Non "designer" high quality leather bags

[newbaglover]

I would also go for Ignes bags. take a lok on the website, and if you like the models, look at Ignes thread here, there are more leather colours than the showed at the web, and you will know the benefits of tPF : complimentary suede lining, little customization, 15% discount...
It is worth it!

 

[SoxFan777]

Memory,

I'm a teacher, too, and I carry a burberry check tote. You can't go wrong... it's designer and quality but it doesn't SCREAM "I'm expensive". I love it...

I also suggest checking out Banana Republic... they have the same "leathermakers" as coach and I've found them to be GREAT quality!

Good luck.

 

[avp]

Hayden Harnett! They have some beautiful totes...

 

[ColdSteel]

Basically I need a big bag for bringing books, papers and lunch to work (I'm a teacher) every day, I don't mind paying up to 500 or so, for something well made/substantial (books are heavy ) High fashion and/or fancy brands would be inappropriate, (not that they are in my price range for my working wardrobe.) But I don't want anything that looks cheap either. Coach quality would be perfect, but I would worry that it is too easily recognized as a "brand" all my students are carrying!!

Banana Republic is very nice, as is Coach. Have you thought about Longchamp? Their Pliage totes aren't leather but rather a waterproof nylon. I carry my books in it sometimes and I lugged it all around Eastern Europe last summer. Carried a big camera (canon eos 20D), big bottle of water, notebooks, sweater, and sandals at all times.

 

[illini3]

I am a teacher as well. This one is great and I think you can get 20% with the Gretchen code, right?

 

[notstarshaped]

Check out TANO bags on www.musthavebag.com They have great styles and colors to choose from.

Um...these are still really expensive?

 

[ColdSteel]

I forgot - J.Crew had some nice big leather totes but I think they're from last season. Ebay's a good bet for those.

 

[Socialite]

I think some good none designer bags are:

[] Topshop

[] Misha Barton for ASOS

[] Radley

[] DKNY

[] Diesel

[] Guess

 

[passerby]

How about a handmade leather bag:

This seller is in the UK:

TheLeatherStore


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13826712

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14048565

 

[jealousguy86]

Fossil makes very good quality leather bags. I recommend going to a Fossil outlet store you can get good deals.

 

[Alyson LaRock]

I think by designer bags you mean Chanel, Chloe, Prada, Dior right?? you should look at brands like Kooba, Rafe, Lockheart, Alexis Hudson and Francesco Biasia. Also Onna Ehrlich and Treesje are awesome. It all depends on whake in a bag. do you have any examples of handbags you like??

 

[oceancitygirl]

How about a handmade leather bag:

This seller is in the UK:

TheLeatherStore


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13826712

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14048565

Wow, these are great bags! I really like them, very nice

 

[passerby]

oceancitygirl, this is the most I've spent on a bag (my sis is going to hyper-ventilate)

Just ordered this ($100 plus shipping):

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=9900570

Have asked the seller if there will be any probs with Customs (extra charges) since I live in Singapore

 

[Izznit]

^^They have very good craftmanship-you should also check out another leather bag maker on etsy...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5456402

 

[Lululovebags]

I love Calvin Klein and DKNY bags..