values on the secondary market.

5. Mini editions

Louis Vuitton Mini Speedy

Photo: Rebag

Mini editions are excellent investments because they are produced in smaller quantities and have high demand, often driving their secondary market values up.

For example, the Louis Vuitton Speedy Mini HL Handbag retains 201% of its value at resale, while a vintage Fendi Micro Baguette keeps 149% of its retail value on the secondary market.

6. Collaborations

Dior Daniel Arsham Double Zip Crossbody Pouch

Photo: Rebag

Collaborations are excellent investments because they're limited editions that often sell out.

The Balenciaga and Gucci Hacker Project tote has a 122% average value retention, while The Hacker Project camera bag holds 116% of its initial retail value at resale.

Artist Daniel Arsham's Dior collaboration also performs well, with its double-zip crossbody pouch keeping 139% of its retail value on the secondary market.

Not all designer handbags are good investments

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