Current Good Quality Fair Price but Little Known Recommendation Thread

[Jochae]

I don’t know if Danse Lente
has been mentioned yet, but they’re the first bags that have drawn my attention away from my usual bubble. They have beautiful & unique modern designs, somewhat minimalist, looks very high quality & it’s not bank breaking (if you consider they’re the same price points as some big brands, who knock off designers and sell low quality stuff, they’re not expensive).
I haven’t bought one yet just because I have many other expensive bags I still haven’t fully enjoyed; otherwise I would have definitely taken the plunge.
Here’s one of my favorites. Johnny Hexagon bag:

https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/Dan...KIPpJcD9nInH6DMoR_1UU5UH2cY7jshhoCNmMQAvD_BwE

I have the Danse Lente Mini Johnny in black with gold hardware. To be honest, it’s not the best quality. Not sure if I got a bad batch but the the piping has started fraying and I’ve use I think four or fives times? The part where the hardware pieces rest together has caused the coating to rub off. But you don’t have to worry about someone stealing from you because it’s ridiculously difficult to get anything in or out of that bag, haha! Plus, since I got the smooth leather (idk why), it’s very prone to scratches. Overall, I really do like the bag, and I love that it’s a unique shape and not a brand you commonly see. But if I had the chance to choose again, I would probably get the grained leather bag with silver hardware or a different style altogether.

I also have the Phobe Bis in white and I would say the quality is much better. The bag really doesn’t fit much but it fits what I need. In the front pocket it can hold a small wallet and a lip balm/lipstick. In the back pocket it can fit a small hand cream, an iPhone charger, my inhaler, a packet of tissues, and two sets of keys. It holds less than the mini Johnny but it’s more manageable.

The only gripe I have is that the center panel has started the warp slightly due to the pull of the straps. Plus, the stitches have begun to fray ever so slightly (or maybe I’m just being picky). But I still prefer this over the Mini Johnny because it suits my style better and I ALWAYS get compliments when I’m out with it. Even if I don’t get compliments, it catches attention. Like, when I walk past people, I get this: the brief eye contact, the eyes drop down to the bag, and the slow head turn with a fixated gaze as I walk past them. I really love the Phoebe Bis, more so than the mini Johnny. It’s not amazing quality, but for the price, (got from Nordstrom with some Nordstrom notes ) I think it’s a pretty good deal.

 

[classicgirll]

I skimmed this thread so not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but I highly recommend Little Liffner.
They're handcrafted in Italy and are priced so reasonably for the quality - it's actually a part of the brand philosophy which I really liked.

Just posted a thread about it with a reveal
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/lets-show-little-liffner-some-love.1001557/

 

[catchen_glimpse]

I got my Senreve Maestra when I saw the ladies who use LV, Goyard and Longchamp as their work-to-play bag struggle with digging for their wallets and lipstick. These bags do not hold up and collapse when you place them on the ground. When I need to bring my laptop, I had to get a protective sleeve which is much heavier.

Senreve Maetra solves all these issues for me. It is stylish, spacious, and so so safe to use. For a bag priced at $800, the leather quality is divine and I have been using it from work and school, to traveling around the world, to even workout studios like SoulCycle. It is so so versatile, and such a smart investment to make in yourself for yourself! Every lady deserves a bag like senreve

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

Lumi for 159

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

It comes with a long crossbody strap. Gorgeous turquoise color that didn't really show up.

 

[lucky&lazy]

Have to say ...this is my favorite TPF thread. Ever. Spent the last year selling off my higher end collection. Somewhere through the years, I lost the love for well known brands.
I stumbled upon this thread and have spent hours looking at and researching the brands you have all so lovingly shared.
And just like that..my bag passion has been seriously reignited. The thought of finding these small, indie, artisan brands is thrilling. My vision of the perfect bag has evolved as I get older.
I made a few purchases this week of brands that I never even heard of up until this thread! Beyond excited!
Thanks to everyone that took the time to post. So helpful!

 

[southernbelle43]

Have to say ...this is my favorite TPF thread. Ever. Spent the last year selling off my higher end collection. Somewhere through the years, I lost the love for well known brands.
I stumbled upon this thread and have spent hours looking at and researching the brands you have all so lovingly shared.
And just like that..my bag passion has been seriously reignited. The thought of finding these small, indie, artisan brands is thrilling. My vision of the perfect bag has evolved as I get older.
I made a few purchases this week of brands that I never even heard of up until this thread! Beyond excited!
Thanks to everyone that took the time to post. So helpful!

Please share photos of your new loves! We crave bag photos!!!

 

[papertiger]

Please add the British Fairfax and Favor to you list of possibles. I want at least 3 pairs of boots ad this bag (unfortunately, it's sold out in navy). Heave knows I don't need it but...

...and yes it is suede lined. There's also a mini version.

I think the lighter blue is o sale ATM.

I like these bags but I don't need a bag. Really liking the lizards from Hunting Season too. I need to sit on my hands!!!

 

[papertiger]

Have to say ...this is my favorite TPF thread. Ever. Spent the last year selling off my higher end collection. Somewhere through the years, I lost the love for well known brands.
I stumbled upon this thread and have spent hours looking at and researching the brands you have all so lovingly shared.
And just like that..my bag passion has been seriously reignited. The thought of finding these small, indie, artisan brands is thrilling. My vision of the perfect bag has evolved as I get older.
I made a few purchases this week of brands that I never even heard of up until this thread! Beyond excited!
Thanks to everyone that took the time to post. So helpful!

I think the Indy market is coming into its own now. Big brands are pricing themselves out sales

 

[lucky&lazy]

Agree totally. The pricing is indeed out of control and, often times, the quality is not there to back it up.
There is just something so magical and enticing about these small batch crafted bags.
I'm surprising myself by how much I am loving the idea of carrying an off the grid brand.

 

[lucky&lazy]

Please share photos of your new loves! We crave bag photos!!!

Yes, will do!

 

[Passerine123]

I would add Stephanie Cesaire to the list. She worked with several high profile designers -- Karl Lagerfeld, for example -- before setting out on her own. We visited her boutique in Paris last month and were really impressed with the quality of the bags. Materials (their leathers were excellent and I love what she does with nubuck, example: https://www.stephaniecesaire.com/fichesac.aspx?sac=904&shape=53) and construction are top notch. My only complaint is the goofiness of their web site...which is not the most user friendly and doesn't show all the materials/options available for the models. The Neosellier, Bahia, and Carolyn are my favorites and I will definitely add this brand to my collection. Unfortunately, when we discovered the store, I had already blown my Paris shopping budget at Polene, on shoes from Etro and two other Italian brands, and on some high end Darphin skin care products. FYI, if you do stop in her Paris store, be sure to have some tea at the beautiful Japanese tea room a few doors away.
stephaniecesaire.com

 

[piosavsfan]

I would add Stephanie Cesaire to the list. She worked with several high profile designers -- Karl Lagerfeld, for example -- before setting out on her own. We visited her boutique in Paris last month and were really impressed with the quality of the bags. Materials (their leathers were excellent and I love what she does with nubuck, example: https://www.stephaniecesaire.com/fichesac.aspx?sac=904&shape=53) and construction are top notch. My only complaint is the goofiness of their web site...which is not the most user friendly and doesn't show all the materials/options available for the models. The Neosellier, Bahia, and Carolyn are my favorites and I will definitely add this brand to my collection. Unfortunately, when we discovered the store, I had already blown my Paris shopping budget at Polene, on shoes from Etro and two other Italian brands, and on some high end Darphin skin care products. FYI, if you do stop in her Paris store, be sure to have some tea at the beautiful Japanese tea room a few doors away.
stephaniecesaire.com

I wanted to order a bag but they require social security numbers from US customers, which is really strange and a recipe for identity theft. Why would they need it?

 

[christinemliu]

Following on from this thread:

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...ross-the-board-are-they-crazy-or-am-i.980460/

I'm not sure why we should be loyal to big name companies/brands that are not loyal to their customers by reducing quality and/or continuously raising prices.

I'd like to start a list of small or growing companies that produce good quality for fair prices away from the big brand names that are basically too popular for their own (longterm) good.

We may have bought, checked-out or just browsed and come across these bags and thought that we'd better not lose the page or forget their name. These can be competitors to premium or contemporary brand quality/prices.

I'd like to include:

Hunting Season = reasonably priced exotics and basic shapes (Colombia).

Why:
Leather-lined and unusual but pleasing designs. Classic looking 'Kelly' bags. Megan M already a fan (not exactly a plus for me but I know lots of you like a little bit of a celeb endorsement). For the minimalists, little or no hardware

https://www.hunting-season.com/

Nita Suri = reasonably priced, interesting shapes (Spain).

Why:
Modernist embellishments and minimalist design and some great colours. Rolled leather handles and someone please buy me a Philo bag. Suede lined.

https://www.nitasuri.com/

Cartujano = Top-quality and high-end prices but still good value IMO (Spain).

Why:
I have bought a leather strap from them and it sits well with my H-bags. Leather linings, top quality variety of leathers great designs and top quality craftsmanship. Madrid and Berlin stores (London has just closed)

http://www.cartujano.com/euren/women/bags

Polene = minimalist shapes with a little bit of extra something (French, made in Spain)

Why:
The price-points, choice of very wearable colours. Already becoming popular on tPF (where I first saw them talked about)

https://polene-paris.com/

Please add to this list, discuss or comment on those discussed.

Echoing the thanks for this thread...should it be renamed 2018-2019 ?!!

For those who like the rustic, pull up American leather (don't expect soft Italian) I have a tote from Etsy store HawksAndDoves that has aged pretty well:
https://etsy.me/2D624RJ
I do want to try one from Portland Leather Goods though.

I have also been tempted by Artifact Bags https://etsy.me/2QJRAv3
and Morelle (this looks like soft Italian! though they are based in Greece):
https://etsy.me/2M8eo74

Marco Massaccesi's final deadline for orders is in two days!

Lastly, I think I first saw the case somewhere on tPF, but here are my leather pencil case and paperweight from Leatherology:

 

[papertiger]

I wanted to order a bag but they require social security numbers from US customers, which is really strange and a recipe for identity theft. Why would they need it?

You did the right thing. No bag is worth that risk