<p class="ingestion featured-caption">I've made some mistakes along the way while building my luxury handbag collection.Sydney Barber</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I own 11 <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-customers-make-buying-designer-bags-from-coach-employee-2024">designer bags</a> and have made some mistakes while building my collection.</li><li>I recommend resisting the urge to give in to social-media hype.</li></ul><p>Aside from my family, friends, and pets, I consider handbags to be my first love — specifically, designer bags. I love that I can immediately elevate a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-trying-on-similar-shirts-old-navy-banana-republic-gap-2024-8">simple white T-shirt</a> and jeans by pairing them with a unique bag.</p><p>Over the years, I've carefully curated a collection of 11 designer bags. Hopefully, that number will be 111 one day, but let's be honest — they're expensive. Many cost thousands of dollars.</p><p>Although I pride myself on being an informed buyer and in touch with my personal style, I've certainly made some mistakes while <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/perfume-buying-tips-mistakes-from-frequent-shopper-collector">building my collection</a>.</p><p>Here are four things to watch out for before <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tips-for-buying-coach-purses-from-employee-2024-2">buying a luxury bag</a>.</p>