I'd like to improve my bag wardrobe -- seeing the bag/shoe girl question on style polls inspired me -- but I can only spend around $150-250 on a single bag... so no Fendis for me, except in my dreams.
Still, I would like to think I can still have an eye-catching, unique leather bag at that price. Is it possible? Someone on that bag/shoe thread mentioned how it seems so much easier to find beautiful shoes in the $100-300 price range, but bags are much more difficult. That's my challenge. Can anyone recommend any lines or sites for cool bags in that range?
Also, I saw the Tano bag site that someone posted a few days ago and liked it. I'm looking for more in that vein, and maybe something slightly more classic (I have a lot of hobos already).
I'm bumping this because I'm right there with ya! I am ready to invest in a bag but I can't go from spending under $50 to spending $500. I just can't. It seems the $200ish price range is hard to find. So i'm not help at all, but am there with you in spirit.
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Who do you have to probe around here to get a Chardonnay? - Roger the Alien from American Dad
$200 ish is also my 'splurge/investment' price range for bags. Usually, I think alot of the bags that fall into that category when they're full price are not worth the money.
Soooo, codes and sales baby! That way you're getting a nicer bag, but for a price within your budget. You might have to stalk an item you want for awhile, but it almost always pays off. I did that with both my Handmaid bag (got for $200, origninally $325-ish?) and my Jocasi (originally $425, got for $125).
Zeitgeist has some nice bags from .. is it Cole Haan? Kenneth Cole? They're around that price range usually I think. Francesco Biasa also uses pretty nice leather for the price ...
-- Edited by Elle at 10:12, 2006-09-08
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I ditto what Elle said and keeping that in mind, although I know this is outside your budget, I am in LOVE!!! (note the capital letters and exclamation points) with the Bulga pudding flap bag... gorgeousness at 575!
Elle wrote:
$200 ish is also my 'splurge/investment' price range for bags. Usually, I think alot of the bags that fall into that category when they're full price are usually not worth the money.
Soooo, codes and sales baby! That way you're getting a nicer bag, but for a price within your budget. You might have to stalk an item you want for awhile, but it almost always pays off. I did that with both my Handmaid bag (got for $200, origninally $325-ish?) and my Jocasi (originally $425, got for $125).
Zeitgeist has some nice bags from .. is it Cole Haan? Kenneth Cole? They're around that price range usually I think. Francesco Biasa also uses pretty nice leather for the price ...
Elle wrote: Zeitgeist has some nice bags from .. is it Cole Haan? Kenneth Cole? They're around that price range usually I think.
I would suggest hitting up department store sales and Marshall's/TJ Maxx. I have scored great deals at both:
Marshall's/TJM:
Cole Haan (one was $40, normally $125; another was $90, normally $200+)
BCBG ($50, normally $300)
Other brands/designers seen at these stores: Michael Kors, Coach, Francesco Biasia
Macy's:
DKNY ($100, normally $275)
Charles David ($70, don't remember original price)
Michael Kors ($25, normally $140)
Bluefly is also a good place to look. It seems like every time I buy a bag for around 30% off elsewhere it ends up on Bluefly for 40% off. There are usually special Bluefly sales with additional 10-15% off. I've bought a Maxx New York bag from there, and a Kenneth Cole bag I got from the KC website showed up on Bluefly for a better deal than I got.
If you find a bag you like, stalk it and wait till it goes on sale or there's a code for 25% off or something.
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Veni, Vedi, Visa.
I came, I saw, I did a little shopping.
iconic wrote: I ditto what Elle said and keeping that in mind, although I know this is outside your budget, I am in LOVE!!! (note the capital letters and exclamation points) with the Bulga pudding flap bag... gorgeousness at 575!
Back in July that bag (but in the smaller size in chocolate) popped up on Neiman Marcus for around $200 or so. You just have to check websites daily around sale season, and you're bound to stumble across a nice bag for 50-60% off.
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Veni, Vedi, Visa.
I came, I saw, I did a little shopping.
Thanks to everyone for the great ideas! The brand names really helped me -- I didn't know about all of them, and now I have new lines to stalk online :) I like the idea of getting a pricier bag with a code for around $200. It'll be more impressive that way.
Oh, and that Bulga bag is unbelievable! I can't believe it was once available in my price range.
I am so glad you asked this because I am looking for a new hand bag with a not a budget-breaking price point. I actually think I am going to go with a Tano, but the ideas have been so helpful that I might just change my mind.