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?
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?
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.
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).
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.
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!
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.
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.