About Melissa

Hi! I’m Melissa. I'm a self-professed (and proudly accessible) bougie handbag nerd, detail junky, storyteller, and dachshund wrangler. My love of handbags started as a Brooklyn teen, falling hard for craftsmanship: the the touch the feel , the smell of leather, the contrast stitching, the way great hardware feels in your hand. Years later, I made my passion into a career with a dream role in Strategic Marketing & Market Research at Coach. There I learned to read a bag like a book: leather, lining, hardware, stitching, and how it all works for real life. I learned what women want and need… men too, of course!

After a many-year hiatus to raise my husband’s clones (aka our kids), I’m back. I hand-select every bag for character and longevity, choosing only pieces I’d be proud to carry myself. Pricing is transparent, sourcing is thoughtful, and I’m here for your questions from first click to final delivery. I curate vintage that feels special, wears beautifully, and doesn’t require a second mortgage.

I believe every handbag tells a story. Some are so unique they practically narrate themselves. Those are my favorite. My own collection is a photo album: I can recall where I was, who I was with, the weather, even which glass I sipped my champagne from. Silly? Maybe. True? Absolutely. For me, handbags are memories and an everyday reminder to live life stylishly.

When I’m not treasure-hunting, I’m restoring vintage pieces, crafting gnomes and jewelry, cuddling two miniature dachshunds, and cherishing every fleeting moment with my two teenagers.

Why Vintage (and why Japan)?

On a trip to Japan, I stumbled into the pre-loved market. Strong anti-counterfeit laws, fashion-savvy connoisseurs, limited closet space, and a real commitment to reuse make Japan an incredible place to source authentic, well-kept handbags. It’s where quality and style meet respect for longevity.

Sustainability (our light, bougie-green approach)

Buying vintage keeps beautiful bags in circulation and out of landfills, avoids the resource cost of new production, and rewards craftsmanship built to last. Less waste, more style.

Our promise

Every item on this site is based around the following ideals:

  • Circular by design: Every resale extends a bag’s life and supports a true circular economy.
  • Transparent grading: Clear photos and condition notes so you know exactly what you’re getting—and can love it longer.
  • Gentle restoration: Clean, condition, and edge-coat as needed—never overdo it.
  • Spare parts > new parts: Vintage/salvaged straps, zippers, and feet whenever possible.
  • Thoughtful shipping: Right-sized boxes and recycled/recyclable materials.

Keep Your Bag Greener, Longer

  • Store stuffed and out of direct sun.
  • Use a cotton or recycled dust bag.
  • Rotate wear; condition leather a few times a year. (Think of moisturizer for skin—dryness, fine lines and wrinkles are a person’s nemesis, and they’re a handbag’s enemies too. Conditioning keeps her supple and refreshed.
  • Spot-clean linings and fix loose stitches early.
  • When you’re done, resell or consign—close the loop.

Ask Me Anything

Curious about patina, provenance, or the perfect everyday crossbody? Please ask me. I love matching people to the right piece.

My Instagram: @baglorious_lux