Stylish but affordable handbag that is not "striver" or "basic"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Longchamp

+1 to Longchamp
It's so simple and versatile, from carrying my laptop to flowers at the market to a weekend bag. Plus, it's foldable.

But the quality sucks. I’ve had a few Longchamp bags - the corners are rubbing holes in them, the handles are peeling, the leather is bubbling (that was a Roseau series). I don’t know how they make them, but the quality is below other bags at that price point.

[Anonymous]

Cuyana! Really great quality and just a tiny logo at the bottom. I have the system tote and it's great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, OP, but you lost me with the insipid "striver" remark. Try to use real words to convey what you want

The word was effective, posters understand what she doesn’t want

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, OP, but you lost me with the insipid "striver" remark. Try to use real words to convey what you want

What word would you suggest? I don't want to be a try-hard wannabe, trying to impress other people.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks all! Some great suggestions I had not heard of.

[Anonymous]

Cuyana is way nicer than madewell although madewell has some good bags

[Anonymous]

https://cnicol.com/ - I vaguely knew Cathleen Nichol when we lived in Dubai. Her kids were friends with my kids. Her bags were amazing back then, incredibly well made, and have only gotten more gorgeous. I'm surprised they haven't made it to the US yet but this is my pick for the most stylish, reasonably priced bags.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I prefer a solid bag that will last for a few years (at least). Outlets have good options, frequent sales, and good prices.

Kate Spade, Radley London, Divina Firenze, Ralph Lauren, etc. are affordable and hold up well.

I prefer to have a collection of bags in different sizes, shapes, and colors. I find red and orange bags to be surprisingly versatile throughout the year.

This is the very definition of "basic."

Whatever. I’m Gen X and couldn’t care less what anyone thinks about my purse. I’m not interested in spending big bucks on a bag. Kate Spade bags are reasonably priced and can take a beating.

Mmm hmm. But OP specifically said she doesn't want "basic." And there is really no bag in the world more basic than Kate Spade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a bag person but recently decided I’m done wearing anything with labels or otherwise recognizable. There are some great designers who make beautiful, well made bags in your price range. Here are some of my favs:

https://aestherekme.com/collections/all. (I just bought the Sway and love it)

https://us.atpatelier.com/collections/us-bags

https://songmontofficial.com/collections/all-bags?page=1 (I love the Song bag)

https://staud.clothing/collections/bags-accessories

If you don’t want to go for the striver look, avoid brand like Coach or Michael Kors.


I love that Sway tote!

[Anonymous]

Anything by All Saints.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check out Mlouye! Wonderful leather, impeccable craftsmanship, and architectural styles. Minimal or no visible branding. I have several Mlouye bags and love them.

Is $600 affordable?

OP here. Definitely not. Was thinking $100-150 tops.

Ah, my people! I have a couple of bags from this place: https://inbluehandmade.com/collections

I like them!

Those are gorgeous. And I like them a lot better than the six gazillion dollar bags that some folks think are "affordable." OP, your range of $100-$150 is very much in line with what I would call "affordable."

[Anonymous]

Sorry but you will not find anything decent for $100-150. Even vintage Coach go for more than that on Posh/Ebay/et al. Keep saving and come back when you have at least $600 and we can help.

[Anonymous]

I'd consider upping your budget and getting a great high quality designer bag.

[Anonymous]

Highly recommend Mulberry!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check out Mlouye! Wonderful leather, impeccable craftsmanship, and architectural styles. Minimal or no visible branding. I have several Mlouye bags and love them.

Is $600 affordable?

OP here. Definitely not. Was thinking $100-150 tops.

Ah, my people! I have a couple of bags from this place: https://inbluehandmade.com/collections

I like them!

Those are gorgeous. And I like them a lot better than the six gazillion dollar bags that some folks think are "affordable." OP, your range of $100-$150 is very much in line with what I would call "affordable."

Those bags are great.