Splurge vs. Steal
Many of us admire the high-end handbags on Instagram and in stores, but we don’t necessarily admire the price tag. And, even though handbags are technically an investment and you can always sell them, the prices are still very steep. I wanted to share some versatile and chic high-end options, along with some options for less. You can click on the bags in the photo to shop.
In case you missed previous posts on designer handbags and dupes for less, you can find them here, here, and here. And, keep scrolling for more tips!
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High-End Bags
Investing in a high-end designer bag is really exciting. There’s nothing like getting your first designer bag. A gorgeous, high-quality handbag is a smart investment. It’s the only piece you’ll ever buy that you can resell for something close to what you paid for it. Plus, it’s a piece you carry almost every day so it makes sense to have a nicer one.
The Classics:
Gucci Marmont Camera Bag
Celine Belt Bag
Givenchy Antigona Satchel
Chanel Boy Bag
YSL Wallet
YSL Sac de Jour
Trendy Bags I Love:
Prada Belt Bag
Chloé Tess Shoulder Bag
Chloé Faye Shoulder Bag
What I Invested In…
I own the Celine Belt Bag, Prada Belt Bag, and the Chloé Tess Shoulder Bag and I love them all! One that I didn’t include in this post but that I do own is the Chloé Nile (pictured above). It’s another gorgeous, unique handbag option.
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Dupes
Although I love my handbags, I know that not everyone has the luxury of spending a small fortune on a bag. So I’ve shared a few options that I think make great designer dupes. If you’re thinking about buying a designer bag, try out the dupe to see if you like the shape, the way it looks on your arm, etc.
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Vince Camuto makes super cute bags like this one that are high-quality and very versatile!
Buy The Bags Gently Used or Rent
If you’re shopping for dupes…avoid heavy hardware (like buckles and studs) it will be more obvious the bag isn’t real. Stick to darker colors (think black, navy, burgundy) and genuine leather will also help!
If you want to get a designer handbags for a LOT less…Be sure to check online consignment stores like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal. You can even find them on eBay! You can get gently used, authenticated, high-end bags for much less than retail. I just found LuxeDH…it’s a beautiful website that is easy to use. They have a lot of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci!
If you really want to buy a designer handbag but want to be certain you will LOVE it…. you can always RENT it! Three sites I’d recommend for renting: Bag Borrow or Steal, Rent The Runway, and Switch.
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I am new to formal workwear. I have a size 8 petite frame. What are the “rules’? I am on my feet a lot at trade fairs. What low heeled shoes can you wear with formal workwear?
Mules, ballet flats, loafer flats, even cute Ked-like sneakers? I’m not sure how dressy you need to be for trade shows.
This is a great post with Lots Of cute options. Would love to see something like this for work bags that can hold a laptop and a few essentials. That seems to be the hardest bag to find!
I agree… I recommended my all-time favorite before Henri Bendel closed, but now I’m on the hunt again. I’ll keep you posted. Erin xo
I get all my high end brands on POSHMARK!!! Highly recommend -much cheaper the real real and ebay! xo xo
I hear many great things… thanks for sharing!
Excellent post! Totally sharing and pinning this one. I only have a few high end bags, but I still like to enjoy the trends, so this is a great way to do just that! Thank you.
~Melissa xx
Thank you, Melissa! I appreciate you sharing this… Erin xo