Black Leather Hype Bag at T.J. Maxx: Should I Get It?

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February 24, 2010

The bag in question...

During my trip to T.J. Maxx yesterday, I fell in love with this black leather bag by Hype, on sale for $99. It was the perfect size, nice lining, lots of pockets, and "fit" just right on my shoulder. Since most Hype bags sell for $200 to $300 or more, I think it's a good deal but I rarely spend over $40 for a bag. The closet comp I found online was this Hype Janice bag in brown leather for $177 at Bluefly.com. So I need a second (or third or fourth) opinion: Should I get it? Does anyone own a Hype bag? Are they worth the price? Help!

Another random photo from my trip: I saw a lot of studded bags at Fashion Week, so this bag by Nicole Lee caught my eye. Not bad for $29.99. It looked like real leather and the studding didn't look cheap. Going to keep my eye on this new-to-me brand.

Comments (34)

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Comments

OMG I love it-- I say jump on it, BB!you'll probably get alot of use out of it!

#1 write-brained (Homepage) on 2010-02-24 18:18 (Reply)

Maybe not the Hype bag...the Nicole Lee would be my preference: better color (neutral color is going to be THE color for spring) and more trendy with its studs!
Thank you TJ Maxx for being in our lives;-)

Vaia
www.sheshebonbon.com

#2 Vaia (Homepage) on 2010-02-24 18:19 (Reply)

You should get it. Hype is sold at Bluefly.com (Project Runway's sponsor w/ tons of high end designer goods.) It's worth the price b/c I've never seen a Hype bag for under $170, so you're getting a deal. And, this bag in black is very rare. I've only ever seen it in purple or tan. The quality of Hype is really good too.

#3 Karan on 2010-02-24 19:10 (Reply)

I love my hype handbags! i have a furla and gorgeous kenneth cole sitting in my closet but i always reach for my hype bag... and I paid a little over a hundred for mine at an online sample sale... i say go for it... and it's black/you'll use it forever.

#4 Lisa Plank on 2010-02-24 19:14 (Reply)

oh my goodness...i love it. that's all i'm gonna say!

#5 Giselle on 2010-02-24 19:16 (Reply)

Get it! The cost/wear for bags is very low, so this is sure to be a good deal that will last you.

#6 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2010-02-24 19:51 (Reply)

I love Hype bags. I also love TJ Max and it makes perfect sense that you found it there. I always find amazing deals there. I am not a fan of stores like Ross and Marshals but TJ Max is great. I always buy Betsy Johnson item there. I love her tall socks because I can wear them with boots and they have really cute designs on them. Another store I find great deals at is Nordstrom Rack. They have some really great deals on handbags. I just bought a L.A.M.B. bag for $160 and it sold in stores last year for $700.

#7 Elena (Homepage) on 2010-02-24 19:58 (Reply)

Wow! I love TJ Maxx lol. The Hype bag is very cute! I much prefer the Nicole Lee bag though. I also was not aware of Nicole Lee until my last trip to TJ Maxx (about 2 days ago!)

Woohoo for bargains!

CurvyGirlChic.blogspot.com

#8 CurvyGirlChic (Homepage) on 2010-02-24 20:02 (Reply)

Go for it, BB. I bought a Hype bag about 3 years ago and it has held up really well with the leather aging quite nicely. Looks like the one you're eyeing has a cross-body strap, too, so just think of how versatile it will be!

#9 Stazh on 2010-02-24 21:28 (Reply)

Looks like the perfect everyday bag. Get it!

#10 Chrissy on 2010-02-24 22:32 (Reply)

I love hype bags. I have three ( i used to work for a boutique that sold them) I love them all! They are all a few years old and have held up great!

#11 Kristi on 2010-02-24 22:47 (Reply)

Do it! That is a great find! Anything at TJ-Maxx is fair game since you are not paying full price!

That bag black is hot btw!

#12 Jax on 2010-02-25 01:40 (Reply)

i like the nicole lee one a lot!

#13 megan on 2010-02-25 01:58 (Reply)

This stylish bag is truly universal and all-purpose accessory! I think it'll suit either an elegant dress or casual pants!

#14 Diana on 2010-02-25 07:48 (Reply)

Stick to your original price point. Yes, the bag is cute and versatile, but so are many black bags. Do you absolutely need a versatile black bag right now? If you already have one you're pretty happy with, I would wait until it goes on clearance.

#15 OR on 2010-02-25 08:19 (Reply)

Love love love it! I have two Hype bags and they are very well made, last forever, and have very distinctive styling. That black bag is gorgeous.

#16 Chelsea Morris on 2010-02-25 09:51 (Reply)

Get it! Black and gold is hot! Plus $99 for a leather bag beats $40 for a faux bag anyday. And that style is very versatile and will last you a while.

#17 Maria S on 2010-02-25 10:13 (Reply)

Just so you know, I found the same bag for a little cheaper on Overstock $96.99!
Let us know what you finally bought!
xoxo
Vaia

www.sheshebonbon.com

#18 Vaia (Homepage) on 2010-02-25 10:47 (Reply)

I'd have to say pass, because undoubtedly you've got another just as cute black bag at home. And it's not a bag that you'd get stopped on the street with. Ditch the black bag and get the tan one.

www.fashiondujourdaily.blogspot.com

#19 www.fashiondujourdaily.blogspot.com (Homepage) on 2010-02-25 11:31 (Reply)

They are TOTALLY worth it. I walk into TJMAXX and Marshalls almost every other week. I always see a Michael Kors purse there, and DIED because I always wanted one, but could never afford it, since they are about $169 in the stores.

About a week ago I walked into Marshalls and found a Michael Kors tote purse for $99, that sells for $200. I was wondering if I should get it or not, and decided to put it on layaway.

Buying a designer purse boots my self-esteem and confidence. I can't wait until I finish paying for it!!

#20 Elizabeth on 2010-02-25 12:08 (Reply)

If you want bag opinions I'd suggest checking out the Purse Forum - forum.purseblog.com. Lots of things are geared to really high end stuff but if you can get over that a search would let you check if there are reviews of the brands you are looking at.

I'd take the Hype bag if you really love it. I've seen some Nicole Lee bags at Marshalls and they looked really cheap. The hype bag seems like it might last longer.

#21 M on 2010-02-25 13:46 (Reply)

Ideeli just had a Hype bag event for average of $150/bag, i got a similar one black but it had more hardware... if you didn't get it, keep a look out for another online sale!

#22 Laur on 2010-02-25 15:47 (Reply)

I have a beautiful brown Hype bag I got on Smart Bargains last year (or maybe the year before) for $150.

The leather is good quality, and it's still in great shape.

I say go for it.

#23 Christina on 2010-02-25 16:49 (Reply)

I just got a Hype bag on super sale for $160 at Macy's normally $300 and I LOVE IT! Go for it! Hype is my new found favorite brand

#24 Lindsay on 2010-02-25 16:50 (Reply)

I'm with the nay sayers, I like the light colored one much better. The black definitely does not stand out

#25 Val Fisher on 2010-02-25 19:46 (Reply)

If you love it yes!! SEems like a great deal!

I"m a serial michael kors swooper at TJ maxx!

#26 AshleyOhio on 2010-02-25 22:08 (Reply)

gorgeous! girl why are you even hesitating??? bags are justifiable especially because you USE it everyday and if you calculate in a year of use the amount would be .27 cents a day for a FABULOUS BAG!! GO FOR IT!!

#27 styleezta (Homepage) on 2010-02-26 02:29 (Reply)

love that nicole lee bag! for that price, i would get it right now!

#28 jennifer on 2010-02-26 11:22 (Reply)

You could get the exact same bag, in a neutral color on Smart Bargains for about $130.

http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?pagename=prod&sp=All%2BProducts%252f%252f%252f%252fUserSearch%253dHype%252f%252f%252f%252f&dk=Hype&deptid=11&catid=316&prodid=1111558727&t=Search...prod.8

There are only 13 left, though.

#29 Christina on 2010-02-26 12:14 (Reply)

Smart Bargains also has it in dark brown and a color called "tango" for $150.

I love Smart Bargains...

#30 Christina on 2010-02-26 12:16 (Reply)

Welll??? Whaddya do?

#31 Patricia on 2010-02-26 14:18 (Reply)

Get them both! A great bag really in the right size isnt that easy to find! get them!!!!

www.bazaarofserendipity.blogspot.com

#32 gina (Homepage) on 2010-02-26 17:19 (Reply)

I just got the Hype Janice for $59.00 at SmartBargains with a 20 % off coupon plus free shipping. I can not wait to get it

#33 BargainHunter on 2010-07-12 11:49 (Reply)

I just want to comment that T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are owned by the same company. Not much of a difference other than locations. Also, I own four Nicole Lee bags and they do not look/feel or are cheap.

#34 Fae on 2010-11-14 18:06 (Reply)

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