The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

New Pricier Bag Styles at the Mall: Will You Be Buying?


The Budget Babe is quoted in The Wall Street Journal article OMG These Bags Cost a Lot by Elizabeth Holmes

Recently I spoke at length about the low- and mid-level handbag markets with journalist Elizabeth Holmes and, as luck would have it, she quoted me in her article on the same subject, entitled "OMG, These Bags Cost a Lot! With New Styles at High Prices, Mall Chains Make a Big Push Into Designer Turf" (The Wall Street Journal, Thursday, May 27, 2010).

Holmes takes a in-depth look at the push from certain mid-priced retailers such as Ann Taylor and Talbots to offer quality leather handbags at a reasonable price in the midst of the recession—and questions whether or not shoppers will take the bait.

She asks, "Will the average shopper shell out for a mall store brand bag that's almost as expensive as a luxury-label bag?"

I have mixed feelings on the subject. On the one hand, we Budget Babes know places like Banana Republic or TJ Maxx are great spots to score a luxe-looking leather bag for around $100-$200. But if you're going to spend much more than that, why not get a Michael Kors bag from Macy's? Or a Rebecca Minkoff from Gilt.com?

On the other hand, sometimes it's hard to find a classic looking leather bag that isn't overly trendy or clearly labeled with unwanted logos. Might you head to Talbots or Ann Taylor to pick up a mid-priced leather bag which would give you that fashionable look without a big price tag? Certainly better than blatant, cheaply made knock-offs, too.

Personally, I've been on a decade-long journey from $20 bags from Forever 21 to a $50 Fossil bag from TJ Maxx to my recent purchase of a $100 Hype bag at TJ Maxx. They've all held up really well; they've all garnered many compliments; they've all been within my budget. I've also been gifted more expensive bags because I'm a blogger which kinda make me uncomfortable. And honestly? I don't see the difference with these designer bags aside from the small psychological benefits of knowing you're carrying a $xxx -dollar purse on your shoulder. At this point in my life, I probably wouldn't spend much more than $100 on a bag, and God knows I have enough of them already, LOL.

How about you: What's the most you're willing to spend on a bag right now? What factors are most important (quality, price, prestige) to you when purchasing a bag? Will you be checking out the new leather bags at Talbots and Ann Taylor—and buying them?

Comments
Wow, the quote they took from you is pretty offensive.
#1 Kristy on 2010-05-27 12:34 (Reply)
how do you figure??
#1.1 kristy on 2010-05-28 17:45 (Reply)
Babe, I have to disagree with you on this one: 'And honestly? I don't see the difference with these designer bags aside from the small psychological benefits of knowing you're carrying a $xxx -dollar purse on your shoulder', in my opinion and from personal experience the difference is in the craftsmanship and quality of the leather. Which is also why I would much rather spend $200 on a Michael Kors, Dooney + Burke bag over a Banana or Ann taylor bag. Specially if they are all in the same ball park, monetarily speaking. I'm not really sure what these retailers are thinking, most women as you mentioned will spend a lot of money on a bag because of it's tag, brand. So what makes them think anyone would spend the same kind of money for a Banana, Ann Taylor even a J crew purse?? I'm sure their purses are well made and beautiful, but they have to consider the audience they have targeted for years, working women, young adults, stay at home moms, etc. Women looking for quality products at an affordable price.
#2 Claudia on 2010-05-27 12:38 (Reply)
I respect your opinion and thank you for taking the time to explain your reasoning (unlike the commenter above)!

What I meant is that I don't see a difference between a $200 Michael Kors and a $600 Gryson, etc. I have come to appreciate and value the beauty and craftsmanship of nice bags (actually I've always admired from a distance, but now that I own a few, I truly get it.) Still, that's not to say every woman will want the same thing from her handbag. I think it's a personal preference.
#2.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-05-27 12:47 (Reply)
I like a classic style, quality, bag and will spend as much as $300-400 for one that really suits my needs. I prefer to stay in the $100-200 range. The most important factor is function. But I do not like a bag that is obvious of the designer! Much prefer a bag where if you weren't familiar with it, you'd have to really examine it. No screaming names, in other words. To me, carrying a Dooney & Bourke, Coach, or LV is like wearing a sign-board saying, I spent $xxx on this bag. Everybody knows how much each style costs. My favorite now is Carrie Valentine. Very well made, excellent quality and her name is only on the inside. You can get them from her web-site cheaper than on eBags.
#3 Patricia on 2010-05-27 13:19 (Reply)
Babe, agree! Patricia, agree! Although, you may find some Dooney and Burke bags without labels all over it that are quite beautiful! Now I'm going to check out 'Carrie Valentine', I'm curious....and Kristy, I wish you'd elaborate a little.
#4 Claudia on 2010-05-27 13:24 (Reply)
Woah! Carrie Valentine way out of my budget, $300 and up, quite pretty though...
#5 Claudia on 2010-05-27 13:30 (Reply)
Totally bored at work, obviously, but Patricia is totally right! ebays sells Carrie Valentine for wayyyy much more than Carrie Valentine's website. Def. considering getting a bag now!
#6 Claudia on 2010-05-27 13:33 (Reply)
And Claudia - just a little tid bit.... Carrie Valentine's "Relaxed Chic" is the one Catherine Zeta Jones uses in "No Reservations". I don't think you'd be disappointed. They're lovely!
#6.1 Patricia on 2010-05-27 14:26 (Reply)
I think the quote may have been read into a bit. It's the same as saying regardless of what size you wear accessories will always fit. Maybe Patricia thought BB was a little insensitive to us larger ladies (or maybe I reading into the first comment).

As to how much I would spend on a handbag...baby, I am cheap and hold on to my $$$ for as long as possible and it's time when I need to new bag that I miss living in NYC.

I went through the knockoff phase...although, I've never been one to buy another logo'd - sorry no freebie advertising here. My last trip to NYC, I did find one really great leather bag (a total fluke) that is cream - I love it but rarely carry it. And best of all, I spent less than $40. Lately, I've been buying my bags secondhand because I have come across a nice crop of vintage bags. All under $10!!!!

So my answer is max price is $40 (my recent faux Valentino bag with the tortoise shell handles).
#7 TexNYQueen on 2010-05-27 13:34 (Reply)
Correction - I meant to say about commenter #1 - Kristy...not Patricia.
#7.1 TexNYQueen on 2010-05-27 14:24 (Reply)
Yep, noticed this trend. For me, less than $40 would be my limit. If I'm looking for something special, I'll usually go the vintage route.
#8 IF on 2010-05-27 13:50 (Reply)
I found this fact that was mentioned in the article particularly interesting: "The average price paid for a handbag last year was just $24, and about 60% sold for less than $15, according to NPD Group." That's really low! I think blogging about fashion has made me spend more on bags LOL. Then again, when I walk my dog I still carry my $7 pouch from Old Navy :-)
#8.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-05-27 15:41 (Reply)
I don't see the point in shelling out $200+ on a mall branded handbag. With some real shopping around you can always find what you are looking for a lot cheaper than that at good quality. Then again, I've seen a lot of high-end designer bags up close and for all that people go on about artistry and craftsmanship, I find those things to look cheap and certainly not worth the $800 price tags that they have. They all look like the luxury brands are starting to blend in with the knock-offs and a lot of the times the knock-offs are so good that there isn't much of a difference. People are just paying for a logo that makes them feel good about themselves, I think. I find more productive ways to do that.

Anyhoo, I have too many bags as it is :-), but the best bag I have is a structured black Guess handbag for $40. I've had it for 3 years and it still shows no signs of stopping and its versatile and rich looking. It makes me feel like a savvy shopper and I didn't have to spend a month's worth of rent for a long lasting bag with good quality.
#9 Athena on 2010-05-27 15:22 (Reply)
I have mixed feelings on this topic. On the one hand, I've owned terrific "on trend bags" on the cheap from Target; recently Mossimo has offered some faux-leather bags that look pretty darn real, and a few years ago Rafe made a great budget line for the Bullseye. I guess I'm more apt to spend less on a trendy bag that I know will be out of style in 1-2 seasons. On the other hand, if I want a bag that will truly LAST, then I want it to a) be of great quality, and b) made of real leather. So if I'm already going to splurge, then I'd rather spend $500 on a Kooba bag vs. a $250 Banana Republic one.
#10 Target-Addict (Homepage) on 2010-05-27 16:08 (Reply)
Personally, I refuse to spend more than $30 on a purse, and generally spend much less. But I'm not a handbag person. I have a great nine West bag that I got on clearance for $10 on Ross and I've gotten tons of compliments. No need to have a label on my purse.
#11 Brianne Gibson on 2010-05-27 17:17 (Reply)
I doubt I'd spend more than $50 on a bag right now. In the fall I'd like to get a high-quality bag, because quality does make a difference. However, I plan to purchase my fall bag off etsy or at a craft fair, because I've seen some gorgeous AND resonably priced (150 or less) bags at craft fairs.

I think Talbots and Ann Taylor are silly for trying to compete with the nicer department store brands. I don't go to Ann Taylor looking to spend 300 on a bag, that's for sure!
#12 Jane @ The Borrowed Abode (Homepage) on 2010-05-27 19:12 (Reply)
I think it's good to have one nice, quality handbag that costs a little more than you would find at Forever 21 and Target. One in a solid color like black or cream or tan that you can wear with pretty much anything. That's something worth investing in.

As far as price goes for that investment bag, if I could afford it I would probably buy ONE bag for no more than $100. But since I have to pay rent and a girls gotta eat, I would spend no more than $50 now.

On the other hand, once you get that "investment" carry all bag, every now and then I wouldn't mind buying an inexpensive, maybe trendier bag.But I tend to stick with one bag and accessorize with clutches.

And I agree with one of the commenters above. I'm so anti logo bags, but you can find a nice, quality leather Coach or D&B bag minus the logo vomit all over it.
#13 Dina's Days (Homepage) on 2010-05-27 21:00 (Reply)
I read this today in the WSJ and was thrilled to come across your quote--great article. I'm not digging the A&F expensive bags--when did that happen?!
#14 Cristina on 2010-05-27 21:04 (Reply)
I wouldn't spend more than $30 on a bag, really. That being said, I am one of your younger readers (still in school). I do have my own little savings but I don't think I could ever convince myself to splurge hundreds on a bag, no matter how high quality it might be. Knowing me, I'd probably feel guilty spending so much money on it. Every single one of my bags are from Ross/Marshall's, all of which are still in good shape. Many of my friends buy from there too, and they are mostly satisfied. Because of my good experiences with low cost bags, I just can't justify, at least not now with tight budgets, dishing out so much money.
#15 Amanda on 2010-05-27 21:36 (Reply)
I love my bags and might consider buying some of the ones featured in the article - if they were on sale at the % off that I consider good for clothes. One thing for me though is what is the reputation of the retailer? For example Talbots I think of as quality but stuffy so if I found a design that I liked that cost a couple hundred dollars I'd consider it. I'd be more hesitant with Abercrombie and Ann Taylor because I don't think of them as having high quality items.
#16 m on 2010-05-28 00:09 (Reply)
well, we gotta get real in this economy.we gals want styling bags that don't look cheap. Don't want to support knockoffs. Try Beijo Handbags,www.beijobags.com for great quality, style & price. still love TJ Maxx. And, it's true, body size doesn't matter with a good bag. let's get real
#17 Deedle on 2010-05-28 07:09 (Reply)
I read this article this morning. Um, seriously, I'd much rather buy a Tory Burch than something from Talbots. I do appreciate a well-made bag, and would rather buy one great bag than 10 so so bags for cheap. But still, when the price of the bags doesn't match the rest of the merchandise in the store, that's when those stores probably need to check themselves.
#18 Arlyn (Homepage) on 2010-05-28 14:31 (Reply)
Quality and style over brand, for me. If I find a bag that's clearly high quality and well made but has the $100-$200 price tag, I just think about how often it'll be used; if I use it 2 times a week for 5 years that makes its cost-per-wear around $0.30.
#19 Aida on 2010-05-28 17:21 (Reply)
love the quote they used from you, BB :-)
#20 melissa on 2010-05-28 21:20 (Reply)
I would not pay more than $40 for a handbag. If I was making twice my income, then maybe. I admire handbags and I have a few (not many), but I always use the same two. A brown satchel and a black hobo. One was from Marshall's and other from a resale store. I majored in fashion design a few years ago, and I don't like paying 5x more for a brand. The materials cost very little. The craftsmanship adds some value, but for a $800 bag? Banana Republic has had many beautiful, classic bags. They are more of my aesthetic than Dooney and Burke. I can't justify shelling out more than $125 on a bag, even if I use it regularly. I am perfectly content with a good looking satchel from an outlet.
#21 Jade on 2010-05-29 08:02 (Reply)
My rule is that a bag should be a cash purchase. If you've got the money then spend what you like. If you don't have the money then find a bag that fits your wallet!

I know the old "cost per use" argument, but most often I get tired of bags long before they're worn out.

The only bag I've ever actually worn out was a black Le Sports Sac. It was so old I don't even remember where I got it. It finally ripped where the strap was sewn to the bag. I have plenty of more expensive leather bags sitting in my closet that didn't get as much use as that one.
#22 gingerr on 2010-05-29 17:25 (Reply)
In the past 2 years I've re-discovered Etienne Aigner handbags and shoes. Classic styles, real leather, and not too expensive. I find them to be a great value, especially if you can get them on sale at ebags or Ross.
#23 Patty on 2010-08-27 12:17 (Reply)
Leave a comment
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed.
Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_.
Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images.
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.