WHAT has happened to the $ of handbags??

[Valerie226]

Admittedly I have not been to many stores lately but passing thru Nordstrom a week ago I was stunned to see that the 'average" price of a handbag appeared to be at least $200 with quite a few in the $500 range. Now most were leather, very nice leather, but I fail to see the need to spend that much for a handbag, so I didn't. There were some microfiber bags for much less but I can't stand the feel of the material. Maybe I've been under a rock the last few years, but when and why did this price inflation occur?

[Terri_A]

Although I agree that the price of hadbags is a bit out of control, I'm happy to report that I recently found a deal at Macy's. I bought a great red leather handbag on sale for $69!!! I can't count the number of compliments I've received on it so far.

So, I think you can still find great handbags at a great price, just maybe not at Nordstroms!

[Grace]

Go to Marshall's, TJ Maxx or Burlington Coat Factory, or you could try Overstock.com. They have lots of great bags for a much more reasonable price, many of them brand name. But even the non-brand name ones look like they could be (real leather, well made, etc.). While places like Target and Kohl's have some cute-ish bags, they tend to be very cheaply made and you can tell they're not expensive. Which is fine for something very trendy that you won't use much, but you can get a very nice bag for less as long as you steer clear of the dept stores.

[Laura B]

I think the issue is that you were at Nordstrom! They really only carry designer bags as I recall. Definitely try some "regular" department stores where you will find more reasonable brand name bags.

[Valerie226]

I need a new bag but was not about to fork over a small ransom for a leather bag. some were only leather trimmed! That is just nuts! I didn't have time to cruise Macy's and am not that fussy, just want a decent shoulder bag that holds what I need & that won't look ridiculous in a year. some were totally freaking UGLY! somehow blue metallic marshmallow leather with fringes, beads, dodads for $400 will not make the long term cut.

[blazedog]

Handbags have become the aspirational accessory for the past few years -- the really high end purses go for between $1000 and $2000 (Chloe) with Chanel and some Gucci even higher.

Bridge purses (think DKNY) are in the $400/$500 range.

None of these bears any relationship to what it costs to manufacture --- only what has been determined is a price point that creates desirability.

For many women, a "good" bag is something that can be justified as an amortized investment -- i.e. compare the price of an expensive bag to a pair of designer shoes versus a designer blouse -- and the cost becomes easier to justify.

I trace it back to when the manufacturers saw that Kate Spade was getting $300 for an ugly cloth bag :eek: and Prada even more for those horrendous black nylon bags everyone was carrying for awhile.

What I find even more befuddling is those who will pay a premium to wear an ugly Coach/Dooney bag with initials on it -- shoot me before I step out in one of those cloth logo bags for $250 or so -- at least a good leather bag is a thing of beauty which ages well while a cloth bag -- is well a cloth bag with initials. :p

As others have pointed out, if you can recognize quality in a bag, you can get a decent bag for less money without branding.

[Terri_A]

http://www.raffaello-network.com/item_images/d&gbag-bb1549a726280048mot.jpg

Would you believe that the bag above is $1863??? I don't think I'd pay $50 for it personally. It seems like designers think the more expensive a bag is the more we'll want it - not me! I want a bag that is functional for my life and is good looking to me!

[Valerie226]

OH PLEASE.... $1800?? :eek: :eek:

[Beth]

I'm with you Terri!

[armel]

I will say that my dear friend has had good experience with buying her designer bag -- Brighton. she got a nick in the leather. she had registered it, so she took it into the store . . . they fixed the bag and cleaned it so well, that it looks like a brand new bag, all for free. I certainly found that persuasive for me to spring $ for a better handbag than I get at Target. :)

[Loremma]

I just bought a nice leather purse from Zappos.com on the recommendation of the nice people on this bulletin board! I had never heard of that website and found one I loved and it came in just a few days. You might want to give them a try.

[aggie94]

I will say that my dear friend has had good experience with buying her designer bag -- Brighton. she got a nick in the leather. she had registered it, so she took it into the store . . . they fixed the bag and cleaned it so well, that it looks like a brand new bag, all for free. I certainly found that persuasive for me to spring $ for a better handbag than I get at Target. :)

I love Brighton. I have two of their bags and wouldn't hesitate to buy another. Not only are their bags cute (some too cute for my taste) but functional as well, and their customer service has always been top notch.

[Jazzmatazz49]

The problem with $1000 handbags is that everyone thinks it's a knockoff anyway, unless you also wear high dollar shoes and clothing. Otherwise, if you have the money, why not?