As much as I love scoring a major deal shopping, there are certain items that will almost never go on sale. You just have to bite the bullet and get them at full price. Case in point: designer handbags. I make a point to save for investment pieces, but let’s talk specifically about tips for saving and investing money in a designer handbag. I’ve been working full time for years, but I could never bring myself to buy a bag that easily cost more than my monthly rent. This year I treated myself a Gucci GG Marmont bag – which I LOVE – and thought I would share my top tips for saving and investing money for a designer handbag (or any big ticket item!).

Designer handbags are a luxury, not a necessity

This isn’t one of those articles that tells you to skip your daily coffee run – if that $3 coffee (or in LA, it’s more like $6 – LOL) makes you happy and is your small daily luxury, I say go for it. Life’s short. However, we all know that if you were to skip your daily latte habits and save that money, after a year you would have enough money saved to buy a flight to Europe or a designer handbag.

Note: I am NOT advocating frivolous spending or living beyond your means, nor am I saying you need to buy designer or luxury items to be happy!! I am a huge proponent of looking chic on a budget : ). I also am very, very big on SAVING for the future. Designer handbags are absolutely a luxury, not a necessity. With that being said…

First things first – do not look at bags as an investment.

I know we like to use the term investment purchase to justify our spending decisions, but that term really only applies to a VERY select number of brands and styles. And as with any investment, ROI is not guaranteed.

When buying your first designer accessories, try to stick with classic shapes and silhouettes. Think timeless. Something that will look amazing even when it’s vintage.

Like every other girl in the world, I was going absolutely gaga over Gucci in 2016. As much as I’ve wanted to blow my signing bonuses and paychecks on designer bags, I never could quite justify it. After working full time for several years after college, I finally felt like I was prepared to make a big purchase. Once I was confident I could ride the Gucci wave into 2017, I chose the GG Marmont (I liked the small size best, but the mini is great as well!) as the item I wanted in my closet stat.

My best tips for saving and investing money

When it comes to saving and investing money into big purchases (a vacation, car, house, handbags) you either have to make more or spend less. It’s simple math.

Sometimes you gotta get thrifty. Think about where you can cut corners.

Cancel subscriptions you don’t use anymore or share with a friend.

Go out to eat less and cook at home.

Skip the booze when you’re out at dinner – your bill will be cut in half.

Spend one night a week staying in vs. going out and blowing your paycheck on Ubers and drinks.

All of these are totally doable. BUT, they require (minor) changes in behavior. Definitely one of the best tips for saving and investing money without even thinking about it is to use this app – Digit.

Whatever your savings goals are, I cannot recommend Digit enough.

I’ve shared my love for Digit before, and I had to say it again.

In case you haven’t heard of Digit – it’s a free app that helps you save more money. You link the app to your checking account. And from there, the app automatically withdraws small amounts of money from your checking account without you even noticing! It monitor your spending habits and adjusts the amount that is withdrawn every day. Some days it might be $0.50, other days it might be $50. It depends on your spending habits. But the point is, you won’t even miss the money that is taken out. All of the money will be saved in your app until you’re ready to withdraw. How you choose to spend the money you’ve saved is entirely up to you.

I signed up for the app last April and since then saved more than enough to buy my Gucci bag and pay for my car insurance. All without changing my spending habits or thinking twice.

So there you have it! Exactly how I saved up for a designer bag without blinking an eye. I use this same method for my trips, shoes, bills, really any big purchases I have!

How do you save up for big purchases?

Do you have any tips for saving and investing money?

xx, Amy

dress: astr | bag: gucci | shoes: isabel marant