I listed some of the handbags I consider to be true investment pieces. They have major lasting power and don’t go out of style with the new season. All of these can be worn daily which guarantees high mileage. You may not want to flaunt your Chanel 2.55 everyday but that’s your decision. The way I see it, handbags and clothes are there to be worn and enjoyed! All of the below handbags are available at Brown Thomas and Harvey Nichols Dublin. The price ranges given are very approximate, as they vary depending on the version, season and retailer.

Lower Price Range: 300 – 500 euro

Marc Jacobs Hillier

This is a classic office handbag. The price tag is not outrageous and I highly recommend Marc Jacobs  handbags for durability. It’s a lasting classic.

Louis Vuitton Speedy and Neverfull

I call Louis Vuitton Speedy the gateway drug to designer handbags… A lot of ladies I know bought speedy as a first designer handbag. (My gateway drug was a Marc Jacobs oversized black leather tote, which I still use!). You can choose the monogram print (LV letters) or Daimler print.  I prefer when logos are a little more discreet, and would always go for Daimler print. If Speedy is too small for you, try one of LV Neverfull totes. I went for medium size Daimler GM and use it as a work bag, even my laptop fits .

D&G Lily

Lily is a little retro and come in a multitude of colours, sizes and shapes.  I adore the two-toned Lily with multiple zips. The shapes of these handbags are timeless.

Medium Price Range: 500 – 900 euro

Miu Miu Coffer

I love Miu Miu handbags – the leather is always soft, and the bags are light and right on trend. Miu Miu Coffer has got to be my favourite. There’s one in every colour! Every season Miu Miu does a permutation of Coffer so I don’t see it going out of style anytime soon.

Mulberry Bayswater and Alexa

I’ve been planning to buy Bayswater for some time now, but I can never decide on texture and colour. I love the shape but I’m afraid it may not be very practical for daily running around town. It’s a great work bag though. The most stylish laptop bag ever made has got to be Mulberry for Apple black patent Bayswater! As for Classic Bayswater: I would highly recommend tan, metallic black or suede grey. The light pink colour is fantastic for summer! If Mulberry Bayswater is a bit too serious for you – I would go for medium size Mulberry Alexa in tan colour. It’s a perfect satchel for any season and outfit!

Top of the Range: 900 – 1400 euro

Chanel 2.55 flap bag

The iconic Chanel 2.55 flap bag was first created by Coco Chanel in February 1955 (hence the name). The chain strap was revolutionary at the time: Chanel wanted to free women’s hands during banquets: they could now enjoy canapés and drink champagne at the same time. Today the 2.55 handbag comes in two versions: Classic and Reissue. Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced the Classic version in the 80s. It came with a signature interlocking CC clasp and was a major hit. In 2005 Chanel revived the original design, which they called Reissue. The Reissue handbag looked exactly like the original from 1955 with the signature Mademoiselle clasp. Both versions come in small, medium and jumbo sizes. For a first time buyer, I suggest the medium size gold chain lambskin Classic flap bag. It will serve you for decades if not longer. Alternatively you could go with the small or medium black metallic Reissue with silver strap. Metallic adds a wow factor to the Reissue bag. Avoid seasonal multicoloured and fabric versions of 2.55 – they will give you a major case of buyer’s remorse. Reissue bags are slightly bigger than Classic.

Prada – all totes

Although my all time favourite Prada bag would have to be Cervo tote, you can’t go wrong with any Prada creation. These handbags will last you ages and will never go out of style. I suggest grey, black and burgundy colours.

YSL Muse and Muse II

There are two versions of YSL Muse and Muse Two. Each comes in variety of sizes. I prefer Muse Two in two-tone colours. It’s a real show stopper!

Balenciaga City

This is the handbag I’ve been pining over for over a year and finally bought it! It’s perfect for day and night! I would highly recommend going for City, which is larger than Balenciaga First. Also, I’m not a big fan of large silver studs, so would go with more subdued black studs as pictured above.

Givenchy Nightingale and Antigona

A shopping assistant at Selfridges once told me that Nightingale is the first bag to be sold out during sales. Balenciaga City is the second. I think that speaks for itself. Smart barganistas know what to go for . Just recently Givenchy launched a new handbag Antigona. It’s less slouchy than Nightingale and is a lasting classic.