Don't Have A Big Bag Collection- Why and What You Should Do Instead

Instagram: / emmaandersbags
I love the irony of this after my full handbag collection video.
I also need to make a video that doesn't saying 'don't' in the title... I'm just enjoying it though!
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[@GaryGarlic]

I found the more bags I own, the more anxiety I have because I have to store them and I have to keep track of them. And I agree, the first few is like Christmas and now it's like a birthday. I also found my happiness didn't increase when I had 20+ bags so I scaled back and now I have 10. But I'll be honest, I love when other people have enormous collections lol

[@preetijha7413]

One of the most sensible and balanced videos. Loved it!!!Hoarding anything is not equal to happiness. Thank you for the reality check

[@Emmaanders]

Glad you liked it!! x

[@soxnation1000]

The one in-one out system is a great idea for analyzing whether you really want a bag or if it's just an impulse. There was a bag I saw on social media that I was obsessing over for the past 2 weeks. But when I think about whether I'm willing to get rid of an existing bag to get that bag, the answer was an absolute NO, so I realized it was more of an impulse want.

[@deborahcurtis1385]

Also I ask myself "do you already have something similar?" If the answer is Yes, then it's just excessive consumption and kind of looking for that sugar high from shopping. JIMO.

[@Wendys_lovinglife]

I have a VERY small collection now - a bag or two for every possible occasion - same with shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc. I have ONE wallet now and Im going to use it till the wheels fall off.... Just makes me feel better in my heart and mind.

[@Emmaanders]

Isn't it funny how we're all getting to this point together? Is it just because of events of recent years? Whatever it is there is something lovely about being in sync with other people x

[@emilylucitt]

As an anthropologist, the varieties of ‘ideal’ bag collection sizes fascinates me! For me, 10-15 is the sweet spot (combining lux and contemporary).

[@deborahcurtis1385]

I have a larger collection than 15 but then they are mostly vintage and not necessarily coveted by others. It doesn't have the same social capital or 'flex' that Americans speak of in street talk when you have branded "it" bags. But to me they're valuable and I get enormous satisfaction from repairing or rejuvenating them, and enjoying the overlooked charcteristics especially craftskills and the quality of the materials including having 24carat gold plating on some hardware. I couldn't put a price on my collection, but because my bags didn't cost a lot, I can give some away and have done so at times. Apparently I'm an "outlier" sort of person they are uninsured.

[@AnnasStyleDictionary]

Yes that is so true!! The smaller the collection the more joy each piece brings ❤😊

[@aokiQ]

I have downsized form 50+ bags to 20, still feels that’s a lot, my next goal would be 15, then 10 eventually 😅 great video! I had watched it 5 times over

[@fernandezyajaira]

I think 15 is a good number

[@adowakwakywa624]

I totally agree on putting a cap at 15, I love my bags, especially those I got before the luxury bags industry started making crappy quality bags

[@Coastpsych_fi99]

Love this, and it’s the reason why I have a hard limit of around 10 designer bags forever. Makes them more special and is easier to keep track off honestly! Way less stress as well, especially as I’m happy to use a cheap bag or item. I’m not a collector though. Such a fascinating question and it’s interesting to think about.

[@jq77]

Interesting points to think about - I don't have as many bags as you, but have been having the niggling naggy voice at the back of my head that I have too many right now. I just am not able to rotate them well and the danger about where I stay is the high chance of damage - humidity is pretty much 70% to 80% all year round and mold is a big problem.

[@katieesalibaa]

Emma, you’re so great to watch. The fact that you created a graph 😂 amazing.

[@DaylesAddiction]

Great video Emma I can see the work you put into it! I don’t have a number, I think that once the money is spent it’s gone and these are excessive purchases so in terms of insurance- we will spend more over the years than our collection is worth to potentially never claim… the money is gone already…. Same as wearing an engagement ring… my thoughts

[@cquinnth]

There is an old song that says, “The Best Things in Life Are Free” Which, while true, there is also art…….which is not free and certainly enhances life. I put good handbags, jewelry, clothes and shoes in the art category along with books , paintings, sculpture, and furniture. When I look at a beautifully designed object……it makes me joyful too. If you enjoy art and can surround yourself with beautiful pieces……be grateful, thankful, and happy, which I know you are!❤️

[@PlanningNerd]

"The best things in life are free. The second best things are very expensive." - Coco Chanel 😅

[@Emmaanders]

Love this x

[@ZahraJ22]

I really like the way you come across. Watch a lot of videos but didnt click off from any of yours, you come across really well- well spoken, relatable, articulate! X

[@kavitagupta6103]

I have 70 plus bags.im a bag lover and change my bag everyday. Just love them and have been collecting for 20 years.i can afford it and carefully consider before adding more.it has to be a different color and style and luxury house.although louis Vuitton is always in the mix

[@alexsmith2379]

This was definitely a thought provoking video Emma with such sensible reasoning….I wish I could be more sensible😬 I LOVE designer handbags and currently have 25 that I use throughout the year based on weather/season because I rotate every day or two maximum. I think I could add a couple more bags …ok maybe 5 more 😆 and still get use. What would make me sell some would be NOT using them for various reasons as that’s what I always do….and then buy more. I don’t think there’s a magic number of a perfect size collection…if you have the space, money and use them enough then the number that would make us each content is really varied based on our lifestyles etc. I really love seeing you back on KZbin ❤

[@Juneparks10]

Hi Emma. This video made me realize that I need to stop buying bags ( I'm talking about in general could be a designer piece or just any non designer pieces ) sometimes I just couldn't help myself. I love bags, I still have my very first Michael Kors purchase, then I started to like Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch and etc. I still own them with an additional some of my designer pieces. After watching this video it me think do I really need all these bags ( although the other side of me saying "yes you do" lol ) maybe I'll start to downsize and pick which I really love the most. Thank you for sharing this video and I learn something today. Until next time. Thanks Emma ❤

[@Emmaanders]

Thanks June! x

[@ginamorris4520]

I accumulated 14 lux bags in less than 2 yrs, it was a slippery slope 😪. Some of them are repeats but I also learned what style fits me best and there are some bag features that annoys me. Like the cloquette of my Alma BB, S-locks and metal on my Croisette, heavy chains on my YSL Kate. Too small or too big bags for everyday. I decided I will keep max 6 lux eventually that would be my sweet spot.

[@velmasmith4604]

I have a small collection 11 and that’s including wallets and makeup bags, a few of them are still in the they came in and never been used. I can’t imagine having so many handbags and the amount of money they cost, no way, I think I’m done. I just got a Marc Jacob. The Tote Bag which is affordable but beautiful and the leather is fantastic. Enjoyed the video.

[@Commentator541]

It's good to admit sometimes. I am not a minimalist, even though my style is, and that's that. Want more of everything.

[@Amy-hs1qe]

Great video! What's wrong with me that I think a large amount of bags (maybe 20?) is necessary as there are so many variables - where you're going, what you're doing, what you're wearing, the season, the weather, etc... I'm older, can afford anything at this point but I can't see myself ever purchasing more loud bags going forward (LV, Chanel, etc...) Quiet luxury, being under the radar, and not caring what others think but instead caring what I think is where it's at for me now.

[@Coastpsych_fi99]

I feel this as well, and maybe it’ll change as I get older. But currently I like more lowkey and utilitarian products. 😂

[@thutomaphala]

hahaha the excitement is what makes me shop all the time, great video Emma xx

[@ymangune]

I only started collecting a few years ago and I have 7 bags so far and I am planning to add more and I don't know when is enough. We travel a lot and it also crossed my mind how I can secure my collections while we are away. I WFH and I don't really use the bags that much but I am just happy looking at my babies.

[@helsdels9324]

I found the exact opposite when buying bags, the 1st few I got I felt terribly guilty and not sure if I could justify the spend. I don't have a huge collection but now when I get a new bag I know it's something that I'm going to get used of because I'm more experienced now.

[@littleluxuries_01]

Totally agree with you about enjoying what you have! I have maybe 8 or 9 bags and the more I buy the more I feel I need another bag for a specific purpose. But then when I look through the bags I already have, I realise I need to use them more ☺️ xx

[@deborahcurtis1385]

It's a pain switching bags over and different shapes can't accommodate the same items. It's a bit ridiculous really...lol!

[@gillsimpson4976]

Really interesting video. I have always been a handbag lover from an early age - and always had a lot of bags that I would rotate on a regular basis. But they were never ‘designer’ bags and never costing more than say £100. My husband and I had careers and invested our money and always lived in nice houses and had additional property. Fast forward - and I am now 66 and have recently retired from my busy career. I have recently started buying some designer bags, Gucci and LV but although I may like more, and can afford more, I just don’t have the occasion to use them. Previously I loved wearing a new bag to work but now I’ve retired it doesn’t feel the same taking my Gucci bag to Tesco. Also I don’t need the same work clothes so I’m in situation where the 3 - 5 bag rule will probably apply to me. Fortunately for me, I don’t love that many bags I see so not really tempted. Probably if I was younger I would have a dilemma. I am a new subscriber and really enjoying watching your videos. I am in the north west of UK.

[@Emmaanders]

Hello neighbour! My bags do sadly spend far too much time in Tesco and Sainsbury's! x

[@gillsimpson4976]

@@Emmaanders 😅😅xx

[@gillsimpson4976]

Didn’t realise we were neighbours Emma. Im in Southport 😊

[@maxinezanfardino7620]

I have worked from home for about five years (well before the pandemic). There's no reason for me to have full makeup, corporate dress, and the expense of commuting. So my days became mostly work, school runs, athletic wear, and sneakers. I realize I have no need for a lux bag but I wanted something to use daily that would make me feel pretty. For those that insure their bags, what was the magic number that made it a necessity? I only have four at the moment but want to keep that in mind in the event of substantive expansion.

[@shananick1128]

I do not have as many as 43 but i am really enjoying my small collection of 10 (including SLGs) and 8 Contemporary brands in my collection. Yes, i do agree 15 would be a good number for luxury ones that one can rotate on. Yeah would love to see all your handbags collection in your video. Thanks for sharing.

[@esmeraldaweatherford1822]

I agree on the numbers for some but when you match your bags with your outfits then you’ll need more colors to accomplish your style. So I do own the colors I love and wear. At the end of the day the colors and styles you like is what you are going to purchase. I currently own 2 colors in each style of bag give or take. For example 2 satchels. 3 messenger style bag and two totes or two hobos. Technically they are not all handbags. A collection can consist of smaller leather goods like clutches, micro bags, wristlets, camera style, and or glittery evening bags. 😊I just feel that you should have a stopping point but have what you like because you can’t call it a handbag collection if it’s not a qualifying amount❤

[@janetchang1527]

A decade ago when I had lots of bags, having over 20 bags started giving me anxiety and I wanted to cut back down to 12-15 bags… but ever since I’ve become more and more of a minimalist over the years in all aspect of my life, now even 12-15 bags give me anxiety and I naturally want to get the maximum number down to of 7-9 or even less … my threshold has become lower … and I even feel that 7-9 bags is quite a lot ~ I really use 2 bags most of the times … the others are still being used and carried in rotation but not to the same extent as my favorite ones … but I kept them because they are different colors and sometimes I do want a different color bag for a certain outfit so I still kept them …

[@elenaaleksandrova]

There is no such things as "enough bags" ☺I have around 35 bags now. When I had 17, I stopped looking and buying for about 6 months. I did try to sell some but I got stuck at "Which one?". After that I decided that I will only buy bags I don't have or a rare/limited edition bags. I've been sticking to this for 4 years now and each time I buy a bag, it really makes me so happy. Having now more limited edition handbags actually helped me a lot to decide which bags I want to get rid of - last week I donated 3 of my Coach bags. I really loved them but I felt like they don't fit anymore in my collection. So now I have more room and it makes me even happier :)

[@london_to_berlin]

love watching your videos! when you said 3 bags optimum per the study, i was sat here shaking my head 😂. my bags also need to co-ordinate with my outfit colours and 3 would definitely not work for a bag lover! but having said that, I think the optimum number varies from person to person and that number will change depending on our lifestyle as it changes thru time. a fun video indeed, and enjoying your british humour 😊

[@deborahcurtis1385]

I used to have just 3; a black one, a brown one and a tote. Plus a small black cross body for evening. Now I have a vintage collection.

[@sigridparras3985]

A surfeit of material possessions sometimes lead to feelings of the things owning you, instead of the other way around

[@tamarfischer283]

I have about 15 bags. 2 are designer. I have played under 400 euro for every one. All are beautiful, all are good quality. I love them all. I do intend to by another here or there but not too fast and I'd give away Arnold one

[@susanbaker2796]

Really good video, Emma. You have given me a lot to think about. Thank you.

[@ChristineTinaD]

Great video, love the effort you’ve made with the graph😅 for me I have a minimal collection of bags and slg’s between 10-15. I have swayed away from buying more bags with the recent price increases this year, now I’m obsessed with fragrances as they are somewhat cheaper! 😂😂

[@hhueter]

I'm just starting my collection. I kinda feel that i'll probably settle on the 8-9 mark. with my salary and the price increases happening i will probably only be able to buy 1 bag a year. Plus i want to travel. I'm working on basically building out my core 5 bags and seeing where i go from there. i like seeing videos of peoples massive collections, but i do kinda wonder how much use they get out of them.

[@ilariama82]

Thanks for this Emma! I was about to say '10 seems very reasonable' then I counted my bags, I have 23 (ouch), there are maybe 2 or 3 I could consider selling but I hate the process and I still find myself wanting more options 😵‍💫

[@Wildunfiltered]

It's easy to get carried away as KZbin is full of excess and it therefore feels 'normal' to have a lot of bags. In the real world I don't hardly ever see any luxury bags except when shopping when it feels like everyone and his dog are in Louis Vuitton. I have phases when I buy a lot and then phases when I rein myself in. I too can't buy at the moment so I am taking this time of hiatus to research and window shop and be sure of what I want to buy when the time comes for me to afford something, Looking at my collection I have definitely made mistakes by buying something to either fill a 'gap' or to buy the next best thing because the thing I wanted was not available at the time. Lessons to be learnt.

[@mitchthebagboss8698]

I'm loving the new interactive media format of this video! 🤗 🤗 🤗 🤗

[@Emmaanders]

I always assume it's sarcasm- but I'm going to take this as a straight compliment because I'm proud of it x

[@mitchthebagboss8698]

@@Emmaanders no no I love it! Serious! And I love you! 🤗 🤗 🤗

[@jordankate4848]

Great video Emma I have 5 luxury bags and 5 contemporary brand bags and that is the sweet spot for me. There are definitely some I use more often than others and one day I’d like to own less 😊

[@deborahcurtis1385]

I love fixing them when I bought them unloved or undervalued. That's the sweet spot for me. I mix colours to get a good match with colour rejuvenation. It is a hobby I guess...

[@sibimarie33]

I love the one in, one out rule. You made great points in this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@redharuka]

Very nice video Emma! My ideal handbag collection size is eight: 2 medium size bags (one chain strap shoulder bag and one top handle), two mini to small bags that go from day to night, 1-2 work bags, and two on top of the trend fun bags (these two bags will work with the “one bag in, one bag out” system).

[@stellagml]

What a great video. Lot of us don't think about these things you pointed out when we think about luxury purchases..thanks :-)

[@NiaChanToronto]

I love youtube videos that are backed by studies and research 😁😆 My philosophy is- if I can use it crossbody, it can be in my collection 🙂

[@melocoton7]

I downsized my collection considerably during the past couple of years. I still have around 15 big brand bags but I feel much better now. Every piece has a function and I do get a lot of use out of most of them. Except the special occasion ones of course. I also decided to get extra insurance because I used to be too anxious to wear certain bags. Which is insane. My watch collection has also seen a reduction. Even though I loved all of my vintage pieces, they were going to be a headache down the line because of expensive servicing. And a few were even at risk of not being able to getting serviced at all because they were very rare. I did get all my money back on them thankfully. Now I have a very streamlined collection.

[@christinadelimitrou557]

Love your collection and your thoughts Emma! It's great to see you on KZbin again :)

[@Emmaanders]

Thank you x

[@amythomas8945]

Thanks for putting this together! I only started collecting this year and I am in my mid-forties which leaves me feeling like I am behind and playing catch-up. Louis Vuitton best fits my lifestyle and I find myself trying to map out what the next five bags look like for me and when I look at it that way it feels like a bit of a scavenger hunt but at the same time a chore. Am I mapping out what a collector my age "should" have or am I intentionally picking the pieces that will make me most happy? Sticking to 8 -15 and becoming aware of some of the drawbacks from having a larger collection is freeing.

[@sarahjames1143]

Really great video. Dont feel u need to apologise for owning so much, it comes with time. Maybe I'm one of the few people that doesnt aspire to have 100+ bags. I just think I wouldnt even know what I owned at that point. I think I have about 15-20 bags at the moment and its a mix of mid and high end so probably only half are luxury.

[@LainesReviews]

“Probably senreve & alma bb” made me giggle 😅 Especially after watching your collection!

[@nickjsne]

Great video ! I love having variation but sometimes can find it too much choice 😂😂

[@cywoods60]

Very helpful

[@PlanningNerd]

The 3-5 theory makes a lot of sense but then... you only have ONE color to wear all year round? I could do this If I had a Fall-Winter set (with black and dark colors) and a Spring-Summer set (with white and bright colors). I guess my sweet spot is also around 10. When I have more, I just stop wearing the older ones and end up selling them.

[@Emmaanders]

I could never do 3-5 either! x

[@LoAn981blackhawk]

My self-imposed limit is 10. When I add a bag, I must give away a bag. As I got older, quality became the primary factor, rather than quantity. I have the same rule about shoes (10 pairs.)

[@ryeofoatmeal]

whenever I buy handbags from 2nd hand seller, I always ask them why do you wanna sell this bag? bcos im curious just in case the bag is uncomfortable whatsoever. guess what all of them I said 'I have too many bags, I don't have time to use them and wanna clear out my wardrobe'. like geez imagine having such disposable income that you buy a handbag whenever you want. meanwhile me who lives paycheck after paycheck had to save up for years until I get one. but here's the thing, if you eager to have expensive handbags, just go for 2nd hand market cuz some of them if you get lucky, they only wear once or twice and immediately sell it! it's crazy to think how easy for them to just sell if they're not interested bcos they can get a new one which they're more interested

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

Are you sure it was 3 - 5 and not 35 because I’m sure you could downsize to 35?! 😅

[@Quit3Cut3]

I have 72 bags. Crazy excessive I know lol. I have luxury brands, contemporary brands, no name brands. And sadly I’m more of a homebody these days I don’t go elsewhere besides work, but I try to rotate weekly.

[@Sarah_RDG]

I would love to figure out an easy way to sell well-worn bags. Do you give those away? Or bags that are unusual? (I have an Avelina de Moray super spiky goth bag that is cool but I never use it, for example.) Part of the difficulty I have of getting rid of anything of value is how to get rid of it without just totally giving it away.

[@lv_lover3393]

I have a bag on the way and that will be 20 I said I will stop at 20 ! I’m going to try (at least slow down alot) but when you say no more you always notice bags you didn’t notice before 😂

[@miriamportugal4703]

I love this video! Thank you, very good reasoning.

[@mikkispohn6298]

I look at luxury bags as investments. I'm addicted and have 25+ Chanels alone. I hate to count them but I think I'm upwards of 80 not counting wallets and SLG's. We are building a home now and I'll have a room just to store my bags. They make me happy but I would never buy them if I couldn't afford them.

[@Gemstonebunny]

Love your channel 😊 Hoping for your advice please on handbag insurance? Do any insurers cover for when the bag is carried out of the house and could either be stolen/accidentally damaged do you please know? Many thanks x

[@Emmaanders]

Yes many do- many contents insurers will do this too x

[@beth3410]

I think a lot of peoples collections on youtube are over exaggerated in that some KZbinrs sell a lot as well. When I watch a youtube I always check the videos and scroll forward to see if the person even still owns the bag. Totally their right to buy and sell but it can give a false impression.

[@sandrarumbold7021]

Love this video x

[@LuxAndLove123]

3-5 handbags? Nooooo this is NOT for handbag lovers. Ha ha ha I agree 15 is a good number but I cannot just have 15 neither. My collection is bigger but now I won’t add a new handbag often , it needs to be very special and something I really don’t have ( like adding an exotic for example).

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Do you love the Horizon Emma? I’d love one but can’t make the move to buy in one x

[@annabiggs2534]

Who is coming up with these numbers on how many bags you should own. I think people can do whatever they want. If you can afford it and they make you happy, go for it! I have … hmmm well loads, I love them and I plan to have more. Yes there are some very expensive ones I’m scared to damage but I love them and wear them all. Chanel number 8 on the way 😂

[@AnnLaustsen87]

Thank you so much for being honest about this topic. We truly appreciate the information, and appreciate you. ❤️ I did suggest earlier maybe buying some pre-owned items. Have you also considered buying replica bags? I'd be interested in seeing content like that.

[@ladysusanjane2682]

I have 17 and there’s probably room for a few more. 😉

[@ItsOnlyWarPaint]

That was good 💕

[@Emmaanders]

Thanks C. Hope you're ok. x

[@ChatsWithChris]

Oh lord I do not want to do the math on how much I’ve spent on my collection.

[@fashionismypassiongirl660]

❤❤❤

[@susanclarke431]

Great video. I feel I have too many and maybe should let some go. I am good at rotating and change bags every day or two. But at 29 I think it is too much.

[@sherrysimon2331]

I have 13 feel that is definitely enough.

[@Platinum907]

Great video, you’re so cute.

[@Whitedove6]

If you have room for them to display them then yes 🥰 If not then No ☺️ Who likes Boxes 💔