I have only a handful of contemporary designer bags (MbMJ, Kate Spade, Foley+Corinna, TUMI, COACH). Even though they are not "premiere" designer bags, their quality overall is way better than those sold at Targets or Walmart. So it's pretty safe to say that I will not go back to non-designer bags.
Does anyone find it hard to use a non-designer bag after having designer bags...?
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'Designer bag' for me encompass both premier and contemporary... Both comes with some quality expectation. My collection is a mix and I love my Prada saffiano tote as much as my MK Hamilton 
So, yes, it is hard to go for non designer bag - even the high street brands, because my expectation of quality increases significantly and every time I am interested in one I am thinking: "handbag is kinda 'forever' - do I spend this USD 50 or I keep for my future (Prada or LV or MK or Tods)?"
I always end up answering "keep for my future designer bags"!
So, yes, it is hard to go for non designer bag - even the high street brands, because my expectation of quality increases significantly and every time I am interested in one I am thinking: "handbag is kinda 'forever' - do I spend this USD 50 or I keep for my future (Prada or LV or MK or Tods)?"
I always end up answering "keep for my future designer bags"!
The first premier bag I seriously liked was Balenciaga. Ended up with 4 BBags of which I sold 2, a reg City because it was not tall enough to hold a binder and a Giant Hobo because I didn't like the gold hardware. I eventually grew to appreciate LV and bought 3, sold one. I still want a BV or Chanel but a bit out of my price range at the moment. These days I'm mostly into Coach and some of their retro-looking bags but still looking for the perfect style, shape, size, leather, detail, etc.
My most valuable bag is a non-designer red patent genuine alligator I inherited. I just don't carry it much because I don't want to dirty the suede interior but there's no label whatsoever. It's from the 1950's. I also have a non-designer no-name genuine ostrich clutch that's more artsy crafty than proper bag but I keep for reference and because its my only clutch.
I think what I truly want is to work with a designer, create bags for myself from choosing the leather, designing the hardware with a jeweler, and supervising the type of cut and stitching to fit my needs to a T. I've had sweaters, dresses, boots, knives, even a culinary ladle custom-made so why not a bag, with my own logo. Not going to happen obviously but I am kind of working on making my own perfume at the moment.
So designer bag or non-designer, if the quality is there and fits my somewhat conservative but functional taste, I don't mind wearing either.
My most valuable bag is a non-designer red patent genuine alligator I inherited. I just don't carry it much because I don't want to dirty the suede interior but there's no label whatsoever. It's from the 1950's. I also have a non-designer no-name genuine ostrich clutch that's more artsy crafty than proper bag but I keep for reference and because its my only clutch.
I think what I truly want is to work with a designer, create bags for myself from choosing the leather, designing the hardware with a jeweler, and supervising the type of cut and stitching to fit my needs to a T. I've had sweaters, dresses, boots, knives, even a culinary ladle custom-made so why not a bag, with my own logo. Not going to happen obviously but I am kind of working on making my own perfume at the moment.
So designer bag or non-designer, if the quality is there and fits my somewhat conservative but functional taste, I don't mind wearing either.
I seem to be stepping down from the premier designer brands. I have a core group of bags that I've whittled the collection down to after much trial & error, and mixed among them are some less expensive play bags. I have an army green canvas tool bag( seriously!) with my initials embroidered on one end, the 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target top handle cross body bags, 1 in each color, and these are mixed among my Chanel, LV, and Mulberry.
I rotate my bags every 2 days and I'm always happy to get to one of the play bags. I get the feeling of " oh boy, casual Friday, I can wear jeans & a t". It's a whole mind set to me.
I do have one last designer bag I'm looking at, then I will stop and enjoy my collection. ( she said as if she means it)
I rotate my bags every 2 days and I'm always happy to get to one of the play bags. I get the feeling of " oh boy, casual Friday, I can wear jeans & a t". It's a whole mind set to me.
I do have one last designer bag I'm looking at, then I will stop and enjoy my collection. ( she said as if she means it)
Yes! I thought it was just me. I used to be content with cheap no name bags, then I moved to Coach, Cole Haan, Kate Sapde and then Marc Javobs. I just bought my second LV and am drooling over some YSL's and Ferragmo's but am ultimatly saving for a Chanel. I will carry no name bags if they are genuine leather but for now, I stick to Cole Haan and up.
I feel the same way with coats and shoes too. I think it's ok to purchase quality shoes, bags and coats because you'll have them for a long time. I don't feel the same way about regular clothes. I will wear clothes from target as long as they look ok but now I'm a brand snob with shoes, purses and coats!
I feel the same way with coats and shoes too. I think it's ok to purchase quality shoes, bags and coats because you'll have them for a long time. I don't feel the same way about regular clothes. I will wear clothes from target as long as they look ok but now I'm a brand snob with shoes, purses and coats!
Over the 4 Years of being on TPF, I've gone the whole gamut from cheap Target/Walmart ones to a lot of designers, premium and contemporary. Now that we might be somewhat forced to semi retire in our 40s, and move to a third world country where lots of people barely make $3 a day, my perspective is changing. I still love the quality and feel of designer bags, but I've lost my obsession to own them. I had been wanting to get a designer wallet, and my budget was up to $800. But I walked into a local leather retailer two weeks ago and found a gorgeous one that was plenty good enough for what I need, and it cost me $50! Now I am contemplating a $70 red bag from the same company, to replace my red chanel flap! (Yes, I have gone totally nuts!!!). I just feel relieved that slowly, I am able to do it and adjust accordingly. It is also nice to look back and go 'Ive been there and done that'. I will still admire luxury goods, and will keep some, but I'm really hoping to keep a healthy perspective about these things.
But than again if you walked into a leather shop I'm guessing you bought something with quality?
(And no this is not meant as a rude comment!)
And for me that's just as good, especially if I like it, it covers my need and has good quality.
I've been spending my money on jewelry recently, perfectly happy with my small LV collection... but I wanted something I could run around the park chasing my DS with and not freak out about sweat and sand and grass and dirt. lol
I could use the neverfull as a diaper bag when he was small and immobile, but I really needed a crossbody. As a stop-gap while I searched around, I got a $10 cloth crossbody from Walmart that really liked the size of.. but could not find a match for in a designer label.
I wound up going with a Fossil bag. Surprised me, but it works.
I could use the neverfull as a diaper bag when he was small and immobile, but I really needed a crossbody. As a stop-gap while I searched around, I got a $10 cloth crossbody from Walmart that really liked the size of.. but could not find a match for in a designer label.
I wound up going with a Fossil bag. Surprised me, but it works.
Whatever works! I totally understand because with my old bags I would knock them around, throw bottles of water, pens, lotion etc in them. Now with my LV, I'm paranoid.
Yes! I totally find it difficult to wear cheaper bags. I buy them, but I always wind up gravitating towards my nicer bags. I didn't buy any bags from the Target x Phillip Lim Collection because I knew I wouldn't use it.
I'm having a hard time with my MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Hamilton because it's not as "nice" as my other bags even though I love everything about it. I know I ought to get over myself, but I love carrying a unique, premier designer bag.
At least I've mostly accepted this about myself and stopped buying cheaper bags because it's cute and cheap and then wind up with it in the back of my closet with the tags still on it. Now if only I could stop buying things because they say limited or special edition.
I'm having a hard time with my MICHAEL Michael Kors Mini Hamilton because it's not as "nice" as my other bags even though I love everything about it. I know I ought to get over myself, but I love carrying a unique, premier designer bag.
At least I've mostly accepted this about myself and stopped buying cheaper bags because it's cute and cheap and then wind up with it in the back of my closet with the tags still on it. Now if only I could stop buying things because they say limited or special edition.
Well said! (ESP the last line
) My last expensive bag on my wish list is the LV DE NF PM. What is yours? This is me exactly!!!! Just replace your 3.1 PL Target top handle bags to the minis (in all 3 colours) & your Chanel and Mulberry with Prada, Fendi, & Coach, and I may have been typing this myself.
There is something freeing in a less expensive, worry free bag. While I do still love my LV, Prada and Fendi, I am enjoying my PL bags from Target as well.
I recently purchased an LV Galliera PM to add to my collection of 2 Burberry (one Satchel, one clutch) and 1 Marc Jacobs Stam. I am in the process of paring down my Contemporary Designer bags (MK by Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, and Tory Burch). I still love my Tory Burch crossbody and some of Kate Spade bags, so I don't think I will be getting rid of those, but I don't know if I see myself buying other Contemporary Designer bags in the future. I guess it depends on my financial situation and what styles are out there. I am not afraid of buying secondhand if I MUST have a designer bag, so that helps keep the cost down. Currently, I'm deciding between a Gucci Sukey bag and a Prada Saffiano for work. So - maybe I'm done with the non-Premier.
And no, I don't think I would buy a purse that was not designer at all, like some no-name brand item from K-mart. Sorry I'm not sorry. Mainly because a lot of the styles are knockoffs from other brands and I think that's cheesy.
And no, I don't think I would buy a purse that was not designer at all, like some no-name brand item from K-mart. Sorry I'm not sorry. Mainly because a lot of the styles are knockoffs from other brands and I think that's cheesy.