Yesterday Patricia (aka pve design) and I were discussing handbags via email—a subject that I never tire of talking about! She’s on the search for a great handbag, and doesn’t want to take out a second mortgage. I completely sympathize as I am on the hunt for a new fall bag and have fallen in love with two designs by Miu Miu. However, with a trip to NYC next month and visits to Pennsylvania, Texas and California scheduled for December, the Miu Miu bags are not in the budget! I have found two great bags at Nordstrom that just might fit the bill, literally. Great designs don’t always have to cost a fortune.
Miu Miu ($1,155 USD/£579 GBP)
Maxx New York ($148 USD/£79 GBP)
Miu Miu ($1,590 USD/£799 GBP)
Steven Madden ($195 USD/£99 GBP)
18 Comments
Ronda what great finds! That Steven Madden is just great!!!
it’s tough. I go for quality over quantity always when it comes to clothing and accessories…and….in truth I do this in every area of life from stocks to seating areas. But invest twice as much and buy half as many i sa wonderful rule to follow. I eschew trends and invest in pieces with great style, made of great materials. You’ll never go wrong!
Franki I completely agree! My motto is buy the best and you’ll only cry once. But I do think there are some fantastic handbags out there that don’t cost an arm and a leg
This is a really good post. There is NO way that I could afford $1,000+ on a handbag, but $200 I could afford. I want to carry the very best (in my price range) and both of these bags are very nice. Thank you for acknowledging that not everyone can spend a ton on such things. This post stays true to your blog, “all the best” regardless of price.
All of these bags are great. I love the matte gold and black combo. As far as prices go, I think I am just as shocked that Steve Madden is charging $195 for a purse as I am that Miu Miu is charging $1,590. I bought a small Fendi 6 years ago for around $195. Purse price tags are OUT OF CONTROL these days!!!
I am also searching for a great handbag…thanks for the post! I have my eye on one from J. Crew, believe it or not…it is part of their special line that is only in a few select stores (not here in Atlanta, alas).
I love Franki’s philosophy – invest twice as much and buy half as many! Beautifully worded.
I recently found the Coach bag of my dreams in an antique mall, it’s in new condition, for $35.00. I couldn’t be happier.
Don’t you just love finding great bargains stljoie!
That disappointing Sarah! Can they order it for you?
Thank you anonymous.
I know Brilliant Asylum, some of the prices can be a bit outrageous.
Love the Maxx NY patent. As I am always saving for a table, sconces, chairs (please, someone stop me from buying chairs) I am almost always bargain shopping for clothes. I’ve also always hesitated to dip into the “bag/shoe of the moment” club because I would be horrified at myself for looking a piece in my closet and thinking, “that $1500 bag is so last year.” ick. I’d take Patricia’s advice any day of the week.
you must check out hammittbags.com
i carry nothing but her designs these days. i blogged about her last week (as she had a killer sale)
Thanks I will check out her bags right now…
I used to think I would die if I didn’t buy the latest designer handbag but after reading that new book Deluxe: How Luxury Lost it’s Luster, I refuse to ever pay over $1000 for a bag! I’m stepping off the merry-go-round for good!
I love that Maxx bag, how gorgeous. I’ve been lusting after the new Marc Jacobs bag – but unfortunately its a little above my budget…so I’ll have to wait.
Me too Mrs. Blandings I am a sucker for black patent.
LOL! I love how you said “you only cry once” when you pay more. What a great way to phrase it!
The phrase used to be “pay twice as much, buy half as many and it will last three times as long” – I was told this by my grandmother (my true fashion icon) when I was just a child. Such profound advice for a small girl. But it sticks with you and affects every purchasing decision I make in my modern life.
AS a testament to her word, she still follows her own advice!