Designer Bags on a Budget
Saying I have a bag obsession is an understatement. I truly believe that a nice bag can elevate any outfit. However, having designer taste on a budget often leaves me envious when staring at Instagram posts of my favorite celebs with a new bag every week.
I am all for saving up and splurging on a designer classic that will last you a lifetime, but I just can't bring myself to spend on trendy designer bags which might be out of fashion in a couple of months. After doing a lot of research on this topic --and by research I mean shopping-- I have learned a few tips and tricks on how to achieve the designer look on a budget.
Buying second hand bags is a great way to get these items at up to half the original price. Finding a second home for these bags is not only sustainable, but also trendy--vintage designer is totally in! The best way is to buy from consignment shops. Since they are larger and more prominent than vintage stores and thrift shops, you can be sure that the items you buy are real and authenticated. In addition, most of the time these bags are laundered and repaired before sale. This way you know you are buying a good quality bag with minimal wear.
Personally, I have bought many items from the consignment shop called TheRealReal. I’ve found a couple different bags from Stuart Weitzman, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tumi and Prada (such as the one pictured on the right). All of them ranged from 100-300 USD. Although this option is pricicer than buying a dupe, the items are usually half the original price. Buying a real designer bag is an investment, and you have the option to consign them after use. Other consignment websites I have found are DePop, ReBag, Fashionphile, and Vestiaire Collective.
Another option to achieve this designer look is to buy similar looks from more affordable stores. I’ve found trendy bags on Princess Polly, Charles and Keith, Mango, Zara, and Amazon. These stores find creative ways to capture the trend’s vibe rather than copying the designer look directly.
Here are a couple of designer bags I’ve been loving recently. I’ve found that many stores have cheaper alternatives that emulate the designer look really well.
Designer Looks
Jacquemus Chiquito:
Dior Saddle Bag:
Prada Nylon Bag: