The Heart Shaped Bag

The heart-shaped luxury purse trend wouldn't have caught my eye had Sophie Shobet not featured it on her YouTube channel (see sidebar for her link) in addition to it being near Valentine's day.

Adorable as they are, I don't plan to buy into the trend. It's too much money to spend for a novelty bag that due to its shape likely won't hold all one's essentials ... plus I'm not a bag maven. My tendency is to buy a goes-with-everything black crossover bag, then I don't think of buying more bags until it wears out. That said, different strokes for different folks, and the heart-shaped pocketbook is feminine and super cute!

Why all the designers are launching heart-shaped bags in 2022 I haven't a clue. There's no research to explain it. Why do you think it's a trend?

Chanel has a small and large size; and my favorite brand, Coach, is on-trend too with a color-block, red and pink version. 

Do you want a heart-shaped bag or do you own one?💕

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5 Manhattan Luxury Resale Shops To Visit

A Second Chance Designer Boutique photo: Darlene G.

To be transparent I don't own any high end designer bags, shoes or scarves. Looking is tons of fun, but forking over a shocking amount of cash for one of the coveted items, not so much. However, I learn much from browsing.

Many owners of Hermes and Chanel bags resell them to consignment shops, making  these well-stocked and expertly coutured 2nd hand stores the best place to go if you are in the market to buy luxury goods. Don't expect to get them cheap, but you will find a previously loved bag, shoes or scarf in mint condition for thousands of dollars less.

At Hermes, you can't touch the bags. They are behind glass cases. Worst yet, you can't buy the bags. The merchant makes them so exclusive, you must beg and sweet talk a sales associate to get on a long, long waiting list. They tell you they don't know when a bag will become available. When I'm in the store I hear grown ass women groveling. Why ladies, do you accept shoddy treatment to get a boutique to sell you one of their insanely overpriced bags? Go elsewhere ... to places where staff treats you with the respect you deserve!

Today I'm featuring --

5 of Manhattan's Best High End Consignment Shops:

1) A Second Chance Designer Resale Boutique (above↑) - 1111 Lexington Avenue at East 67th Street - This was such fun to visit. It's a gorgeous 2-story shop of equally beautiful dresses, coats, jackets and bags from top designers including Chanel, Hermes Gucci and Louis Vuittron. Forever changing inventory to boot. The staff is welcoming and most helpful. You can also be added to their email list to be the first to hear of new arrivals.

La Boutique Resale photo: the merchant

2) La Boutique Resale - 1065 Madison Avenue between 80th and 81 Streets on the 2nd floor - It's a move up the street to a new location bringing their usual upscale designer suspects: Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci and more. Fabulous bags, shoes and clothes that are well priced. Even a few bargains to be had and a lovely staff to help you if needed. Here too, sign up for email to announce new arrivals.

Michael's photo: the retailer

3) Michael's - 1125 Madison Avenue at 84th Street - 60+ years in business. Along with pre-owned top designer and one-of-a kind clothing, bags and shoes, Michael's sells fur, fine and fashion jewelry, belts and sunglasses, all exclusive brands and in like-new condition.

Roundabout Photo: Consign.nyc

4) Roundabout New & Resale Couture - 2 locations: 1100 Madison Avenue, near E 83rd Street and 31 East 72nd Street, near Madison Avenue - Sells couture goods directly from the design houses at up to 70% off, as well as, resales from previous owners of the most coveted luxury items in the world. 

Designer Revival photo: the owner

5) Designer Revival - 324 East 81th Street - Specializes in high-end and vintage apparel, bags and shoes, the consignment shop is nestled on East 81th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and has film stars, models and socialites as its clientele. Styling services are offered too.

Nowadays resale is the new retail. So fashionistas and visitors to New York City, put stops to all 5 consignment shops on your itinerary as they are within walking distance of one another. Browsing is fabulous fun, and you may find a luxury item at an unbeatable (yet still expensive!) price that would otherwise be out-of-the-question to buy.


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