When it comes to designer purses, one thing's for sure. Most fashion-forward womenn want one. But not every fashionista out there can afford one.
Designer purses typically have a few things in common: They're gorgeous, have classic lines and feature superior quality, which allow for plenty of of use. Their price tag, though, may make your eyes pop. Luckily, there are some options out there for those of us with expensive tastes but average budgets. Whether it's online, at outlets or in unassuming retail stores, there's something out there for all of us. And who knows? Maybe you'll have enough left over to get a wallet too.
Where to go: bagborroworsteal.com
What they offer: Finally, a site that caters to the trend-conscious spendthrift gal who can't commit. Rent designer handbags by the week or by the month. This way, you'll always be up on the trends but with a smaller price tag to boot. If you find a style you absolutely love, wait for the website's special sales, where you can peruse their purses for steep discounts, some as much as 70% off.
Browse by designer (Chanel, Gucci, Cole Haan and many more) or shop by price. Bags such as the Fendi "Giant Chef" tote are $51 and up a week, a steal, considering it retails at Neiman's for a staggering $1,150. Some everyday bags are even less expensive, like the Clay Hobo Handbag from Donald J. Pliner which is just $12 per week.
The site is easy to navigate, with a breakout of styles from totes and messenger bags to wallets and weekenders. The best part is you won't find last season's looks here. To complete your look, you can rent designer jewelry, sunglasses and watches.
Where to go: lastcall.com
This site is powered by Neiman Marcus and is a great go-to site for those who don't have a Neiman Marcus Last Call store nearby. It has all the beautiful brands for which the Dallas-based luxury retailer is famous, but with incredible saving you won't find in its stores. Choose from fun purses for a night on the town, like the Lauren Merkin Eve Serpent Embossed clutch. Neiman Marcus Last Call gets it for you for $130, $50 off the retail price. Or fetch the Python-Embossed Grab Bag in magenta from Michael, by Michael Kors, for just $180, (a $298 value).
Where to go: designerpurseoutlet.com
This site is powered by eBay and makes it easy to shop for that perfect purse. A drop-down menu on the site's "Purse Store" is easy to navigate, and makes it simple to choose from designers like Betsy Johnson, Chloe, Christian Dior, even Hermes. There are many other designers to choose from, and most are 70% off of the retail price.
Designer Purse Outlet offers background information on popular designers, like their history and general style. (Did you know some Kate Spade purses have 14-karat gold hardware, or that Burberry has been in business for more than 150 years?) The site even includes promos from other purse retailers. Think of Designer Purse Outlet as a forum to ease the designer purse bidding process while reducing the intimidation factor in designer shopping.
Where to go: mydesignerbrands.com
What they offer: This company buys designer handbags at special deals and resells them at a steal. Since mydesignerbrands.com purchases bags resulting from cancelled orders, downsizing companies or overproduction, there is a chance you may not have a full current selection. But with a 40% to 80% discount on all designer handbags, that might not faze you too much. Browse the site to see which styles you like best. Highlights include the Prada Vitello Daino Deerskin Camel Leather Tote Bag, which retails for $1,499. Your price is a cool $399. Also worth a second look is the Fendi Bag Chef (sound familiar?) in black. Retail is $795, but your price is $250.
Where to go: Nordstrom Rack
You can't go wrong at a Nordstrom Rack store - it's the brand you trust with slightly less flair in the shopping environment. But it may be worth the difference. With more than 76 Rack stores in 21 states, you may just have a location near you.
Prices are 50% to 60% off retail. And with new products arriving daily from names like Michael Kors, Ann Klein and BCBGMAXAZRIA, it's worth a closer look.
Where to go: Designer Shoe Warehouse
Now here's an unassuming location. Why do we recommend you go to a shoe store to look for discount designer handbags? Because Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) specializes in designer footwear for less. So the chain has a line of accessories and handbags for you to complete your look. While some of the prices may run a little steep, they're significantly less than regular prices.
Try out the Gucci Signature Crystal Hobo, an oversized bag that can carry all your essentials while maintaining a sophisticated look. It comes with golden hardware, a Gucci dust bag, authenticity card and care book all for $399. On the lower end of the spectrum, you may opt for the Etienne Aignier Jessie Satchel in black for $79.95. It retails for $132.
Where to go: Coach Factory Stores
With more than 100 locations across the country, you're bound to have a Coach Factory Store near you. It's the outlet version of the famous leather retailer, and features remainders and extras at discounts you love. While price tags on the brand's newest items, like the Madison Patent Sophia Satchel, may run in excess of $350, you may find something just as cute for a little less by checking out the factory store.