I featured my gorgeous Ted Baker Layally Bag in many outfit posts, but I wanted to review it separately and share my thoughts on designer bags and if I am happy with my purchase or if I regret it 2 years later.
I've always had my eye on a studded Michael Kors Selma, but seeing everyone with a fake version of an MK bag really put me off it. I wanted something I haven't seen on anyone before and I decided to go for the Ted Baker Layally. It is not available anymore and I am pretty sure that there has never been a fake of it on the market, so it's quite a rare bag.
I don't have a huge budget for clothes and accessories, so it was a real investment piece for me. It wasn't cheap, but it wasn't too expensive either at £225.00. It is a 2 in1 design as well, as the pocket on the front unclips and becomes an envelope clutch bag which is fab!
I personally don't have a problem with people spending thousands of pounds on handbags. It's their money and if I had the means, I would probably have a Chanel bag too. It's nobody else's business how much we spend and what we spend it on (unless the person would rather buy a handbag than feed their kids, or sth like that, which is obviously sick).
So, we're clear on that. Now let's discuss if the bags are actually worth the money. I assumed that every expensive bag is very well made and durable etc. Well... unless you do your research, you can end up disappointed. Most designer bags will be fantastic in terms of quality, but if you want a piece that will last you forever and you're spending good money on it, you definitely have to think about how durable or scratch resistant the material is, or if the colour will show dirt easily.
That's the reason why I am writing this blog post. Don't get me wrong, I adore my TB bag- it is stunning, but... I am also disappointed with it, as the leather shows every single scratch and the back of the bag is now out of shape and slightly bent, which is a shame. I love how soft the leather is, but I didn't expect it to get ruined so easily. The hardware is all scratched as well, despite me being careful with the bag.
On the other hand, the handles are still going strong, the lining inside is still intact and with no tears. It's just the back of the bag that is now very damaged, plus the bottom of the front pocket which is also scratched allover. It isn't too obvious indoors, but in daylight, you can really see the scratches and it looks pretty bad. The main zip and all the inside ones are still working perfectly with no signs of giving up anytime soon. I guess it's very well made in terms of craftsmanship, but the soft leather being so prone to scratches is a nightmare!
So the question is - did I make the right choice? I am not sure... I am still obsessed with the Layally and I would probably buy it again, but I wouldn't pay the full price for it. £200+ for a bag that shows wear soooo easily isn't great. And it went on sale later on for £99, which was super annoying! I think I would rather invest in something that holds value.
I think that most designer bags (whether on the lower or higher end of the spectrum) are made to last for years, if not decades, so you do get your money's worth if you pick the right material and brand. I know that most of my cheap bags would have handles falling off already if I used them for a few years. It's just the leather that bothers me so much and the fact that Ted Baker designs are so often on sale so they lose value really quickly. If I wanted to sell it, I would probably get £40-£50 max.
UPDATE: 3 years later and the bag is even more scratched and it ripped on the side, which made me sooo upset! I have no idea why it ripped. The leather is just far too soft! It's also out of shape at the back for some reason as well.
Seeing it so perfect in these photos when I first got the bag makes me even more upset. It was stunning! Such a shame it now looks like a mess!
I think that most designer bags (whether on the lower or higher end of the spectrum) are made to last for years, if not decades, so you do get your money's worth if you pick the right material and brand. I know that most of my cheap bags would have handles falling off already if I used them for a few years. It's just the leather that bothers me so much and the fact that Ted Baker designs are so often on sale so they lose value really quickly. If I wanted to sell it, I would probably get £40-£50 max.
UPDATE: 3 years later and the bag is even more scratched and it ripped on the side, which made me sooo upset! I have no idea why it ripped. The leather is just far too soft! It's also out of shape at the back for some reason as well.
Seeing it so perfect in these photos when I first got the bag makes me even more upset. It was stunning! Such a shame it now looks like a mess!
How do you feel about designer bags?
You can buy Ted Baker at https://www.tedbaker.com/uk
