Preloved designer talk with: Stephanie Abu-Sbeih

Preloved designer talk with: Stephanie Abu-Sbeih

''Don't hate me for saying this, but I don't really understand the hype around the Balenciaga Le Cagole bag''.

Stephanie, better known as Stephsa, has a very large reach with her online platform. On Instagram she has 1 million followers and she has worked very hard for that. She shares the most beautiful snapshots from restaurants to the most beautiful vacation spots, always dressed in gorgeous outfits. Oh yes and not to mention her hair, to be envied.

It's not just the gorgeous content that we appreciate so much, we also adore Stephsa for her gentle nature. She is truly a sweetheart! 

If we want to know anyone's clothing secrets, it's Stephsa's. She answered our questions and we're sharing them exclusively with you.

Stephsa with Dior Pochette Oblique-canvas/ Dior Saddle Pochette Bag/ Vintage Dior Bag/ Preloved Dior Bag/ Secondhand Dior Bag/ Dior Amsterdam

What are your favorite (clothing) stores?

''In Amsterdam I love shopping at the Bijenkorf and in the Nine Street area! I also like to shop at online webshops like Revolve, Farfetch and MyTheresa''.


What are your favorite designer brands?

''Chanel is my number 1! Besides that there are several designer brands I am a big fan of: Prada, Bottega Veneta & Jacquemus just to name a few''!


What makes this your favorite designer brand?

''I love the timeless designs of Chanel. So you never have to worry that the item you saved for for a long time will be out of fashion later. I think a Chanel bag can also be a serious investment, especially if you take good care of it''. 


How did you ever get in touch with us?

''A few years ago I met you on Instagram. I immediately came by your store to admire your collection. My first bag that I bought from you is my Chanel Classic Flap Bag, which I am still very happy with''!


What do you think about the concept of buying and selling vintage designer items?

''Vintage designer is always a good idea! I love the idea of giving new life to existing items. It's good for the environment and also good for your wallet. I always enjoy hunting for vintage gems, at local stores and abroad''.


Where do you buy your vintage designer gems?

''Wherever I am in the world, I usually check to see if there are reputable vintage designer stores nearby. I generally prefer to buy vintage designer items from a store, rather than online. That way you can best see the items, condition and size''.

 

What are your motivations for purchasing vintage products?

''As I mentioned above it saves money and is better for the environment. Besides that, there are of course a lot of great, sometimes iconic, items that I would like to add to my collection, but are just not produced anymore. If you can get your hands on such an item through a vintage designer store, that's great''!


Do you have a vintage designer bag that you are proud of?

''My vintage Chanel backpack, which I also bought from you, I am still very proud of. I think because it might also be a bag that you come across a little less often. I remember looking for it and seeing exactly that model at L'Étoile Luxury Vintage. At that moment I knew for sure that I had to have it. When I wear it, I always get a lot of compliments''.

Chanel Duma Backpack/ Vintage Chanel Backpack/ Preloved Chanel Backpack/ Second-hand Chanel Bag


Do you have a new designer bag in your closet? If so, what was your first bag ever purchased?

My first new designer bag was the YSL Sunset Bag, size medium in beige. It is one of the few light bags I have, I usually buy bags in black. I've had it for a long time and it goes well with light outfits, so I often wear it in the summer.


Have you ever sold a (vintage) designer bag? If so, why did you choose to sell it?

''At the moment I have a beige YSL clutch for sale. I still think it's very beautiful, but unfortunately it's not practical at all because it's very small''.


Have you ever regretted a purchase you didn't make?

''Last summer I came across a super nice, but expensive vintage Chanel belt on a market just outside St Tropez. I was so hesitant at the time because I wasn't sure if it was "real" and not overpriced. At that moment I decided not to buy it, but I regret it a little afterwards''!

 

What dream bag do you hope to get someday?

''A Hermès Kelly bag in black leather is number one on my wishlist. This bag fits in my opinion perfectly with any outfit! On top of that, it is very exclusive and already increased in value the moment you leave the store''.

 

Do you prefer a classic or a limited edition bag?

''In general I like the classics, you can never go wrong with a real classic bag. Although I also have a limited edition BVLGRI Serpenti bag in my collection, which is still my all time fave''!

Bulgari Serpenti Bag


What is the ultimate timeless item according to you?

''The Chanel flap bag! I've enjoyed this bag for years and hopefully I can pass it on to my future daughter, should I ever get one :)''. 


What bag on the designer bag market do you really think is a no go?

''Don't hate me for saying this, but I don't really understand the hype around the Balenciaga Le Cagole bag. In general I think Balenciaga bags are very pretty, but I would never buy that bag''.

 

With love, 
Stephsa & Millie
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