Second Life Handbags: To Splurge or Not to Splurge?

I have a love-hate relationship with buying handbags in Second Life. I often end up disappointed with my purchases and swear I won’t buy another one without a demo. However, the allure of discovering new items at events is too great to resist.

My friend’s words echo in my mind: “Do you want to be banned again, Pris?” It’s frustrating that most Second Life bloggers only share pretty pictures and links instead of providing an accurate portrayal of a product’s functionality. If they did a better job, I could save Lindens and be satisfied with my purchases.

Let’s start with some important points: Firstly, I’d like to clarify that my feedback is meant to be constructive. I simply want good value for my Lindens, which I’m sure most shoppers can relate to. Secondly, while I enjoy photography in SL, I also use accessories in my day-to-day virtual life. I don’t purchase items just for a one-time photo shoot; I expect to be able to wear them repeatedly. While not everyone may share this mindset, I believe it’s an important factor to consider. Finally, I want to emphasize that I have no affiliations with any of the designers mentioned in this post; my opinions are entirely my own.

This feedback is intended to be constructive, and designers should consider it to improve their products. It is essential to receive honest feedback to understand the customer’s needs and create products that satisfy them. Without feedback, designers cannot create products that meet our needs and desires.

I purchased a new handbag from Basec solely based on its attractive appearance in the product image, despite the fact that the model in the ad was naked.

I spent 250 Lindens on a new handbag, but unfortunately, it turned out to be another disappointment. At best, I can only use it as a prop for taking pictures.

If some designers can offer products with amazing animations, why can’t all designers have the same standards? Chic Chica has set the bar high with her props, and while her prices may be a bit steep at times, I have to admit that I have never been disappointed with her products.

The Access event recently opened and Moncada Paris is showcasing their latest expensive handbag. While their advertising is impressive, I couldn’t justify spending 999 Lindens. However, for the sake of this review and to prove a point, I decided to purchase the clutch. Although my Lindens balance didn’t appreciate it, I had to see for myself whether you truly get what you pay for.

Prior to making the purchase, I decided to visit Moncada Paris’ mainstore to view their initial release. However, the one showcased at Access had more animations (10 versus 6) for the same price. Although the first bag had superior marketing, the event setup included a slideshow that demonstrated the animations, which appeared impressive.

I was initially hesitant about the high price tag of 999L for Moncada Paris’s latest handbag, but after trying it out, I was blown away. The “French Touch” animation is simply adorable and I almost forgot about the cost. The clutch is a fatpack with numerous animations, including mirrored ones, that can match any outfit. What’s more, it overrides your AO when walking, making it even more impressive than I anticipated. Overall, I love the clutch and it exceeded my expectations.

I’ve had a favorite handbag for a while now, The Graci from THE OAK. I purchased it some time ago for a mere 250L, and I still love it to this day. It comes as a fatpack with nine animations that override the AO.

The absence of a finger animation in the Graci handbag may be due to its release before Bento became prevalent. However, this doesn’t diminish its value as it still offers nine other animations and is a great purchase for its price of 250L. To compensate for the lack of finger animation, I can easily use the ones available on my Maitreya HUD.

There are no pricing policies on Second Life (and I’m not sure if there are any in real life either). Each seller charges what they want or believe they deserve. As a consultant in real life, I understand this concept. Famous brands will charge more than others, which is how they remain exclusive. It’s okay that not everyone can afford a wide variety of skincare products from Dior or Chanel or a wardrobe from Versace, and the same kind of exclusivity exists in Second Life.

How much would you consider paying for a handbag in Second Life?

Personally, I prefer having the option to buy a single color at a reasonable price point, say 250-300L. Budgets vary and what might be affordable for me today may not be possible for me next week. I understand that not everyone can afford luxury items, but this also applies in real life. Regarding fatpacks, I have mixed feelings about them, especially the expensive ones.

I thought about joining the Moncada Paris group to save 99L, but since there’s a 100L fee to join, it’s not worth it.

If we compare handbags to shoes in terms of pricing, I would expect similar pricing for a fatpack of handbags as I would for a fatpack of shoes. For instance, N-core charges 450L for a fatpack of shoes, while Reign charges between 400-500L. However, I’m not sure if making a handbag is more difficult than making shoes. Shoes don’t have animations, so it might be easier to make them.

However, when I can witness the exceptional quality like the one I just saw with Moncada Paris’ clutch, I wouldn’t think twice about spending 999L again. I mean, just compare the two bags side by side:

Would you rather have a single color handbag for 250L that can only be used as a prop for photography, unless you don’t mind awkwardly holding it in front of your head, or a versatile, chic handbag with multiple color options for 999L that you can use all the time?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much you want to spend on a Second Life handbag. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality option that won’t disappoint, I highly recommend the Moncada Paris clutch. With its chic and classic design, multiple animations, and the way it overrides your AO while walking, it’s worth the investment. But what do you think? Do you have a favorite handbag brand in Second Life? How much are you willing to spend on a bag? Have you tried Moncada Paris before? Let me know in the comments!

Credits:Clutch by Moncada ParisGraci handbag by The OakSarah dress by LybraDarling Hair by Foxy