Help! Have you ever bought a "cheaper" substitute while waiting for the "real thing?"

[animal 1]

I love handbags (as all of us ladies who peruse this forum!)

Prior to becoming a mommy, I tended to be a bag snob, rocking Chanel, balenciaga, the occasional LV (no monograms for me, though) and *sometimes* would substitute my more expensive purchases with to more "moderately priced" Rebecca minkoff and Olivia Harris (at least that's how I justified to my DH!)

Now I have an 8 month old, and my bag needs have changed. No heavy bags, need them to be larger, light weight, and cross body.

This brings me to my dilemma... Please help! I've been alternating between my bals (town and velo) and a crossbody Olivia Harris, since these bags meet my new requirements. Ive recently become obsessed with Alexander Wang (some are lightweight! Gorgeous leather! Good prices!) but after reading the forums, I've realized that you can get a lot of aw's on sale. Now I'm determined to find a deal/steal on an aw marti backpack, but I'm itching to buy...thus, I've stumbled upon a 'random' brand on the free people site....

Have any of you ladies bought a cheaper substitute while waiting for a deal/steal on something you covet?

http://http://www.freepeople.com/sale-sale-accessories/lux-convertible-leather-tote/

http://http://www.barneys.com/Marti-Backpack/00505009941328,default,pd.html

 

[minuet]

Personally, I'd rather wait for the deal than buying something I'll be having second thoughts later on. This way its more satisfying

 

[vesna]

I love handbags (as all of us ladies who peruse this forum!)

Prior to becoming a mommy, I tended to be a bag snob, rocking Chanel, balenciaga, the occasional LV (no monograms for me, though) and *sometimes* would substitute my more expensive purchases with to more "moderately priced" Rebecca minkoff and Olivia Harris (at least that's how I justified to my DH!)

Now I have an 8 month old, and my bag needs have changed. No heavy bags, need them to be larger, light weight, and cross body.

This brings me to my dilemma... Please help! I've been alternating between my bals (town and velo) and a crossbody Olivia Harris, since these bags meet my new requirements. Ive recently become obsessed with Alexander Wang (some are lightweight! Gorgeous leather! Good prices!) but after reading the forums, I've realized that you can get a lot of aw's on sale. Now I'm determined to find a deal/steal on an aw marti backpack, but I'm itching to buy...thus, I've stumbled upon a 'random' brand on the free people site....

Have any of you ladies bought a cheaper substitute while waiting for a deal/steal on something you covet?

http://http://www.freepeople.com/sale-sale-accessories/lux-convertible-leather-tote/

http://http://www.barneys.com/Marti-Backpack/00505009941328,default,pd.html

hmmmm, I am afraid that in person you will find Free people leather goods to be of a surprizingly low quality and dull colours. If you wee it in person and like it, no matter what the brand, I would go for it. If you see that it is nothing special or even bad, run away. I made few mistakes online - I LOVE All Saints wardrobe, and bought their leather wallet - quirky looking as everything they make, and OMG - horrid leather smell, and zippers - just touch them and your hands smell like metal from machine shop. I read so many Free people customers reviews about some espadrille and other shoes, and all say that IRL, it is just horrible - dull leather, dull colours etc etc (I like some of their styles for layering wardrobe, but would not go for important stuff to them).feel AW in real life and no dilemma there at all

 

[vesna]

here is a review of another bag on Free people (the backpack has no reviews yet)

"I was really loving this bag until an hour ago when the buckle broke so I can't use the strap! For this much money I'm kind of disappointed. I hoping they can send me another one."

 

[heather123]

Yep, count me in! Earlier this year I bought an inspired-by Alexander Wang Rocco bag before purchasing the real thing. I got it from a French chain store. Although the shape resembles the AW there are differences - fewer studs and the bag is in faux leather. But it's great for wet weather and very well-made. Also, I wasn't prepared to lash out the cash for AW, who isn't exactly a long-established designer. I now have the AW Rocco, but I'm glad I didn't pay full retail.

 

[tiggycat]

I have purchased cheap (not fakes, just cheap no-name) bags similar to expensive ones I wanted, to 'test drive' to be sure the size, shape and organization were right. I learned a couple of times that what looked good didn't work for me and I'm glad I hadn't bought the 'real' ones.