Do you own any non-designer/non high-end bags?

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#586
I don't own a bag over $400 and, although I would absolutely love to have a Birkin or a LV in my collection, I just can't see myself spending thousands of dollars on something that I will eventually get bored with and hang in the closet. I tend to stick to Coach or MK, because they're great quality and although most would consider them expensive, I have local outlets within a 30 minute drive where I could find a nice Coach for an unbeatable price.

And, of course, I own a whole bunch of no-name or inexpensive bags. I used to love to buy purses at Buckle, because they are less than $100 and the majority of the brands are of great quality. I had a wedding to go to last weekend and wore black with mint (my new favorite color) and found a super adorable mint-colored bag at Charming Charlie for $29. Unfortunately, I have only carried it for a week and the fake leather already looks wrinkled and beat up.

I agree with some of you! Price definitely doesn't equal quality! I have purchased cheap bags that have lasted years and expensive bags that had fallen apart in just months
 
#587
Oh my yes. Over the years I've bought many non designer, non high end bags. I used to buy one new bag per season and always under $100, usually $50 or less. (But that's relative when you figure I'm talking 20-25 years ago). I don't have them anymore, some I miss! But I used to think I wouldn't buy an expensive bag because I liked new ones each year and if I paid hundreds for a bag (thousands never entered my head) I would feel I had to use that bag exclusively. Dooney & Bourke was my hg at the time. It was 12 years ago I bought my first Dooney and I haven't looked back since LOL. Now, I buy more than one per season and I don't worry that I've spent so much and can't have another. I haven't broken the thousand dollar mark yet, but I'm getting close. And I see that falling probably this year. But to get back on the main subject here, I still buy non high-end bags. I love my Vera's, especially for travelling. I love the linen and leather Spartina449 bags. At the after-Christmas sales, I picked up the cutest black clutch, faux leather, with 3 silver chains across it. I think it was Guess. I know there are many more Coach and Dooneys and Brahmins in my future. Along with the occasional LV, Bal, maybe even a Chanel. (But these had better be occasional LOL). I don't worry as much who makes the bag, if it makes my heart sing, chances are it may be coming home with me.
 
#588
Up to this point in my life all my bags have been non-high end/designer bags that cost at most about $200-ish.

I have a few "contemporary designer" bags (+some no-name) but I also personally really love trying to find local artisans and companies that make beautiful handmade bags within the country- they end up being such unique pieces plus I feel good about supporting local small businesses :smile1:

My favourite bag at the moment (and has been for the 2 years since I got it) I found at a small stand alone leather shop. It has no recognizable name on it, but I couldn't care less! It's a beautiful handmade piece that's incredibly well made and I've gotten SO SO SO many compliments on it over the years!

That being said I do still very much admire higher end brands and I have just managed to save up for and buy my first Mulberry bag that is on it's way!!!! Haha but that's going to be the only one for a long long time, I just can't be spending a $1000+ on a bag at this stage of my life.
 
#589
I have one Coach from about 3 years ago. It's a very pretty bag. I sold off all of my Coach but this one when I got into LV. DH bought me this bag for my bday, and I'd feel guilty selling it. But my heart belongs to LV and Chanel now. :)
 
#590
I just bought (and received as gifts) two brandless bags for my birthday. Ok, actually 3 bags 😄. One is a designer brand: Le Tanneur. The other 2 are cheap bags, one is just a pretty handheld bag with lace details and padlock with gold hardware. I love that cutie so much! I don't care if there is no label. The last one is clearly a knock-off from Michael Kors Jet Set Zip tote. My mom got it for me in Baby Blue (she has one in pink). I love this bag for its versatility! The name one the bag says "belladonna" and has a keychain with a big M on it. Ok, it's pvc, and a knock-off, but that doesn't mean I don't like it. I appreciate all of my bags, be it LV, Longchamp, Le Tanneur, or even my "Belladonna" one. It is about what makes me happy.
 
#592
Free People makes a vegan bag that is huge and reversible, and it comes with two pouches. It can be carried in any weather and loaded with junk, and it also looks pretty good! Costs about $80 and I have three. This color is my favorite: ImageUploadedByPurseForum1424888211.600096.jpg
 
#593
My bags range from 20$ to 300$ in value. I get most of them one sale or at places like TJ-Maxx or Marshalls. WHile I love the idea of a really high-end bag, I know I'd be just as happy with something cheaper. (Plus I like to get things on sale, and most of the higher-end labels never go on sale.) I tend to like mid-range brands like Cole Haan, Ralph Lauren and Elliott Lucca. I'm not too big on Coach or Michael Kors since everybody in my town has them...but they are good quality from what I've heard.
 
#594
CashmereCouture said:
My bags range from 20$ to 300$ in value. I get most of them one sale or at places like TJ-Maxx or Marshalls. WHile I love the idea of a really high-end bag, I know I'd be just as happy with something cheaper. (Plus I like to get things on sale, and most of the higher-end labels never go on sale.) I tend to like mid-range brands like Cole Haan, Ralph Lauren and Elliott Lucca. I'm not too big on Coach or Michael Kors since everybody in my town has them...but they are good quality from what I've heard.
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I appear to be ruined for the non-high end bags. I went into Macy's and TJ Maxx looking for something I could take traveling and beat up, and hated everything I saw. It also seems like the quality of a lot of the mid-range stuff has decreased, but that's hard to say--maybe it just dulls in comparison to the higher-end stuff I know now and didn't before. I used to love Botkier and Rebecca Minkoff, but I feel like the bags just aren't what they used to be, in looks or in quality. My nylon Burberry tote is the least expensive thing I carry now.

I've also learned that there are some great deals to be had on pre-loved, high-end stuff. One example--I bought a pre-loved patent YSL Lover bag on eBay for under $300 that is in great shape and seems to be indestructible. It's not "in" right now, but I'd much rather carry it than a new Botkier or Minkoff that everyone else is carrying, and that might fall apart in a year or two. It's great for rain, snow, and travel.
 
#595
serenityneow said:
I appear to be ruined for the non-high end bags. I went into Macy's and TJ Maxx looking for something I could take traveling and beat up, and hated everything I saw. It also seems like the quality of a lot of the mid-range stuff has decreased, but that's hard to say--maybe it just dulls in comparison to the higher-end stuff I know now and didn't before. I used to love Botkier and Rebecca Minkoff, but I feel like the bags just aren't what they used to be, in looks or in quality. My nylon Burberry tote is the least expensive thing I carry now.

I've also learned that there are some great deals to be had on pre-loved, high-end stuff. One example--I bought a pre-loved patent YSL Lover bag on eBay for under $300 that is in great shape and seems to be indestructible. It's not "in" right now, but I'd much rather carry it than a new Botkier or Minkoff that everyone else is carrying, and that might fall apart in a year or two. It's great for rain, snow, and travel.
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This is the classic debate on designer vs. budget purses. I don't think one way is better than the other-- all forms of conspicuous consumption are welcome here :-) A YSL for under 300$ is a great deal if it's a style you like and a price point you can afford. As for quality, I'd consider how often I'd wear the bag. I bought an ABS Allen Schwartz leather hobo in 2007 -- yes, the prom-dress brand -- and it still looks gorgeous after 8 years. Considering that I've moved on to other purses, it didn't need to last me "forever". But hey, to each their own!
 
#597
Actually, I'm a pretty huge fan of a non-designer handbag brand: Timbuk2. Yeah, they're not the prettiest bags, but they are INDESTRUCTIBLE and can survive any type of weather. I have several Scrunchie totes, & I love carrying these to work on rainy days. Also, they double as gym bags & the straps are designed to hold an exercise mat. You can shove them in a locker without having to worry about them getting damaged and/or permanently dirty. I hate that I love them so much... but I do, lol.
 
#598
slowlikehoney said:
Oh I don't like the new one at all! Or the new version of the Stash. Old ones are much better, I agree.
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How is the updated one different? I had a crossbody and a hobo but ended up selling the hobo, but I really miss the feel of thenlambskin. It was probably the softest bag I've ever owned! I want to buy another lamb bag but I've felt other lamb bags that are kinda thin and insubstantial.
 
#599
I'd consider Michael Kors, RL, Kate Spade and Coach designer bags. To most people those ARE high end bags. TPF is such a bubble! Designer or not designer is such a weird distinction that I have trouble with sometimes - there are Kate Spade and RL bags that are cheaper than my Frye bag but people wouldn't really consider Frye a "designer bag."

I have a range. I learned quickly not to buy fake leather as they usually don't last and are just not pleasant to the touch. But I like cotton totes and simple canvas as well as mid range stuff from Fossil, Frye and Lucky Brand. Most of them are <$200 but I do have a Dooney. The most expensive one I have is a Campomaggi and I don't think I'd do it again. I think I prefer midrange bags to really cheap or really expensive.
 
#600
beggarbaby said:
I'd consider Michael Kors, RL, Kate Spade and Coach designer bags. To most people those ARE high end bags. TPF is such a bubble! Designer or not designer is such a weird distinction that I have trouble with sometimes - there are Kate Spade and RL bags that are cheaper than my Frye bag but people wouldn't really consider Frye a "designer bag."

I have a range. I learned quickly not to buy fake leather as they usually don't last and are just not pleasant to the touch. But I like cotton totes and simple canvas as well as mid range stuff from Fossil, Frye and Lucky Brand. Most of them are <$200 but I do have a Dooney. The most expensive one I have is a Campomaggi and I don't think I'd do it again. I think I prefer midrange bags to really cheap or really expensive.
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I completely agree with you. My friends consider my DKNY leather bags expensive. My MK Selma has received lots of compliments as well.

The truth is that most people, apart from tpfers, wouldn't splurge more than $100 or $200 for a bag. The people that can afford and are willing to pay more than that for a bag are people who love them, appreciate their craftsmanship and consider them more that "just bags".

Personally, the only super expensive bag that I own is a Chanel 2.55 and it was a gift. I also own a Burberry purse. My other bags are from designers such as MK, DKNY, Moschino, TOUS etc. and my favorite clutch at the moment is one I bought from Accessorize last summer (for less than 30 euros); I fell in love with it from the moment I saw it and I had to have it!:p
 
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