Ria Elaina Invest in Yourself

Ria Elaina Atkins

A Mum’s Life

Hello and welcome to my very first Surrey Rocks Magazine column. Let me introduce myself – I’m Ria, Mum of two, married to my handsome hubby. I’m born and bred in my beloved Surrey and spend most of my time between here and London. I’m a handbag and shoe addict and lover of all things luxe.

To find out more about Ria’s luxe lifestyle follow her on Instagram @ria.elaina Investing IN yourself

Iwanted to talk to you about one of my major obsessions - handbags. In today’s world of low interest rates, more and more people are considering investing their money in luxury items instead of putting it into a savings account. Collecting luxury products has been a booming market for some years now, and more and more people are beginning to consider handbags as an investment. I certainly am!

In particular, Chanel and Hermes have experienced a huge valuation spike in the last 10 years. In 2011 a Classic Medium Chanel Flap bag was retailing for £2670, however, today that exact bag retails at £5,890. This increase in value is also reflected on the secondary market. Chanel has such a long history as a luxury brand, it raises it’s prices on a regular basis and also constrains its supply. This makes for great resale value.

Hermes have long been the most sought-after and desired makers of ultra-luxury handbags. The Kelly and Birkin are the most coveted investment pieces. It is notoriously hard to get your hands on a Birkin or Kelly straight from the store. Due to this and the huge demand for these bags, the prices on the secondary market are considerably more than in store. This is the only way many women will have the opportunity to get their hands on the iconic and desirable bag. I have been lucky enough to get a couple from the store, but have also bought one from a luxury second hand store. I knew that it would be impossible to score this particular bag straight from the store due to the specification. Even though it was more expensive than store prices, I bought it because, well I couldn’t resist! And it was of course still a good investment.

During lockdown, I noticed through Instagram how the secondary luxury market began to boom through stories. I started following Sellier Knightsbridge who are one of the leading luxury second hand resellers in the world. Owned by the fashionable and very elegant Hanushka Toni who is also obsessed with handbags, probably more than me! She has some really informative IGTVs on why buying second hand is such a great investment. This fast paced virtual shopping phenomenon

became addictive. I managed to nab a pair of beautiful Hermes pink ostrich sandals for about half of the retail price. With their very catchy tag line of #fastestfingersfirst it’s no wonder that their items sell out in a matter of seconds.

I have also had the pleasure of meeting Sabrina Sadiq, the CEO of Luxury Promise who is an absolute boss lady! How she manages running a successful business both in the UK and Dubai, as well as being a mum to 3 boys I will never know. I popped into their South Molton Street store and ended up buying a beautiful vintage black velvet Chanel bag. The craftsmanship of vintage Chanel bags is something so spectacular, with all the hardware being made of 24 carat gold. They now offer a live shopping experience through Instagram which is a really unique way of shopping and makes the whole experience so fun. Their Hermes collection is also one of the largest I have ever seen.

Sign Of The Times are another fantastic store based in Chelsea. I always seem to pick up the most fabulous finds from there, including Chanel mules, Balenciaga boots and my beautiful orange baby Birkin. They recently had an event for Second Hand September where they had a panel of speakers talking about sustainability in fashion and all the benefits this provides. It certainly got me thinking about how I want to be more savvy when I am shopping, spend less money on “fast fashion” and invest more into the second hand market.

Locally, there are also some great luxury second hand finds. I recently had a wonderful experience

with Phoenix Style who are based in both Cobham and Wimbledon. They do a home collection service where they come to pick up your items ready to sell, I mean how convenient is that?!

Moving on from investing in yourself externally, to investing in yourself internally. The London Finishing Academy offer one of the most unique courses you will ever find. They are an exclusive finishing school for men and women, encompassing modern cultural modules, along with the finest traditional teachings. They are offering one day taster courses held at The Goring Hotel in London, taught by an expert panel of speakers. A snippet of topics include the art of scenting, an insight into the life of Princess Diana’s protection by her ex-bodyguard himself, confident conversation, mindset and visualisation, floral artistry, personal styling and a tour of Diplomatic and Royal St James with access to places not open to the public, and insight into the Queen’s Jewellery collection and a fine dining experience in their Michelin starred restaurant. Tickets are limited so get booking now. This educational experience is an investment for life. Who wouldn’t want to better themselves in every single way?!