Here's a question from a reader:

I need your expertise! Handbags are a constant source of frustration for
me. I have three major problems:

1) Quality/Price – I canNOT afford to spend more than $50 on a handbag, and
I prefer to spend as little as possible. There's no way I can afford a Coach
bag, or even a Nine West bag unless it's on clearance. Which is fine… or
it would be, if every cheaper brand didn't insist upon littering their bags
with logos that loudly declare "Look at me! I got this cheapass handbag at
Wal-Mart!" I'm not a label whore, but if I'm going to wear a logo, it's
going to be for a decent brand. I usually solve this problem by looking for
bags devoid of any type of branding at all.

2) Color – I don't change my purse every day. I am, however, compulsive and
neurotic where coordination is concerned (as in, I can't sleep if my pajamas
don't match). Generally I go for a bright color – like plum or red – that
sort of makes a statement by matching nothing. I just got a cuteish red faux
croc bag at Sears, but I'm not sure I love it. I think I'd like something in
teal or aqua.

3) Size/Storage – I try so very hard not to cart around tons of crap in my
bag. But even with just a wallet, a cell phone, the occasional iPod, a lip
gloss, and the other little things that inevitably wind up in the bag, I
need space. And I really really love as many pockets as possible because I'm
totally disorganized. Unfortunately, handbags seem to mostly come in two
sizes: gigantic and tiny. It's hard to find a decent medium-sized bag that
you can wear on your shoulder and isn't either too small for a wallet and a
phone or big enough to hide an infant.

So every time I wear out a bag – because I keep them as long as possible –
I agonize looking for a new one for what seems like ages. eBags.com has
some cute stuff… but nothing that's blowing my mind (at least not for
under $100). All I want is a cheapish bag that doesn't look cheap and is
able to hold my stuff. Is that too much to ask?!

<!--quoteo(post=93:date=Apr 7 2007, 09:21 PM:name=The Budget Fashionista)--><div class="quotetop">QUOTE(The Budget Fashionista @ Apr 7 2007, 09:21 PM) [snapback]93[/snapback]</div>

Here's a question from a reader:

I need your expertise! Handbags are a constant source of frustration for
me. I have three major problems:

1) Quality/Price – I canNOT afford to spend more than $50 on a handbag, and
I prefer to spend as little as possible. There's no way I can afford a Coach
bag, or even a Nine West bag unless it's on clearance. Which is fine… or
it would be, if every cheaper brand didn't insist upon littering their bags
with logos that loudly declare "Look at me! I got this cheapass handbag at
Wal-Mart!" I'm not a label whore, but if I'm going to wear a logo, it's
going to be for a decent brand. I usually solve this problem by looking for
bags devoid of any type of branding at all.

2) Color – I don't change my purse every day. I am, however, compulsive and
neurotic where coordination is concerned (as in, I can't sleep if my pajamas
don't match). Generally I go for a bright color – like plum or red – that
sort of makes a statement by matching nothing. I just got a cuteish red faux
croc bag at Sears, but I'm not sure I love it. I think I'd like something in
teal or aqua.

3) Size/Storage – I try so very hard not to cart around tons of crap in my
bag. But even with just a wallet, a cell phone, the occasional iPod, a lip
gloss, and the other little things that inevitably wind up in the bag, I
need space. And I really really love as many pockets as possible because I'm
totally disorganized. Unfortunately, handbags seem to mostly come in two
sizes: gigantic and tiny. It's hard to find a decent medium-sized bag that
you can wear on your shoulder and isn't either too small for a wallet and a
phone or big enough to hide an infant.

So every time I wear out a bag – because I keep them as long as possible –
I agonize looking for a new one for what seems like ages. eBags.com has
some cute stuff… but nothing that's blowing my mind (at least not for
under $100). All I want is a cheapish bag that doesn't look cheap and is
able to hold my stuff. Is that too much to ask?!

I understand what you mean. I love handbags but I cant afford them either. I usually buy them whether they are namebrand or not. I will get them from whereever. I usually shop for them at Marshalls , Walmart, or Burlington Coat Factory. I used to splurge on them b/4 I had kids and a husband but now I have to take what I get. I say as long as it is cute, durable, and priced reasonably I buy it.

<!--quoteo(post=97:date=Apr 9 2007, 05:34 PM:name=christal)--><div class="quotetop">QUOTE(christal @ Apr 9 2007, 05:34 PM) [snapback]97[/snapback]</div>

I understand what you mean. I love handbags but I cant afford them either. I usually buy them whether they are namebrand or not. I will get them from whereever. I usually shop for them at Marshalls , Walmart, or Burlington Coat Factory. I used to splurge on them b/4 I had kids and a husband but now I have to take what I get. I say as long as it is cute, durable, and priced reasonably I buy it.

Outlets and clearances hon… and maybe what you should do is save 25 bucks per month for half a year or a year and go down to an outlet and get yourself a medium sized coach bag. we are all compulsive shoppers. Imagine how many times (other than the neccesities) that you have spent 25 dollars on on-the-run snacks at the gas pump. 25 bucks on payless shoes that stunk. You forgot your lunch 3 days in a row and are hitting up subway. Your craving got the better of you while grocery shopping and you came home with chocolate and chips.It may be tough to say no when target or some place like that has a huge clearance sale. But a great handbag is one thing that you wear more than anything else. So do splurge a little and you will actually save money in the long run. Baby them and treat them well. Imagine how much you would have to pay to replace a handbag that tears at the seams because of poor quality. That will be more expensive. A good everyday handbag and a good wool coat and a good pair of boots are things that investements in the future. Try to set aside a little money every month for a good hanndbag. You will feel better and look better and it will last longer and the patina of the leather will be improving. You could give it to your kids and it'll be a vintage coach.
At an outlet you CAN save 40 to 80% off a handbag so don't writeoff coach.

I got my teal Coach purse with tons of pockets and no flashy emblems for $200 at a Coach outlet. While I hate spending that kind of money on a purse, I use it every day, get tons of compliments on it and don't treat it as well as I should but it still holds up! An investment for sure.

I've come to find even Nine West purses fall apart after a while. But cheap purses are great if you plan on buying something trendy or if you aren't going to use it more than one season. Those kinds I hit up TJ Maxx for.

I love Coach and The Sak bags! I am VERY hard on my bags - carry them all over the city in all kinds of weather, throw them into my bottom desk drawer at work, fill 'em up with stuff - and I can't stand to pay $50 for a cheap bag which will fall apart in three weeks and then not only am I out the $50 but the $$ I will spend to replace it.

My sister thought I was crazy to spend so much on a bag. I said, Well, you'll replace your (cheaper name brand) bag four times and I'll still be carrying my Coach, and it will look even better than it does now.

Save up and buy yourself a GOOD bag - you will not be sorry! It will class up everything you wear. Nothing looks worse than a nice outfit with a cheap bag, but a good bag will make even a T-shirt and jeans look good!

I have quite a collection of handbags and must say that I get asked the most about the ones I get at Target. I love the reaction when they go Target?????

I truly believe you dont have to be rich to be a fashionista. I've worked almost al mylife and about 2 years ago decided to stay home for awhile. This meant no paycheck for me, so I quickly learned to rebudget without sacrificing my style of dressing. I must say its actually fun to look for bargains and try to copy designer styles for a fraction of the cost.

<!--quoteo(post=434:date=May 29 2007, 01:45 PM:name=willwork4shoes)--><div class="quotetop">QUOTE(willwork4shoes @ May 29 2007, 01:45 PM) [snapback]434[/snapback]</div>

I have quite a collection of handbags and must say that I get asked the most about the ones I get at Target. I love the reaction when they go Target?????

I truly believe you dont have to be rich to be a fashionista. I've worked almost al mylife and about 2 years ago decided to stay home for awhile. This meant no paycheck for me, so I quickly learned to rebudget without sacrificing my style of dressing. I must say its actually fun to look for bargains and try to copy designer styles for a fraction of the cost.

Hi - this is my first post here! I was just at Target today, such cute bags!!!! I agree that saving up for a good bag is ideal, however, if you are in a need it now situation, Target has great bags! I just got the cutest little white bag there today for $7 ----- no, it def. will not last forever, but, I have about 20 that I rotate, and needed a little white one, so, now I have it. 

Also, HSN (gasp!) often has very nice, real leather bags on deep discount. they have name brands, like Chi by Carlos Falchi, and also designer inspired bags. Just a few days ago a genuine leather bag I saw there was on sale for under $20!

Like the above poster, I am at home (I have little kids to watch :-)), and had to adjust without sacrificing my deep passion for fashion! Love to find the 'look' for less - Target, among other places, is my friend!

so happy to have found this forum, and looking forward to chatting!

cheers -

Sukha

I love the bags from Target too - I just replace them frequently.

I've had luck at Kohl's as well. Nothing terribly fancy, but I can always find good deals on cute bags and utilitarian bags that don't look like crap.

Ebay all the way, baby! That is the answer.

I've also had luck with Bluefly and Smart Bargains. Overstock sometimes has some nice stuff too.