Handbag Novice Here..

[xnycgalx]

hey I just recently got interested in designer handbags...I mean, I've always liked them but now I'm actually trying to educate myself a little. Heh. So, all you experts out there...what's a good brand to start w/ when buying handbags or totes? I have a couple I got as gifts, but I wanna get something myself. I looove Marc Jacobs' stuff but I'm looking for something less expensive. So...what's a good "beginner" handbag? Thanks. Oh, and I'd like something without logos plastered all over it. I'm just not into that. B)

 

[Jentlemen]

i'm not an expert by any means.. but here my suggestion for what its worth

check out this book from amazon, its pretty indepth.. full of information and pictures


Handbags: The Power of the Purse

also I would suggest visiting the websites and familiarizing yourself with the new collections. AND also going to boutiques and department stores..to get a in person view and touch of the purse you can look at hundreds of images but it be able to replace the experience of holding the purse in your hands and feeling it.

some brands to check out would be

Gucci
Louis Vuitton
Fendi
Tod's
Prada
Dior
..the list goes on!

also don't be afriad to look at
Coach
Dooney & Bourke

just cause they aren't high end, doesn't mean you can't learn anything from looking at those bags. Cause how else will you appericate high end bags if you dont look at the mid and entry level handbags.

See the difference in stitching, fabric, buttons, zipppers, trim.. etc

 

[WestEndGirl]

I agree with the previous post! It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various styles and looks and see what suits you best. You can easily (well, semi-easily) find affordable bags if you look in the right places. Loehmanns, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross... these types of places occasionally will stock a gem or two, but you need to dig to find them. For a slightly less expensive but equally "high end" type bag, I love Lauren Merkin's bags - Lauren Merkin. I only got heavily into bags a couple of years ago but Lauren's bags were some of my first, and I still get tons of use out of them.

 

[TheSoCalledPrep]

Coach bags are pretty good quality leather, and not really expensive. Not the most luxurious.. but like you said, somewhere to start.

 

[meowmix]

Originally posted by WestEndGirl@Feb 24th, 2004 - 3:23 am
I agree with the previous post! It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various styles and looks and see what suits you best. You can easily (well, semi-easily) find affordable bags if you look in the right places. Loehmanns, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross... these types of places occasionally will stock a gem or two, but you need to dig to find them. For a slightly less expensive but equally "high end" type bag, I love Lauren Merkin's bags - Lauren Merkin. I only got heavily into bags a couple of years ago but Lauren's bags were some of my first, and I still get tons of use out of them.

those bags seem really high priced for something so simple...

i would also suggest perhaps checking out bluefly.com. they have lots of discount designer things or a keep an eye out for some of the sales eluxury and yoox have

 

[WestEndGirl]

those bags seem really high priced for something so simple...

In a way, I agree with you, especially with regard to a few of her plainer styles. But some of them are absolutely stunning and they hold up incredibly well, which to me makes it worth the price. I usually purchase from her only when there is a sale on her site (which seems to be often)!