Where do you find cute, colorful, inexpensive bags?

Abie

I have never been a bag person, but I do see that a bag can really add to an outfit. Right now I have one bag that gets regular use and a clutch put away for the rare occasion a handbag is too informal.

I really don't carry much. I keep a diaper bag in the car and occasionally that goes in somewhere. I keep a wallet, lipstick, phone, and change in my one purse. I carry a black leather work tote and often my bag stays in that.

I'm considering a tiptoe into switching bags with outfits, but I'm not at the point where I want to make a big investment because I'm not sure if I will realistically change my one bag ways yet.

I'm thinking a few colors like green, blue, mustard... My current bag is a nice black leather one but I was thinking summer time is a good time to try out some color.

If you were me, where would you start? Can cheap bags be cute, or should I not waste my effort unless I want a nice bag?

13 years ago

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

deedee1221

Active Member

i dont know what ur budget is but i like to go to marshall or places like that cuz i can get a designer bag for less or a nice looking no name big bag (big is what i like) and i also get alot of mine from macys

13 years ago

deedee1221

Active Member

target also has nice bags in my opinion that doesnt look cheap but arent that expensive

13 years ago

Anonymous

Try Target.

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

To be honest, I find almost all my handbags in thrift or consignment shops therefore quite inexpensive. But not "cheap" in referring to quality. They are leather and well made, sturdy bags. My handbags need to be able to take a little abuse from time to time so I prefer a sturdy bag.

13 years ago

Anonymous

My DD and I were in Rue 21 the other day and she got a cute bright white pleather bag for 50% off which made it $10. They had some really nice color blocked totes as well, but I don't see any of these on their website. http://www.rue21.com/en/for%20.....dbags.aspx
I would try Target, Old Navy and TJMaxx too. You should be able to find some options under $30 for sure.

13 years ago

deedee1221

Active Member

yes i too need a study bag!

13 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

I love purses and tote bags. I find alot of nice purses on clearance at JCPenney. Also KMart, Target (although lately their prices seem a bit high to me) and the thrift store are good bets. I never spend more than $20 on any of them and alot of the time spend less than $10 for cute bags/totes.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Check Marshall's and TJ Maxx regularly. Those 2 places are generally where I find my bags.

13 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Try Kohl's - I bought one of these Relic brand casual bags awhile back, and it has held up very well. Not real leather, but it's quite well made.

link to all the Relic handbags on the Kohl's site:

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/w.....-962115867

This is the one I bought two or three years ago now, and it's still in perfect condition:

Relic Urban Mini Cross Body Bag:

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....ndbag.jsp#

This is a good, casual, OTG, running-around-town kind of purse. Not very big, but enough for errand-running and also good for traveling. By the way, Kohl's is notorious for coupons, so be sure to find a coupon from one of their flyers, and you'll save another 20 or 30% off most likely.

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13 years ago

Anonymous

My 2 youngest DDs have handbags from Kohl's, and I think they're fine. They also have handmade totes that my SIL custom made for them a couple of years ago when she was selling her bags on Etsy. She did a great job on those bags, so it was worth it to buy them for my DDs and help my SIL out at the same time.

My oldest DD still living at home has more expensive taste. She prefers Fossil and Coach, along with a small genuine croc bag I brought back for her from Nicaragua.

13 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Also try Burlington Coat Factory if you have one nearby! Great deals on clothing, shoes, purses, housewares, etc

13 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I am addicted to TJ Maxx (Winners, here) - that's where I get all my bags I wish I had a zappos.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I love TJ Maxx and Marshall's the most. Inexpensive but you can also get real leather so they don't fall apart.

The thrift stores near me usually have bags that have been abused, unless they are in the glass cases and then IMO they charge more than they should (may not be the case where you are).

I also definitely suggest Ebay if you are not fully on board with colored bags yet. You can get a good quality one very inexpensively, and there's such a variety on there that you can easily search through a lot of colors and styles.

13 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

ASOS, Zara, Mango and H&M are always worth a look too.

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I would suggest looking at discount-type places for real leather purses rather than spending on PU simply for the idea that if you find that you _do_ like to swap purses after experimenting for a bit, then you'll already have a decent quality base of purses. Thrift stores, ebay, TJmaxx etc. and even some of the actual leather bags from Target would be my suggestion.

13 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

One of the few advantages we Canadians have is the Danier leather store. They have some really nice leather bags for reasonable prices and they also have great sales.

I have also picked up bags at Winners (TJ) and bought a few new ones in leather on ebay. They are made in China or Hong Kong but are nice quality. I think it was MaryK and Rae that got me started with them. I did a search using DUDU on e-bay as this seems to be a popular brand. Many are knock-offs but I don't feel bad about it since I never know that's what they are until I see one in a magazine and do the "ohh".

13 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Payless, believe it or not, can have some nice bags and totes (especially if you prefer to avoid leather). If your taste is more high-end, Nordstrom Rack is a nice compromise. I agree, it's hard to find non-beat-up bags at the thrift store. Maybe a consignment place, if you have one nearby?

13 years ago

Sheila

Veteran

Target, WalMart, Kohl's, JCPenney all have very inexpensive bags. The first time you walk out the door with a fun, colorful bag, it may seem like a brave, crazy thing to do. I have a feeling you will be hooked, like the rest of us who love colorful accessories, and then you can think about buying bags that will last for a number of years. But try it on with inexpensive bags first.

And don't overlook fun patterns and geometric designs. They can really add some joy to a serious outfit!

13 years ago

Keix

Veteran

I want to add Macy's here as a surprisingly good resource for high-quality (leather) bags. I bought my teal Fossil crossbody for $80 there, also an orange Tiganello French tote for $50--both decent brands known for their leather, and the colors are gorgeous. They have a huge selection and the prices can be good if you catch a stacking sale.

13 years ago

Erica

Active Member

Usually Kohl's! Their bags on clearance usually have very good prices--some under $30 if you poke around long enough. They're usually much more durable than the ones I get from Target, though the quality has been declining a bit.

13 years ago

fern

Veteran

Vintage leather bags on Etsy.com - if you don't mid pre-owned.
I search by the color name + leather, like "green leather purse" in their Vintage section.

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Try TJ Maxx, Marshalls or consignment stores. But make sure that's something you like. I've fallen into the trap of it being discounted and buying it instead of making sure it's something I really wont or need.

13 years ago

Abie

Veteran

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. There are a lot of options I hadn't considered. I will be on the lookout at places like Marshalls and Tjmax. I'm also going to start looking at ebay. I had no idea there are so many vintage bags on etsy too!

13 years ago

Charlene

Member

OMG! I just found these cute beaded bags from Back Road Imports (www.backroadimports.com), which I had never heard of, for like $20!!! They are super cute and summery. Plus, they are fair trade so there is no sweat-shop labor or abused children to making your bags!

13 years ago

Anonymous

A Canadian here but when I find myself in the US, I go to JC penney. I bought two beautiful leather bags, (Nine West) there last summer, pale yellow and apple green which I use as neutrals. The yellow one got the most use, and compliments, and still usable this year

13 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

In addition to all the great suggestions you've already gotten (I second Marshall's/TJ Maxx for leather, Target for pleather), if there is a DSW near you, definitely check out their sale table. I have scored some amazing, amazing deals on name-brand bags there.

12 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

My best finds have been at Marshall's, Kohl's and at local consignment shops. I also used to find great bags on E-Bay at all different price points. Yes... cheap bags can be cute. Hope you enjoy experimenting with colored bags. It can be great fun!

12 years ago

Helena

Veteran

if you're in Canada, Ricki's and Smart Set usually have a few cute options for dirt cheap - not great quality, but good to add a pop of something trendy!

12 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

Just saw some great bags at Target in pretty Fall tone s- mustard and dark red. At JCP we have a variety and reasonable price points. I like the new BOLO line. Wilson's Leather (outlet malls) has good variety and I have bought a few clearance bags that have held up beautifully.
My only place to avoid would be Old Navy. I have had two major quality issues with their bags and shoes lately.

12 years ago

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