How Do You Know When You’ve Found the One?

A new handbag is a big investment. Many of us only make one big bag purchase a year, or even every two years, so when we finally commit, we want to be sure. Plus, with the ever-changing luxury landscape and never-ending price increases, making the wrong choice can be a costly regret—one many of us have, unfortunately, experienced.

Below, we’re sharing three ways to know you’ve found the one.

You Can’t Stop Thinking About It

Have you ever “visited” the bag you want in-store, only to walk out empty-handed and immediately feel sad? I have! And while I’ve occasionally made impulsive purchases, it’s just not in my nature to see something for the first time and buy it right then and there.

Even when I’ve found myself completely smitten, I’ve walked away because, as I mentioned, regretting a big purchase truly stinks. But when you’ve been thinking about a bag for months, dreaming about making it yours, stopping by the store just to see it, looking at it online more times than you can count, and texting all your friends to tell them about it, that’s a pretty good sign you’ve found your next bag.

You Plan Outfits to Wear It With

For me, this is the telltale sign that I’m making a good choice when purchasing just about anything! It helps me determine whether a bag—or any item, for that matter—is truly my style.

If I can’t picture it with pieces I already own, chances are it’s not meant for me. While I can certainly appreciate the beauty of most bags (duh, it’s why I do what I do!), that doesn’t mean every beautiful bag is right for my wardrobe. If I can’t see myself wearing it with what I already have, chances are it’s not going to work out in the long run.

The Thought Of It Gives You Butterflies

This might be the most obvious sign of all: if it doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, then it probably just isn’t meant to be.

Sure, there are plenty of bags I like and wouldn’t mind having in my closet. But then there are those super-special pieces that would make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world to own. That’s how you should feel about your next big bag purchase, too!