First off, let’s just acknowledge the elephant in the room: “quality” is kinda subjective, innit? Like, what *you* consider top-notch might be different from what a Park Avenue socialite thinks. For me, it’s a combo of things. Obvs, the materials gotta be good. Think supple leather that feels amazing to the touch, stitching that could withstand a freakin’ earthquake, and hardware that doesn’t look like it’s gonna rust after one rain shower.
But it’s also gotta *feel* special, y’know? That weight in your hand, the way the leather molds over time, the confident strut you get knowing you’re rockin’ something seriously well-made. It’s kinda hard to explain, but you know it when you feel it.
Now, brands. Okay, so there are the *obvious* choices. Chanel? Duh. Loewe? Absolutely. Their bags are like works of art, honestly. Loewe, in particular, knows how to create that *perfect* bag. I’m just saying, if I win the lottery, that’s the first place I’m heading.
And then there’s the whole dupe thing. Like, okay, I get it. Not everyone can drop a down payment on a Chanel flap bag. And tbh, some dupes are actually pretty damn good these days! But just be careful, yeah? Do your research, read reviews, and don’t expect a $50 bag to magically turn into a $5,000 one. It’s just not gonna happen.
Honestly, though, even *within* the “luxury” world, quality can vary. Like, some brands are *all* about the name and the Instagram hype, but their actual craftsmanship might not be as impressive as their marketing. I’m not gonna name names (because lawyers, lol), but you gotta do your homework. Don’t just blindly buy into the brand; look at the construction, the materials, the overall vibe. Does it scream “expensive” or just “expensive-looking”?
And speaking of homework, lemme throw in a little something a friend told me. Check the insides of the bags. That’s where the real secrets lie. I read somewhere that the open-top design ties at the top with delicate leather straps, which is cute but not practical.