The best VALUE and BANG-FOR-YOUR-BUCK bags

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I would say Frank Clegg's bags are the best value. They are handmade in Massachusetts and guaranteed for life.. He's been making bags since the 1970's. You can get a gorgeous satchel or tote for less than $1000.

I didn't know this brand either, and boy are they nice-looking bags. I do remember when there were a lot of independent cobblers/bag makers in that era who did very high-quality work. Pleasantly surprised to see one that's still in business.
 
I would say Frank Clegg's bags are the best value. They are handmade in Massachusetts and guaranteed for life.. He's been making bags since the 1970's. You can get a gorgeous satchel or tote for less than $1000. He also has some very high end alligator pieces. I emailed him through his website the other day to ask him if he would consider making a woman's wristlet and he emailed me back within a day. He has a lot of new items coming out in early 2013. (no affiliation, just love quality and value. I'm always on the hunt for it in all forms) yhttp://frankcleggleatherworks.com/
Thanks to you, I know Franck Clegg's bags now and they are just great!
My favourite is the Shrunken leather handbag tote in red!
Only trouble is...I'd have to pay Customs Duties both on the bag and the shipment .....and 19.6% French VAT.....
What a pity!
 
I don't know about the rest of their bags but I bought a Via Spiga brown leather bowler from TJMaxx about six years ago for $150, carried it a lot and it still looks great. It's also the bag that I've received the most compliments on out of a wide-range of designer bags.
 
Cartier has some really affordable bags that are high quality (saddle stitched). I suppose they price their items lower since they are known for jewelry and not leather goods. I recently purchased a very high quality calf leather card case for 110$, which to me is a great price.
 
(Disclaimer: I know some may disagree with me, and I welcome that! For those of you who love Baby Phat because of the price and consider it a great value or Hermes and consider it a great value because of its timeless style you can wear for decades, I dont mean to offend. I am just genuinely curious and would like to hear other's opinions on this!)

There are so many different kinds of bags being made these days. From both ends of the spectrum, there are bags from Baby Phat, and way on the other side, there are bags from Hermes. In my opinion, I think neither of those bags present a good overall value for what you pay but I must say that while I am not fond of Baby Phat, it is perfect for the gal who doesnt want to spend a small fortune on a bag and is perfectly happy with pleather. I do lust after Hermes and it is not only the perfect bag to many women but is also the epitome of beauty, high fashion, and classic appeal in the form of exotic skins and luscious colors. That being said, I'd like to reiterate that while some of these bags may be beautiful and high-priced or cute and low priced , I dont think that either one really qualify as a good value. So I got to thinking, which bags do offer the best value? How is a value in terms of bags quantified or qualified?

In trying to answer my own questions, I think that a bag is a good or great value not only in terms of how many times you wear it, but also in terms of how long you can wear it.


So I ask you, which bags do you own or would like to buy that you think are the best value and bang-for-your-buck and why?
Great thread for those of us just starting to collect bags! Thanks.
 
Hi, so this is going to be my first post! I have to say it maybe on the pricey side but I've had extremely good wear from a Jimmy Choo bag. Used daily for 2 years and when I said used, this poor bag was probably very mistreated for a Jimmy Choo but still looks great. I have reluctantly 'retired' this bag now for a Miu Miu which I do have my doubts wont hold up for as long but its certainly pretty enough to justify that (in my opinion anyway). The Jimmy Choo I also got on sale so made it even better!
 
For high end designer, I'd say the classics from Louis Vuitton are worth investing in, such as a speedy or a neverfull. And the price isn't too bad, compared to other brands.

If you're aiming high, go for the signature bags from each fashion house ( that appeal to you), such as the Chanel classic flap, Lady Dior, Hermes birkin/Kelly/Constance .

They have all stood the test of time and and are still popular. They won't date and you'll use them for ever. Remember cost per wear!

Avoid 'it' bags at all costs, high demand followed by low resale value, once you're bored if the bag, because everyone has it.

For other brands, go for quality leather/fabric and a style that fits your lifestyle (be honest with your self! ) and you'll love using it.

The Cambridge satchels are well made, funky colours and youthful.

Radley bags are well made for classic shapes.

Both brands are reasonably priced.
 
I think Roots makes incredible bags that are well worth the cost. You can get a buttery leather bag made of italian leather and stitched in Canada, and it will last you a lifetime, I have a few Roots pieces, and after all the wear and tear they have just aged beautifully
 
curlygirlsd said:
I would say Frank Clegg's bags are the best value. They are handmade in Massachusetts and guaranteed for life.. He's been making bags since the 1970's. You can get a gorgeous satchel or tote for less than $1000. He also has some very high end alligator pieces. I emailed him through his website the other day to ask him if he would consider making a woman's wristlet and he emailed me back within a day. He has a lot of new items coming out in early 2013. (no affiliation, just love quality and value. I'm always on the hunt for it in all forms) yhttp://frankcleggleatherworks.com/

Agree with this. My Frank Clegg bag is absolutely amazing and I intend to get another. They are phenomenal leather, highest quality. I also have a Lotuff Leather tote that is tremendous. Both are excellent values for less than $1K, and are much better made than many high end designer bags I've had. I also adore the lack of hardware and logos.
 
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