You're a big girl now, which means you can finally purchase a big-ticket handbag without the need to starve for months! But before you invest in a luxe designer bag, it's important to consider several factors first.

1. Find which style fits your lifestyle.
Don't just buy a bag because it's uso or every celeb has it. Since this bag is for keeps, getting one that suits your everyday life is a must. Determine if your dream bag is right for you here.

2. Try it out.
Like clothes, checking if your bag of dreams is tailor-fit for your body. If you're petite, small to medium-sized bags won't drown your frame. Curvy gals will look great with structured bags. Here's a complete guide to bag and body-type proportions.

3. Check the reviews.
There are forums and blogs dedicated to designer bags. Read about what people love or hate about the designer bag you're eyeing. Also, YouTube is bursting with designer bag rants and raves.

4. Wait for sales if you can.
Rustan's and brands under the Stores Specialists Group (Alexander McQueen, Kate Spade, Furla, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Prada, Tods, Tory Burch, etc.) hold annual sales with jaw-dropping slashed prices. A few thousands is still a big deal!

5. Be on the hunt for secondhand bags.
What's not to love about owning a secondhand version of a bag you really like in mint condition at a fraction of the price? Save mucho moolah when you snag one from a shop that carry gently used authentic items.

6. Don't settle for fakes!
If the seller says it's a Class AAA, an overrun, or insert-country-name-here authentic, it's not the real thing! To be 100 percent sure, purchase from legit stores or brick and mortar brand shops.

Here are some of our recommendations:


Coach Swagger in Navy
Coach is available at Rustan's Shangri-La.

Longchamp Le Pliage Heritage Bag in Girl
Longchamp is available at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La.

Tory Burch Serif-T Saddlebag
Tory Burch is available at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La.

Kate Spade Cedar Maise
Kate Spade is available at Rustan's Makati and Rustan's Shangri-La.

Gucci Bamboo Daily Ostrich Top Handle Bag
Gucci is available at Shangri-La Plaza.

Prada Tote
Prada is available at Greenbelt and Shangri-La Plaza.

PHOTO: Instagram @purseblog