posts in
shopping tips
Guide to Buying your First Luxury Handbag | Five Points to Remember Before your Big Splurge
Thursday, 26 July 2018
Hey lovelies!
I did an outfit post sometime back featuring my Gucci tote and I received a lot of queries about the quality of the bag, where to find an authentic luxury bag and more - that made me write this blog post which can be your quick refer-to guide before you make you big splurge.
Planning your first luxury purchase could be an unnerving experience, especially if you have dreamt about it since long and you have decided to use a major chunk of your savings. While you may have set your heart on a particular bag already and are looking forward to buy it soon, there are a few things that may help you make a smart decision as this bag could easily become one of the key pieces in your wardrobe.
- Set a Realistic Budget
You may have seen a lot of designer handbags on your Instagram feed and being flaunted by your favourite celebrities, and would be thinking that you would have to shell thousands of dollars for that it-bag. But, you don't necessarily have to spend a bomb, especially for your first bag.
I had first planned to buy a luxury bag a couple of years back but I knew it will take up my entire salary for three months - so I ended up deciding it wasn't a wise decision. An year later, when I was consistently earning well from my blog and my corporate job - I decided to set aside my earnings for my IT-bag. However, I still didn't want to go overboard with the budget, so after a lot of planning and research online, I decided to spend roughly 1600 dollars for a mid-size bag that will be perfect for work to play and was also realistic considering my earnings.
That's why I suggest that you go for a realistic budget that will be easily manageable considering your earnings, without making you compromise on your lifestyle and general expenditure. You shouldn't be maxing our your credit limit or savings just to buy the IT-bag of the season - as you may end up regretting rather than enjoying your new luxury bag.
- Get to know the Styles
Once I started exploring bags that I wanted to purchase, I was pleasantly surprised to see that even a particular style from a designer label comes in various sizes, colours, patterns etc.
I had decided to buy the iconic bag from Louis Vuitton - Speedy - which came in four sizes - 25, 30, 35 and 40 and in different materials - Damier Azur canvas, Monogram canvas and Damier Ebene canvas. After visiting the Louis Vuitton boutique at DLF Emporio and checking out all the styles - I had fallen in love with the Speedy 30 in Damier Ebene that looked versatile and smart.
 |
| Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 |
However, before visiting the boutique I had done little research online about the styles that I preferred so that I don't get overwhelmed seeing the endless options in the store that could confuse me more.
I would recommend checking out The PurseBlog which has a lot of information on different handbags from popular luxury labels like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel and more. You can go through the various options available, make a list of a few styles that you would want to check out personally based on your requirements like - usage, occasion, color etc.
- Compare the Price & Functionality
Now, this is a key point to consider, especially if it's going to be your first luxury handbag and you would be looking forward to use a lot often. While there are many trendy options that come every season, the classics are better priced, never go out of style and are more suitable for all lifestyles.
Therefore, while a trending Dior saddle bag might look really Instagram-worthy at the moment, in the long run it might not prove to be really functional or versatile as compared to its hefty price.
I would suggest that you check out styles that are not only easy-to-style, but are also more functional with options like a detachable sling, separate compartments for mobile or tablet, zippers etc. that would help you make most of your handbag.
 |
| Gucci Pebbled leather bag |
Like for my first bag, I really wanted a mid-size bag that is roomy enough for my every day essentials - but also I don't have to think a lot about pairing it with any outfit. But for my second bag, which is a Gucci pebbled leather tote - I experimented a little with the color and went ahead for a bigger size as I really wanted a bag that can fit my laptop easily, especially for work meetings and shoot days when I have to carry a lot many things with me.
- Go to the authorised Brand Boutique
This is a really important point to consider, especially since this bag is going to be your big investment. A lot of people ask me about the authenticity of the deals available online on various websites that claim to source directly from the designer labels and sell at unbelievable prices.
I only say one thing to them - why would a designer label, which apparently never goes on Sale - would offer their goods at one-third of their original price?
Yes, many labels like Michael Kors and COACH have end of season sales on their merchandise, but luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Prada almost never go on sale. And if someone is claiming to have their products on Sale, I would suggest that you ask for the authenticity card or check directly by calling at the Brand boutique.
Also, the feeling of buying your designer handbag directly from the store is totally magical. So, to save yourself from disappointment later, visit an authorised Brand boutique to check out their styles in person, feel the quality and make your final purchase.
I only say one thing to them - why would a designer label, which apparently never goes on Sale - would offer their goods at one-third of their original price?
Also, the feeling of buying your designer handbag directly from the store is totally magical. So, to save yourself from disappointment later, visit an authorised Brand boutique to check out their styles in person, feel the quality and make your final purchase.
- Versatility is the key
Coming to the last point of this article, what's the fun of spending thousand of dollars on a bag that you can only style with one or two outfits in your wardrobe; or you can only carry to certain events?
It's always a good idea to purchase a more versatile and neutral bag as your first luxury handbag, rather than a trending number like one with too many embroidered patches or quirky elements - that might give it a unique appeal, but might go out of trend soon. Also, consider picking neutrals that will go well with most of your wardrobe items.
I really hope you all find this post helpful in selecting your first luxury bag and hope it turns out to be an investment that you fall in love with, as I have with my two luxury babies.
If this post helped you in making your first luxury purchase, do let me know in Comments below with the Style you picked - I would love to know about it!
Love
Nitika
Guide to Buying your First Luxury Handbag | Five Points to Remember Before your Big Splurge
Thursday, 26 July 2018
How to Avoid A Bad Buy Day - Tips from a Reformed Shopaholic
Wednesday, 4 July 2018
Hey lovelies!
The headline of this post might have intrigued you a little bit - well I am talking about the 'reformed shopaholic' part. If you have been a part of my blogging journey since last few years, you might have noticed my shopping habits change over the time. If you are new to my blog, then I would just give a brief intro that I was a shopping addict and mostly an impulse shopper.
But over the years, not only I have evolved as a person but my shopping habits have also changed considerably. Not that I don't shop anymore, but I do practical shopping. And that's why I thought I will share my thoughts today about avoiding a bad purchase or a bad shopping day - as I am sure each one of us has had a bad shopping day more than once.
Are their certain times when you come back home from a great shopping trip, open your shopping bags and immediately think -" Why did I buy this? What was I thinking?" - Well that's what you call a bad shopping day, and in this post I am going share some instant advice about how to be a smart shopper.
- Prepare a Basic Shopping List
I have realised that the best way to avoid needless purchases and sticking to your budget is by having a shopping list ready with you. I usually have a list ready for each season considering the wardrobe needs could change with seasons. Here, I have prepared a sample wardrobe shopping list that you can refer to -
Keep a similar list in your phone whenever you go shopping, and if you think you have enough items that are shown in the list already - you don't need to spend money on buying unnecessary clothes or shoes.
- Wait Overnight before selecting 'CHECKOUT' on your online shopping cart
Aren't we all guilty of making those impulse online purchases, as soon as we see an ad about a 1-day Sale or a Free product. Well, I surely was one of those people who used to get excited by seeing such offers and used to place orders in an instant. And at times, I had many online orders arriving at my place that I had completely forgotten about.
But once I realised that my wardrobe was overflowing with clothes and makeup that I hardly used, I knew I had to put a stop to the impulse online purchases. Now, whenever I see an incredible offer on a brand I liked, or had an urge to shop online - I add the products I like in the shopping cart but before I click Checkout- I decide to wait for a day and sleep on it. And trust me, the next day I end up realising that the things I wanted to pick were not that important.
- Shopping with a clear head
Most of us end up doing impulsive shopping usually after a breakup, a bad day at work or a fight with friends or family. Not only you end up making bad decisions, you also end up piling on things that you later realise you would have never picked had you been in your right mind.
 |
| Source : Etsy |
So, next time when you think about going for a shopping spree after a bad day - go have a hot chocolate instead - it's super relaxing and would cost you just a few bucks instead of a long shopping bill.
- Wait for the Sales
My friends and I follow this religiously and it has worked out wonders for us to not only control my urge to shop all the time, but also to save up a lot of money as all the brands put their collections on sale within 2 months of the launch. So, if you are not in a hurry to refresh your wardrobe or pick your favourites from the new merchandise, wait for the Sales when almost all the high street brands have offers upto 70% off.
And if you know exactly when the sales start (you can keep a tab through Facebook and Instagram, and also by following your favourite bloggers who know about these sales before they go live) - you can end up saving a lot of money.
- Invest in Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Now, this is one thing that I have learnt in last couple of years. Instead of purchasing every new trend that comes out every season and becomes obsolete soon; its better to invest in statement basics like a Louis Vuitton bag or a statement watch that are here to stay for long and you would be reaching out for them a lot often as compared to your in-trend jute bag or silicon-strap watch.
 |
| Source : Pinterest |
These essentials are not only the foundation for a classic wardrobe but also will be a mainstay in your closet; thus making it easier and chicer to dress up every day.
So, what do you think of these tops to avoid a bad shopping day? Do you have additional tips to contribute to this list? Let me know in Comments below
Love
Nitika
How to Avoid A Bad Buy Day - Tips from a Reformed Shopaholic
Wednesday, 4 July 2018
Dubai Diaries - My Dubai Shopping Haul - Part 2 | TSD Travels
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
Hey lovelies!
So here's the 2nd part of my Dubai Shopping Haul. As I didn't get much time to visit the local markets, I did 90% of my shopping from the famous Dubai Mall, and trust me - I still think I would need another trip to shop to my heart's content from this amazing mall.
Without blabbering much, here are the pictures of rest of my purchases :
I remember picking a Fuschia lipstick from a Flormar kiosk in Select CITYWALK 2 year back, but I never saw the brand again in India. So, when I came across their huge store in Dubai Mall, I couldn't help picking not 1, but 3 lipsticks for my mother and friend as I really love the texture of their lipsticks. These were priced at around 30 Dirham each.
Okay I know you all must be thinking, why I even visited ZARA when it is available here in Delhi? But I was really curious to see what collection they have in Delhi, and come on, no one can miss shopping from ZARA, no matter which part of the world they are in.
So, I ended up picking these 2 crop tops for 25 Dirhams each and I really loved the collection in the Dubai Mall store as the designs were far far better from the ones available in stores here.
You all must be aware that H&M is having its Grand opening in Delhi on 2nd October, but still I couldn't resist visiting the H&M store there. But as it was my last stop in the Dubai Mall, I ended up picking just one top which has a really sexy fit and was actually a steal as I picked it for around 20 Dirham only.
I bought this chic animal print clutch purse from a brand known as SUITE BLANCO for 40 Dirham only. I had never heard of this brand, but they had pretty floral dresses and trendy bags which were priced quite reasonably.
This dress is one of the most pretty maxi dresses I have. The color, the pleats and the frills at the neckline are simply beautiful, and it is from a brand Pull & Bear which is from the Inditex group that also has Zara. It was priced at 100 Dirham after discount,
Ohh and finally, the big Reveal - my first ever PRADA purchase - their iconic Baroque sunglasses.
Featuring a sophisticated design in a round shape with the lavish baroque accents, I purchased these trendy glasses for around 1000 Dirham.
I am so in love with these sunglasses and just can't wait to style them up in my upcoming shoots.
So what's your favorite pick from my Dubai Shopping haul? Let me know in the Comments below!
Love
Nitika
So here's the 2nd part of my Dubai Shopping Haul. As I didn't get much time to visit the local markets, I did 90% of my shopping from the famous Dubai Mall, and trust me - I still think I would need another trip to shop to my heart's content from this amazing mall.
Without blabbering much, here are the pictures of rest of my purchases :
 |
| Lipsticks : Flormar |
 |
| Crop Tops : ZARA |
So, I ended up picking these 2 crop tops for 25 Dirhams each and I really loved the collection in the Dubai Mall store as the designs were far far better from the ones available in stores here.
 |
| Noodle Strap top : H&M |
 |
| Purse : SUITE BLANCO |
 |
| Suit Dress : MANGO |
Well, I didn't buy this dress from Dubai but actually from the MANGO store at Delhi Duty Free.
It is a suit style dress with a wrap-around style and comes along with a belt. It has a very formal yet sexy vibes, and I will be styling it on the blog soon. (Purchased it for Rs 2290).
 |
| Maxi Dress : Pull & Bear |
Ohh and finally, the big Reveal - my first ever PRADA purchase - their iconic Baroque sunglasses.
Featuring a sophisticated design in a round shape with the lavish baroque accents, I purchased these trendy glasses for around 1000 Dirham.
 |
| Sunglasses : PRADA |
So what's your favorite pick from my Dubai Shopping haul? Let me know in the Comments below!
Love
Nitika
Dubai Diaries - My Dubai Shopping Haul - Part 2 | TSD Travels
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
Hey everyone!
Having a great weekend? Well, I have decided to relax at home this weekend because going out means impulse shopping for me.
Also, I decided to order food online today as my cook hadn't turned up and I was in no mood to eat Maggi or any other fast food . So I went on to Foodpanda.in, a website I have tried a couple of times before too, to choose and order food from a list of numerous restaurants available near my home/office. You just need to enter your city, location and subarea to be able to look for a restaurant near your place.
You know you can win movie tickets and get discount too while ordering with them? Plus, they list restaurants which offer all types of cuisines like North Indian, Italian, Chinese, South Indian etc, so that you are spoiled for choices. I ended up ordering a pizza and garlic bread from Pizza Hut, which was delivered to my place in the right time as well.
I think Foodpanda serves as a blessing to many working people like me who stay away from homes and don't like to cook very often.
Getting back to the post, I know I haven't shared any shopping hauls in recent times, but well I was on a shopping ban last month ( I do plead guilty of breaking it twice!! ). Still I am sharing few of the things I purchased in the last few weeks, which includes various tops from United Colors of Benetton, Forever 21, and MAX.
I will continue my ban this month as well, because I have bought so many tops and accessories recently which I haven't even worn once yet. So, I am saving on to buy a DSLR camera and would be purchasing few things around my birthday which falls on 1st November.
Have a look at my recent hauls :
Apart from these, I also purchased a top and heels from ZARA, a bag from Lifestyle and few cosmetics. To check out more of my shopping hauls, follow me on Instagram .
Loads of love
Nitika
Having a great weekend? Well, I have decided to relax at home this weekend because going out means impulse shopping for me.
Also, I decided to order food online today as my cook hadn't turned up and I was in no mood to eat Maggi or any other fast food . So I went on to Foodpanda.in, a website I have tried a couple of times before too, to choose and order food from a list of numerous restaurants available near my home/office. You just need to enter your city, location and subarea to be able to look for a restaurant near your place.
You know you can win movie tickets and get discount too while ordering with them? Plus, they list restaurants which offer all types of cuisines like North Indian, Italian, Chinese, South Indian etc, so that you are spoiled for choices. I ended up ordering a pizza and garlic bread from Pizza Hut, which was delivered to my place in the right time as well.
I think Foodpanda serves as a blessing to many working people like me who stay away from homes and don't like to cook very often.
Getting back to the post, I know I haven't shared any shopping hauls in recent times, but well I was on a shopping ban last month ( I do plead guilty of breaking it twice!! ). Still I am sharing few of the things I purchased in the last few weeks, which includes various tops from United Colors of Benetton, Forever 21, and MAX.
I will continue my ban this month as well, because I have bought so many tops and accessories recently which I haven't even worn once yet. So, I am saving on to buy a DSLR camera and would be purchasing few things around my birthday which falls on 1st November.
Have a look at my recent hauls :
 |
| 1. Forever 21, 2 and 3. MAX ( All were priced below 500INR ) |
 |
| 1. Forever 21 ( INR 1000 ) 2. Black-silver necpiece: PROMOD 3. Accessorize |
 |
| 1. Quirkbox 2. Romwe.com 3. Chanel lipstick, No.31 ( INR 2000 ) |
 |
| All - UCB ( Priced below INR 1000 each after discount ) |
 |
| 1 and 2 UCB : INR 750 each after discount 3. Blush |
Loads of love
Nitika
Recent Shopping Hauls - UCB, MAX, Forever 21
Saturday, 5 October 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons