You all have been so incredibly helpful. I'm up in the middle of the night here (thinking about THE bag--a sure sign of infatuation)! Kari, you can be sure I was following your comments on any and all handbag threads. It's nice to know your bags are *that* well made and don't cost more than a house. Boar skin? Seriously? That's funny. But I can't think of too many animals that would have a hide tougher than a boar. I actually like the little KS label and the fact that her bags are not widely seen around here. I never heard of her before YLF in fact. As to your comment on how well the size and shape fits on you, that is SO important. I will have to have a play with one myself before this crush goes to far.

VC, big hugs. I hope you are able to post some outfit pictures on your guest bed. You are so giving and knowledgeable on the forum and have helped me many times! I loved the story of your coat. And I totally agree with you on purchasing those best of the best items. It seems you can't make them happen, either, you have to almost happen upon them with serendipity. When I bought Monty at Last Chance, I was there with the purpose of finding a bag. I was digging through the bins seeing if there was one that would "do" for me. He has been a great bag (though more for fall/winter for me) but it was a totally different process. He sort of grew on me. Maybe I can learn something from your method of really hunting for what you want. Thank you for your wise counsel!

Sara, the flames will never die if I don't put this out of my mind for a while, lol! I have to say that your Genevieve Dariaux has a very good point about quality accessories tripling the value of a modest dress. I think I agree with her, too. Everyone talks about the beauty of a high-low look. I have the low covered so maybe I need a high-end item! I just needed to find something I felt strongly enough about to invest in.

Ok, I need to see if this Chamomile tea will help me go back to sleep!

Claire that's some crush you have here....

I do think you can go for a good handbag and you have fab clothes now... So it's time for handbag

oh, what a tremendously fun thread to read! I'm loving all the 'show dollar' stories and philosophy - that's a great term for it, by the way. I've always felt that a gorgeous quality piece that encapsulates the wearer's personal style is essential to a truly fab look. I tend to focus on shoes and bags, with a few trademark jewelry pieces featuring unusual precious gems. I can wear these pieces all the time, with anything, and they elevate my look and help to project my own style as well. These type of pieces, i say spend as much as you can.

i first was able to get bags i truly loved when i moved here 12 years ago, just three blocks from a T.J. Maxx. They have great deals on handbags and a few times yearly receive shipments of Italian leather bags. Drooooooooool.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-discounts
The best part is that i've been able to spend a lot of time checking out the various bags and learning a LOT about construction, materials, quality, design. I visited my butterscotch orange bag for two months before i got it. My Isabella Fiore hobo came home much more quickly

If you have the opportunity to go check out any quality bags in depth, do so. The closer they are to your love, the better, but anything well made will help you to learn. Also, and this will sound truly crazy, but if you can make a mock-up out of old cereal boxes or something it will give you a much better feel for how the bag will work on your body with your stuff. If DH finds out he will think you are certifiable, but trust me it is worth the trouble and humiliation. Tell him arts and crafts is a relaxing hobby Exact dimensions are listed on the KS website.

I'm happy to see you are open to not paying full retail, and you've received great tips on this thread. My orange bag was $125 at TJM (retail $475), the hobo was closer to $150 (i've seen retail from $400-675, i also bought it from TJM). I've also purchased very expensive bras (Fantasie, retail around $80) on e-bay for $25-30. They were new with tags and are in great shape a year later. Like Kari says, just research the heck out of your seller, email them with any and all questions, and read the terms with a microscope!

My budget is just so tiny, i couldn't afford more than one bra at that price. Maybe one and a half? Your DH needs teeth, you have kids - all the more reason to get what you want, but get it for a good price! My mom has always been nervous about buying anything at less than retail, even on sale. It made no sense to me. Now that she's retired, she's loosening up about this and i am very glad to see it.

It's funny, i was at TJM yesterday and spent some time petting an italian bag which was this one's doppelganger.

http://www.katespade.com/grove.....sellPDPCTL

Love that coral!

This cracked me up: " I'd have better luck hiring myself out to pick up trash on the freeway with one of those poker things. At least those poor folks get paid at the end of the day!" ha! here in CA, you don't "hire yourself out" for that job, you are "chosen" - as in by the highway patrol when you're driving drunk! Not a great strategy for getting closer to the bag of your dreams (unless it's bright orange plastic).

Best of luck! I am eagerly awaiting further developments, steph

I know coupons were already mentioned, but take time to occasionally check out sites like this one because you never know what percent discount they may offer:

http://www.retailmenot.com/view/katespade.com

You know we're going to enable you into the ground, Claire! Be prepared!

I've slowly become a bit of a bag snob. I now own about 3 bags in this price range, and I will probably add a 4th this year. How did this happen and how do I justify it?

As I've whined about repeatedly, petite clothing is just not made at same quality as regular clothes that I could afford -- IF they only fit me (without extensive, impractical alterations). And I just adore quality fabrics against my skin. It's very much a tactile experience for me. So, I splurged on my first "over $300" bag (black crackled leather, Furla) a few years ago as a tactile treat.

It is very true that a quality handbag can up the style quotient of an otherwise inexpensive outfit, so from an investment perspective you are getting more value out of your clothes as well. But, what's more, that Furla is just soooo nice to have in my hand. Two of us on this thread talked about "petting" our bags. Yes, I pet my better bags all the time!

Add into that higher quality (not always a given with higher prices) means it'll last longer. Also these bags are far more "cobbler friendly" -- like higher priced shoes, they can be cleaned and refurbished.

But I have, and will continue to have, both high range and low range bags. My lower range bags are more fun and trendy -- I imagine I will get bored of the style or color so i don't spend a lot. I also cannot get my head past spending a lot of $ on a clutch, for some reason, so all my clutches are low end prices. The higher range bags are more classic in style and in color. For example I have been considering a classic red bag as my next investment.

What I look for in a bag:

1) Scale. Does it work on a petite frame? There are a lot of gorgeous bags out there, high and low end, and they are just too enormous for my frame. If I find one that is just the perfect scale, I often find I can rationalize a higher price, especially if I've been on the hunt for awhile.

2) Functionality. I don't like those cross-body straps. I hate straps that slip off your shoulder. I like bags that will fit under my arm just so and are comfortable to carry. I also don't like heavy bags or rattling hardware. Creative pockets on the inside is a big plus. Is it easy to get in and out of the purse, while also being secure (nobody can pick pocket me or stuff can't accidentally fall out)?

3) Tactile experience. See, it's not so much about the price, it's just that higher prices often correspond to a better tactile experience. It's not just the leather either -- I love a beautiful lining. If I am petting a bag that is a very good sign!

4) No logo overload. I don't mind if it has a tasteful logo, but I don't like bags covered in blatant logos -- no matter what the price.