Just realized something that might save you money if you're thinking about buying luxury items as an "investment." Spoiler: most of them aren't.

I was browsing resale sites recently and noticed a pretty depressing pattern. Designer stuff people paid serious cash for is going for pennies on the secondary market. Like, genuinely pennies.

Women's designer shoes in decent condition? Brutal. Saw UGG boots that originally cost $150 sitting at $9. The brands don't matter as much as people think - if there's any scuff or wear, value just evaporates.

Mid-range handbags are another trap. Rebecca Minkoff bags, Kate Spade, Michael Kors - they're nice, sure, but resale is rough. There's a Rebecca Minkoff fringe bag that was $300 new, available for $18. A Kate Spade shoulder bag that retailed for $360? Also $18. Both already sold, which tells you people are desperate to move them.

Dated dresses hit different too. Paid $240 for a Rachel Pally dress? Good luck getting more than $8 if the style's fallen out of favor. Same with that Joie dress - was $230, now $8. Condition doesn't matter when the trend's dead.

Designer hats with any visible wear are basically worthless. Eugenia Kim headbands were $115, reselling for $20. Rag & Bone fedoras dropped from $250 to $24.75.

And phone cases - probably the worst offender. Tumi cases that cost $125+? Selling for $7. LoveShackFancy iPhone cases that were $60? $7.50.

The real lesson here: luxury items are consumption, not investment. Buy what you actually like and plan to use, because the resale math almost never works out in your favor.