My non-designer bags don't get very much love as my designer bags do. It's strange, I feel more confident with a nice designer bag hanging on my shoulder!

Originally Posted by Kimber1028

I used to think it didn't matter, but I've had too many cute yet inexpensive bags fall apart after just a few months. Meanwhile, my mid-range designer (no premium) leather bags look almost brand new after several years. I've had the same experience with SLGs . . . a mid-range department-store-brand wallet I bought broke in two weeks, but I've had designer wallets last for five years when used daily. Quality is generally worth its price.

I think it all depends. I've never had high end designer stuff, but some of my midrange stuff has stayed solid while others have broken/frayed. I have this simple leather wallet from 10 years ago that has stayed exactly the same aside from developing a patina, and it was some no-name brand that cost $4.50 back then and $10 now!

Inexpensive and cheap really are two different things.

Originally Posted by pursegirl57

I'm from Michigan and I know what you mean about hardly seeing any designer bags. At least not many premium ones. Coach is pretty big around here because we are in close proximity to a few different outlets. If you see any LV you can be almost certain that they are fake. (I don't know though, maybe more of them are real than I think...there is a LV boutique in Detroit) I feel somewhat the same way you do about following the trend in a particular city. I feel a bit uncomfortable when I carry a bag that really stands out if I'm among people that don't really know about or care if a bag is designer or not.

Exactly! I kept feeling like everyone thought it was fake cause they looked at me funny. Next time I go home I'm bringing something that blends in better or one if my Coach bags.

Originally Posted by Honeygirl123

My non-designer bags don't get very much love as my designer bags do. It's strange, I feel more confident with a nice designer bag hanging on my shoulder!

I agree with this. I feel more confident too. I think our total outward package (clothes, shoes, jewelry, and bag), should represent who we are. It should convey a nonverbal message to people of what we are inside so they know without asking if we are the type they want to associate with. It doesn't mean we have to wear all designer but I'd rather get to know someone who is dressed neatly with a cute bag than someone in all black with rips and safety pins and no bag. Not that they both aren't possibly good people but the first one is more my style and hopefully shares my love of bags!

Yes, I had really been into the 65th anniversay Coach Legacy but as soon as I got a Balenciaga that was all I wanted to carry.

Nope. Not all premier designers are GREAT and not all lower end brands are crap. I have scrounged Marshals or TJMaxx and picked up a quality leather bag that felt heavenly, and looked awesome from a non premier designer.

One of my least used bags is my LV. My most complimented? Rebecca Minkoff and a Foley and Corinna. One that actually crapped out fast ? Marc Jacobs.

So ..do I still want the higher end bags the most? Yes, unfortunately I do tend to like them more, but I don't turn my nose at lower end stuff because it's cheaper, if it's something I like, it's made well or I just plain like it I will buy it and rock it out.

No, I have LV's, Balenciagas, Pradas, Dolce & Gabbana and many more mid-range bags. I really think there is a time and place for everything. For example, I recently vacationed in Colorado. While in Denver I carried a LV Neverfull Azur MM, but once we got up to Summit County, I started carrying a light blue medium-size Le Pliage. It was perfect for the changeable weather and blended right in with the casual vibe of that area. I think I might actually have been uncomfortable carrying the LV there.

Sofa King Banned said, yes its very difficult to use non designers bag.

I have the same feeling, too.....
Until I found a small boutique in Central, Hong Kong last July, 2011.
And now I am still waiting for my Croco tote bag. The owner's name is Fiona.
She also has an eBay store, internationally shipping. Trusted Seller with 100% feedbacks

For me it depends on the occasion or purpose... but using designer bags adds some confidence and glamour :-)

premium designer, designer, or non designer... as long as i like it :)

Whatever it says about me, I still love the buzz I get from carrying designer bags, and especially premier designer ones. Balenciaga is great because of the lack of logos. I have to admit though, there are a couple of no-name/less well-known bags I have loved. One of these is a Scaramanga satchel that cost me less that £60. The other is a faux-leather Rocco that cost less than 50 euros. I'm planning to buy more faux leather in the future. It can be fantastically durable and light, and some designer price-hikes are disgusting. Since I've bought so many expensive leather bags over the years it's time for a change!

I find it easy to go back to a non-designer after having used many designer bags. As for having non-designer bags as beater bags, I don't make that connection either. I carried a Chloe leather bag on a whitewater rafting/bonfire trip to take on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers earlier this month and am planning on doing it again this weekend for a *camping* whitewater rafting trip to take on the Upper Gauley!

I can't use non designer bags anymore, i just can't My obsession started with a longchamps le pliage, then marc jacobs then michael kors than LV! I have a bunch of designer bags and now i can't wear non designer anymore, it just doesn't feel right. However, i do buy non designer clutches/crossbody's from like aldo, etc for going clubbing and what not.

Definitely. Once you get hooked up there is no way back! My collection starts with gucci, Chloe, miu miu, prada, Jimmy choo, burberry, dior, balenciaga, etc then moved up to LV then Chanel and now I'm saving up for my first birkin

YES! I can't.. I only wear designer bags :/