Bottom line of the conversation, most of them are not worth their expensive price tags. I might insert one exclusion here, the Chanel 2.55 will always have my heart and someday I may justify the ridiculous price and buy one.
In the meantime, I thought it would be good to share a few of the brands that I think have prices and quality that match up.
1) Kate Spade
My first "expensive" handbag purchase was actually a Kate Spade Sam Tote. I bought it my Sophomore year of college. This is what it looked like. It was pretty much the signature Kate Spade bag and everyone had them (everyone being lots of girls in my sorority).
I think it was around $125. It was a big purchase for me. I remember eating s**t on the sidewalk outside of the YMCA in Tacoma, WA (I attended the University of Puget Sound) and scraping up my hands and knees, and more tragically, getting a gigantic scuff on the coveted bag when it was just a few months old. It was a sad, sad day.
Back to Kate Spade. Since then I have purchased a number of Kate Spade bags. The quality of the bags are excellent, most of the designs are timeless and they are functional for everyday use. And, they usually have at least 20% off one to two times per year. Here are a few of my favorites from the current collection.
2) J Crew
J Crew's bags are on-trend, well constructed, functional and fashionable. They too have frequent sales that allow you to get the bags at a lower price (not something the luxury brands ever do). I don't actually own one, but I have many friends who do, and they having nothing but good things to say. Here are a few of the bags that I would gladly add to my collection.
Biennial Hobo on sale $260
2) Cole Haan
I definitely have an allegiance to Cole Haan. In my Nike days, I received an employee discount that made the bags hard to pass up. While Cole Haan is no longer owned by Nike, I still believe the quality of their bags makes them worth the price. I have multiple bags that I have used and abused for years, and they are still in fantastic condition. And, they also have frequent sales of %25 off or more.
I know there are plenty of other brands out there that offer beautiful bags at reasonable prices. Which are your favorite?
I definitely have an allegiance to Cole Haan. In my Nike days, I received an employee discount that made the bags hard to pass up. While Cole Haan is no longer owned by Nike, I still believe the quality of their bags makes them worth the price. I have multiple bags that I have used and abused for years, and they are still in fantastic condition. And, they also have frequent sales of %25 off or more.
I know there are plenty of other brands out there that offer beautiful bags at reasonable prices. Which are your favorite?
I'm a Kate Spade and Cole Haan devotee, as well! Their bags take a beating and don't show it, and both brands have outlet stores :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with the biennial hobo, though. Perhaps for my 30th birthday this summer!