another s/o handbags: best affordable (low-end) brands

GrayGhost13

The Coach thread reminded me of a question I've been wanting to ask for a while. Most of the bags I see recommended on here as an alternative to Coach (Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff, Kate Spade) tend to be over $300, which is higher than what I usually spend on bags. (No judgement here--that's just my current budget )

Which brands do you turn to for quality in a lower price-point? For example, under $100? Or is there not that much of a difference between brands in that price range, since most of them are probably manufactured in a similar way?

Just curious! TIA for your opinions.

Vanessa Doofenshmirtz

I have had several from Nine West I loved. Also got a very cute, simple one at Clark's that held up better than the NW. In my experience the NWs get shabby after a season or two, but I'm not terribly careful with them.

SA7206

My sister has a couple of Calvin Klein bags that are really nice. She bought them at Macy's.

TX-Bride

My mom is one of those poeple that although she can afford it, she thinks it's wrong to spend more than x amount on certain things. And she does have a limit for everything!!  She always buys her bags from TJMaxx or Marshalls, $80 to $100 is her limit for bags, and she manages to find beautiful leather handbags, made in Italy, on sale within her budget.  

mavjen

I've always been drawn to leather Fossil bags.

Go_Dawgs

I LOVE Nine West for both affordable handbags and shoes.  Their stuff typically only lasts me a couple of seasons, but I think that for the price, most of their products are decent quality and stylish.

Go_Dawgs

TX-Bride:

My mom is one of those poeple that although she can afford it, she thinks it's wrong to spend more than x amount on certain things. And she does have a limit for everything!!  She always buys her bags from TJMaxx or Marshalls, $80 to $100 is her limit for bags, and she manages to find beautiful leather handbags, made in Italy, on sale within her budget.  

Oh, this is great advice, too!  I love TJ Maxx for handbags.  I have a Michael Kors, B. Makowsky, and two brands I've never heard of but are made of beautiful Italian leather all from TJ Maxx.  They were all about 1/3 of the department store price!

GrayGhost13

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies!

I've had a couple Nine West bags, and I love their shoes. I haven't tried some of the other brands mentioned above. I also need to remember TJ Maxx more often.

bim38106

Go_Dawgs:

TX-Bride:

My mom is one of those poeple that although she can afford it, she thinks it's wrong to spend more than x amount on certain things. And she does have a limit for everything!!  She always buys her bags from TJMaxx or Marshalls, $80 to $100 is her limit for bags, and she manages to find beautiful leather handbags, made in Italy, on sale within her budget.  

Oh, this is great advice, too!  I love TJ Maxx for handbags.  I have a Michael Kors, B. Makowsky, and two brands I've never heard of but are made of beautiful Italian leather all from TJ Maxx.  They were all about 1/3 of the department store price!

Yep, this!

I also have a leather Fossil wallet that has held up beautifully (WAY way better than my Kate Spade one, unfortunately for me I'd assume that their bags would be similar.

ape

I like TJ Maxx and Marshalls for that price point. Otherwise, Fossil, Lucky and Nine West are all ones I have had success with. If you like Coach but not the price tag, check to see if you are around an outlet. I have heard of people getting great deals on bags there. They frequently hand out coupons in the store for an additional percentage off.

magsugar13

Fossil

MrDobalina

Furla

CarrotsMakeMeFat

B Makowsky is alittleover, but awesome....TJ Jaxx sells these at reasonable prices, same with QVC

Fossil, again a little over

Tignello is right in that price point..TJ Maxx and QVC sells these, as does DSW 

trixie549

Ditto PP, Nine West is usually pretty good quality for a less-expensive purse. I also got a Simply Vera purse from Kohl's last year and get compliments on it often. I think the key is to not get an icky synthetic material or something that looks cheaply made - the SV purse is genuine leather with minimal details (no buckles or outside pockets).

FormerCityGirl

I like Fossil, Lucky Brand, and The Sak for under $100.  I also like Tano bags which are usually under $200 and made from Italian leather in fun colors with great details.  There's a great Tano on sale for $125 right now which is over the $100 range, but really well-made.  I have 2 RM's and reach for the Tano's more often.  I switch a lot since I use a purse organizer.

heliocentric

Tignanello. I get mine at Macy's and have never paid full price (between sales, markdowns and coupons). I find they are very well made and durable and you can find styles that range from classic to a little more modern. TJMaxx often has this brand, too.

I find Fossil hit or miss. I have one of their coated fabric bags that is great, but the leather bags I have from them are junky. The leather cracked and faded and looks cheap.