How much would you spend for a bag? - YouLookFab Forum

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How much would you spend for a bag?

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I find the promotion of luxury bags on YouTube, Instagram, etc. problematic because the influencers act like these bags are wardrobe staples. And not just Coach bags, I mean Chanel, Gucci, etc.--bags that cost in the thousands. And I seriously wonder how many of these girls can really afford them.

Which got me to wondering how much everyone would spend on a bag, max? I cringe when I see cheap bags with cheap construction, but I also cringe at a hefty price tag. I would probably spend $200, max. And hopefully secondhand.

My current bag is a Bagallini I just got at a consignment shop. I thought it was some special European brand, but it turns out it's a QVC thing. It looks something like this.

EDIT:

If you were going to buy a designer bag, which would it be? I think for me a Louis Vuitton for the iconic pattern and classic look.

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49 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

LJP

Veteran

Bagallini is not just a QVC brand . I was a sales rep for this line in Canada for a few years and it was VERY successful for me . In fact , I had the highest sales in the Canadian marketplace all thanks to a large indie bookstore in Winnipeg who sold them to their well - off , retired , travelling customers . The line was designed by two former flight attendants . They occasionally do a special collection for TSC / QVC at a lower price point. .

Anyways - the price I’d pay for a bag really depends on the bag itself . If it was something truly special - maybe 3-400$ ? I’ve spent 4 figures on a bag , ONCE , and would never do it again as that ship has sailed . I only buy them once in awhile and the average is probably 200$ ish . ( Cdn ) .

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I did not know that about Bagallini. But I like it, as it seems like tough but elegant stuff. I can see how it's a successful line to sell.

$300 to $400 sounds like a reasonable amount--I don't think I'd spend more unless I was in love.

Olive Green

Veteran

Under 200 USD. So far! It was a Rebecca Minkoff featured here and it simply wore out quickly, wear on corners, crackling. So I stick to lightweight nylon bags that seem to never die, I get tired of them and pass them on after a few years.
I am inadvertently trend wise with the little Uniqlo crossbody that seems to be popular.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, that is fascinating and belated congratulations! I hope they celebrated your sales success somehow -- at least with a free bag!

I'm not sure how much I'd spend, to be honest. None of my bags has cost more than $200 -- most were much less, on sale. But the truth is, bags are high wear, high visibility items and also (for most of us) a practical need. Plus, they tend not to date too much, unless you are the kind of person who feels she has to have the "it" bag of the year. Which I am not. So If I had specific requirements and found a bag that met them and I absolutely fell in love with it, I would potentially spend more. If you think in terms of cost-per-wear, that can get extremely low with a bag, over time.

What I wouldn't do is spend a lot on a designer bag just so I could own a designer bag. I prefer bags to have minimal hardware and not to shout about themselves.

Sal

Veteran

I would not rule out spending more for something really special, but in general I spend $100-$250 NZD but almost always second hand now. Bags and blazers are where I have my best second hand successes.

I added this Deadly Ponies Bag for $200 - new they are about $700 or more. I am a bit rough on bags so second hand suits me well

I struggle with the amount of bags that some influencers promote - multiple Chanel or Hermes or Gucci etc... I find it offputting. If I was to have a true luxury bag I would want it to be special and my pride and joy?

I do really love the Bulgari Serpenti Bag or Pouch. That's what tempts me if I was to indulge.

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phoebe

My work does not require a polished appearance and I use them so rarely longevity of materials and style are very important

While I haven't bought any secondhand, I have bought older models and haven't paid more than $300.

Irina

Veteran

Probably up to $500 or $600 Can. Most of my bags are in $250 to $400 range but I do have a couple of more expensive ones on my wish list.

Helena

Veteran

I'm cheap The best quality bags I've ever bought were nice leather and cost around $200 but most of my bags are inexpensive ... I've been using the same H&M one for fall/winter for years now and that prob cost $20 ... It's starting to show it's age rather badly but I'm sure I've used it hundreds of times so that's to be expected! I think my current summer bag was about $130 and that felt spendy to me.

All that said, bags are one of the items I do see the point in spending more on ... For example, high quality leather ages so beautifully and genuinely can last a lifetime but can cost a pretty penny. So I'm not against spending here per se, I just don't happen to.

Mia Thompson

(website)

Member

When I want to buy a bag, I think about how it looks, how long it will last, and if it is useful for me. Sometimes, bags from famous brands can cost a lot of money, but they might look great and last for many years.

If I find a really nice bag that I can use a lot, I might spend up to $800 on it. But I always try to find good deals, like when something is on sale or if someone has used it before and wants to sell it.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Olive Green--I Googled that cute little Uniqlo cross body. I don't think it would suit my broad shoulders, but I like it.

Suz--I also like bags with minimal hardware. If I were to spend some money, I'd probably like one with a hidden logo.

Sal--I checked out the Deadly Ponies bags. They are beautiful, but I don't know that I could wear them--my clothes are too casual. Congrats on getting a secondhand one.

Phoebe--I like the idea of getting an older model--I had not thought of that.

Irina--I bet there are some beautiful bags in that price range.

Helena--That's a good point--I can see that some of those bags will have great longevity. I think we tend to see them as trend pieces rather than long-term investments.

annabelle

Veteran

For me, the price point will reflect what I'm trying to accomplish with the purchase, which sounds like Mia's practice. I've bought only one bag in the past decade (plus a computer portfolio). If i recall, I paid $600+ for this Henry Begulin crossbody bag. It was an outrageous price relative to my lifestyle budget. However, i happily made the decision, because i was looking for a whimsical and versatile crossbody bag, I really loved it, it suits my style 100%, and in 30 years my daughter will still be rocking it. It's an investment piece, for sure.

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Irina

Veteran

About a dream bag - I really want a Bao Bao shopper and almost pulled a trigger a couple of times. This is a number one on my list. I’m waiting for sales, this might be a year to get one.

Vildy

Veteran

Not much. I think of a bag as purely an accessory to complete the picture of an outfit. A friend gave me a chanel bag but I gave it back.
Made me nervous to think of wearing it since I'd been mugged twice.
'Though probably they'd assume it was a fake.

cat2

Veteran

I don’t spring for designer bags either. If I did, it would be the Bottega Veneta Small Andiamo. My most expensive bag is a Longchamp leather bag; I bought it on sale for under $ 400. Most of my bags are much less, I most frequently buy Coach, Cole Haan, Kate Spade or Michael Kors on sale. I like the colors, classic designs and cheery gold hardware they sport and think the snobbishness often expressed about these brands is silly.

Kate

Veteran

I love bags, but don’t think I’ve spent more than $260 for one of mine, and would probably balk at paying more.

LJP

Veteran

Suz- thanks :). I had many Baggalini pieces and gifted or sold most of them . It’s not really my style. I do have a cross body bag stashed away that I’ve hung on to but never used . The best part was the commission I made $$$ ;).

Anonymous

Those "influencers" (eyeroll) probably just buy the bags for one photo shoot and return them afterwards!

I could see up to $200 or so, but the bag would have to be really well made. I'd rather have something made for me than spend a lot for a designer bag.

Some of the boutiques carry Baggalinis. I had one that MIL gave me, but I passed it on cause it was too casual for daily use and I don't like silver hardware. If I could find one with gold or self color hardware, I may consider.

rachylou

Veteran

I have a Gucci purse. 30 years old and still beautiful. I don’t think I’d buy one at the prices they charge now though. I feel doubtful that the quality is the same, but even if it is, I don’t think so. Diminishing returns, IMO.

em

I have a very small but edited handbag collection. I have not bought a new handbag (not to be confused with that crossbody bag I picked up at a random place for travel) in 10 years. What I have serves me well. Having said that, this tiny collection includes an Hermes that I bought at auction.

Sal

Veteran

One thing that tracking my wears has taught me is how much wear bags and footwear get (compared to my dresses and blazers). It makes me determined to have bags that I love and a small collection to have some options.

Dee

Veteran

I'm not really a handbag aficionado - I tend to use the same bag all the time. My current bag of choice is a black nylon crossbody bag from Roots that I bought for about $50.

The most expensive bag I've ever bought was around $175 for a Fossil but I find it somewhat bulky now.

Roberta

Veteran

I was very, very, tempted by an eggplant leather Marc Jacobs bag for $700 once. I walked away from it. Too close to my mortgage!

To date the most expensive bag I've ever bought was a gorgeous Ralph Lauren shoulder bag for $350. I loved it and carried it almost every day for two years. It was still in great condition when I sold it for $75.

I'm at a place now where the bags that I like and need are never going to be expensive, because I don't want leather and I don't need a big bag.

BUT I do believe that if you find the bag you love and you know you'll use it multiple times a week - throw a few hundred dollars at it! It will make you happy every time you pick it up.

Roberta

Veteran

I must add that I will always be a little sad that I didn't buy the Laughing Felix Rogue bag (below) when it was available. It was about $800 and I couldn't justify it.

If I bought it now, I probably wouldn't carry it often, but I would definitely name it and pet it every day.

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have too many bags and almost all of them are second hand. I do not think I have spent more than $100 for any one of them and most considerably less. This includes a few vintage designer bags, which I mainly bought because they were so cheap (this was years ago when second hand was not valued the way it is today). Anyway, regarding influencers with huge designer bag collections, I wonder if they are not a clever tax write off/investment for some of them.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I’m like Dee, I’m not a bag aficionado. I can’t remember the most expensive one I have bought but suspect a grey one at a boutique a number of years ago, it had an interesting pattern on the side and I had a voucher for $50 off anything full priced. Which probably took it down to about $150?? And maybe $150 another time for a tan leather one. My current light bronze one is not leather and was a stop-gap in 2019. It was under $100 and used almost exclusively since! So I am low-key looking for another. I would possibly be scared to buy a designer one in case it got lost or stolen? And I’m not snobby about them.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

My favorite bags have been a nylon Nordstrom labeled bag with a key ring strap and small bag included for $30. When they discontinued them there were not many nylon bags; it was a shock to buy a Longchamp. I had no idea it was a thing. I also loved a leather handbag I bought years ago at a craft show but now as I carry so much more I prefer my bag to be light. And another favorite is a large soft quilted bag with a chain strap for events.

I’ve never picked a purse for status, and I tend to treat my purses a bit roughly, so I’ve never spent more than $150. If something was perfect I might spend more.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Well, I have a Bao Bao flat backpack, purchased new but from a seller from which I got a very appealing discount. I can’t really see paying four figures for a bag.

I have to say the Bao Bao is one of my most successful purchases of the last few years — I use it more than any of my other bags by far, it still looks brand new, it’s neutral and versatile, and suits my style perfectly. It’s distinctive but classic in a way. I get compliments on it all the time. I will use it for years to come! It’s already down to way lower cost per wear than some of my cheaper bags.

kkards

Veteran

Hmmm. Before I get to the answer of what l’d spend, I’d like to unpack a couple of your statements.

the influencers act like these bags are wardrobe staples…well, I don’t know about the influencers, but I know that for myself, I carry a bag everyday..so they are wardrobe staples, I literally could not leave the house without one.

And I seriously wonder how many of these girls can really afford them. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that each of us makes financial decisions that baffle/confuse others. my TV is 10 years old, I don’t have any streaming services because they are not important to me, but I love shoes, so I spend the money that others will use for the latest electronics technology and monthly streaming on shoes instead. As for how they can afford them, I don’t know who you follow, but the people I ‘follow’ are all upfront about where they buy from (many buy 2nd hand) and how much they spend and roughly how much they make, and when and where they themselves are reselling what they have.

Ok, sorry, I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning…anyway I will and have spent anywhere from $100 to $1000 on a bag…I’m very particular and want/need a bag that holds just enough but not too much, I want/need it to be hands free and easy to get into.

RobinF

Veteran

Hmm, interesting topic. I don't spend a lot on bags, probably the most I ever have was maybe $150. I like them and have a small collection but don't use one for work (I just carry a wallet and large tote bag each day which I don't count as part of my purse collection) but I do use them when I go out at other times. I don't want to spend a lot because I can be fickle and love one for a few months then I switch to a different one.

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