If you took our guide to buying your first designer bag to heart, you will no doubt remember rules 3 and 4: play it safe with established brands and choose classic styles that will age nicely, respectively. Of course, narrowing down your choices from all the gorgeous designs out there is easier said than done. But as difficult as it may seem, it isn't impossible.

Whether you're finally making the big step toward buying your first designer bag or just want to educate yourself with the classics, browse through our illustrated guide to the 15 designer bags worth the investment.

(Illustrations by Sabrina Lajara)