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Premium leather bags vs. imitation bags.

Cilleena

Veteran

I never did get a new bag last summer and now I'm definitely needing one soon. My straw tote is not doing it for "fall looks". I've seen some cute totes and shoppers at Tarjay, but I'm hesitant to buy another imitation bag that just ends up not being all that.
I must confess that I've NEVER had a really expensive bag. The price tag on the totes that I am looking at kind of chokes me. So, are they worth it? Real deal leather ones that is. Hold up better and look nicer longer?

Funny, I truly dislike faux leather shoes, but it's not as off putting in a bag to me.

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from Cilleena

Kafe

Personally, I like things that are meant to last so I pretty much only do the real deal. For this reason, my things generally stay around for a while and aren't as trendy. They are bought with staying power in mind. Just one person's thoughts.......

catgirl

Veteran

Cileena, how often do you change bags? Is it one per season or one per week? I have found that I tend to use the same bag all the time - both because I can't deal with adding another element to getting dressed and I don't have the time. Bags are not my weakness. So I have an expensive leather bag that will hold up forever. If I were changing it up every week, I'd probably go cheaper.

Irene

Veteran

My shoes are all leather but it's more for comfortability and breathability than for aesthetics. I don't mind a fake leather plastic bag at all, as long as it doesn't look too much like it's made of plastic. I can definitely notice when a bag is made of real leather -hey, I know people who don't even know what a leather shoe is and are astonished when I tell them how much my shoes cost because theirs are so much cheaper- back to the point, I don't mind that much. Sure, I'd rather all my bags were made of leather, but not even my mother sticks to that rule anymore (she used to), and let's face it, I cannot pay for them, so it's not like I have too many options... I do have a couple of real leather bags, but they are average, nothing premium.

catgirl

Veteran

You can get great bargains on leather bags thrifting, at consignment stores or on e-bay, if you are willing to wait and be flexible. E-bay has tons of "classic" old-school Coach bags (pre-logo styles) for real bargain prices.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I have sworn off of Target bags for ever. The styles are the cutest but they simply do not last. If you get one good leather bag it will last you for many years. I have a red Tign bag. It is a great bag, and it still looks new.

Take a look at these:
http://www.google.com/search?q.....38;bih=720

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I have good quality leather bags which have not cost the earth, IMO you do not need to pay a designer premium to get the quality you are after (although designer bags do make me week at the knees).

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I've gotten good real leather bags at TJ Maxx. They often stock these random Italian brands. Also Fossil, very popular here, makes durable bags.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I second the idea of getting a deal on a real leather one. The ones at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Ebay are really reasonable, and they hold up waaaaay longer. I never looked back since going leather - I was amazed how the handles didn't fray and fall apart.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm with the other ladies- you can find a leather bag for under $100 at outlet stores (Fossil outlets are great), close out shops (Marshall's, Ross, etc), thrift shops, and check 6pm.com.
This is my solution- I can't spend hundreds of dollars, but I still want real leather.

Cilleena

Veteran

Una-I only change bags seasonally, as in one bag for spring/summer and one bag for fall/winter. So, I suppose a nice leather bag would be worth it.

modgrl-I think I am with you on the Target bags. Those Tiganello bags are nice. I think they might be a touch too dressy for me, but I haven't had a chance to really look them over.

Rose and Joan- I don't think I need designer, just sturdy and attractive.

Anna and Rae-I didn't think about TJ Maxx. I can check there.

I'm kind of digging this one. Not 100% sure on the double belt straps, but they are growing on me. Is it really edgy or just a tad?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/re.....ltback=645

rachylou

Veteran

My work bag is from Target, and it's holding up well. Can't say that for most of the ones I've gotten from Target. On the other hand, I do like to switch it up, which makes premium prohibitive, and I find Target very stylish. Then again, I found a blue leather bag on sale for $40 - there's good leather to be found at doable prices.

One thing about going cheap, I've decided, is cheap really looks cheap when the hardware and detailing is thin. I got a dark red bag I thought I liked, until I noticed the absence of hardware, how the pocket buckles were totally unequal to the bag.

I do have a Gucci bag my father bought me over 20 years ago. I'm ashamed to admit I've made this bag suffer, but I suppose it's a testimony to how well it was made - it's still fine. But honestly, I don't think the Gucci's of the world still give that kind of value. And 20 years ago, I remember thinking Hermes was already definitely out for the count.

Anonymous

Well, (says she, warming to the subject) There are leather bags that last for 20+ years and there are cheaply made leather bags, too.
I have had my share of Dooney&Bourke and Coach leather bags back in the day. Those bags wore like iron, and I finally tired of the colors and shapes and styles long before they ever wore out. Eventually they began to date me, so I passed them along.

My latest leather bag is a Tignanello and it is not holding up so well. I was so excited at first because it is 100% leather including the trim and it was around $70. It looked new for about a year, but I have carried it pretty much day in and day out for 3 years and it is showing its age. Not completely worn out mind you, but definately down at the heels. The leather is thinner and softer (slouchy), Heck I'll just post a photo, since a picture is worth a thousand words.

I have a fabric houndstooth bag with vinyl handles that I've had longer, and it still looks new, probably because I carry it much less. So I agree with alaskagirl: if you want the carry the same bag day after day and for many years, it is worth the money to pay $300+ for a bag....but make sure you love the style and it works for you! (I cringe when I think for the $295 D&B bag I bought years ago that wouldn't stand up, and whose stiff handles were awkwardly sized and placed so that it flopped over and sprawled all over the floor. I couldn't stand it, and eventually gave it away.)

Photos are of silver Tig bag (3yrs.old).

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rosee

Veteran

Alaskagirl already pointed out going for Coach and Tignanello bags on ebay, Etsy or thrifting. There are deals to be had: I purchased 2 vintage Coach bags (early 1990s) in great condition for $60 (red) and $80 (navy) including shipping. I can't remember what you were looking for exactly and what size you need, but I do remember you were looking at crossbody bags. Here are some ideas, though I don't know if this is the exact look you are going for...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78.....ucket-tote

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75.....ucket-tote

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/3903084.....1423.l2649

There are many others as well, some listed for even less than these prices. You can get a really good quality leather bag for less than $100.

Marley

Veteran

I'm probably not a good person to ask because I am a bag freak. Love my leather bags - have waaaay too many of them - but I change out daily to match my outfit. I've had some of my bags for 10 years plus and they are still in perfect condition and not out of style at all. I used to buy Target handbags and they wouldn't last me through the season. I haven't bought a new handbag in 2 years and I am still in style and loving my bags!

Anonymous

I was always going to suggest etsy, and . I see lots of smart bags on etsy, some vintage, some hand-made, I'd rather pay for craftsmanship of a person I know in not a poor child exploited somewhere in a third-world country.
Also Rae, you got a nice tan large bag from an Asian retailer on e-bay? I remember seeing nice models there. Or am I confusing?

Jonesy

Veteran

I much prefer leather bags. You can always go with one that is a combination of fabric (e.g., nylon, or coated cotton, a la some L.A.M.B. bags) and leather if you'd like to spend a little less, but I think leather wears really well.

Cilleena

Veteran

Thanks for the knowledge and advice on leather bags, everyone. I'm convinced...leather is the way to go. Now, just to find the right bag and try to not look at the cute bags at Target.