Fashion Blog

Okay, your reaction was probably something like…”What?! How about under $50?” kind of close, or something like it? Well, I know $200 is steep these days, but if you’re planning on investing money into a handbag, a nice one at that, you will unfortunately have to pay the price. Yes, yes, we’ve gone over this a million times before. I won’t try to convince you anymore of this. Instead, I will show you some great bags for under $200…just as I promised.  I guess everyone loves a deal because the first handbag I eyed on Nordstrom.com, a Steve Madden Crossbody Drawstring bag was already out of stock! It must have been it’s reasonable price of $180, a steal for colorblocked butter leather…oh well, we shall say farewell to this and move on, there’s plenty more where that came from.

All right, some “rockstar” ruffles never hurt I guess, and plus I haven’t picked any Betsey Johnson goods in a while. I do love the color of this satchel…I’m always a sucker for olive green. The ruffles are fun, I just wish it were a different shape is all. I prefer over the shoulder bags always. I have a secret fear of leaving behind a bag I have to carry on my arm or with my hand. Shoulder is best, but this one’s still pretty cute.

The ruffles are snake embossed on this bag. This one should turn some heads!

Betsey Johnson ‘Rockstar Ruffle’ Satchel $179.90

Now this next bag is one I REALLY like. It’s not only a better price, but the design is obscure yet drawing.

I love this Marc by Marc tote bag. A multicolored backdrop with little white clouds here and there makes this tote funky yet almost a little classic looking. Not sure if I’d use this in the fall or winter…probably not, but it would be perfect to start using again come February and keep using through the end of September. $117.60 is a high price for cotton canvas, but just by taking one look at this bag you know you are paying a higher sale price for the design and label. How can you resist?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Women’s Locket Pocket Big Tote, $117.60

So, this last one doesn’t qualify as a “handbag” officially, seeing as how it’s a mini pouch! But, I couldn’t resist this one.

How cute is this little zipper pouch! It’s meant to strap onto a larger See by Chloe satchel bag, which is not under $200 so is not included in this post, BUT it is the best shade of mustard yellow I’ve ever seen and of course I fell in love with it because it says “Dance or Die.” PERFECT! This is my new theme in life. It even has a little record player at the very bottom that seems to be playing out the words. The small graphic design is brilliant, and I would splurge on this and use it as a going out, bar hopping ID and lipstick bag. It seems to be just the right size for this, and strapping around my wrist as I dance the night away…

See by Chloe Dance or Die Small Pouch $66.50

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more handbags.

Here is a treat for everyone this lovely Friday morning:  eBags is offering an extra 20% off coupon for Smarter.com users.  Just click here and your coupon will be applied automatically.  You will see the “After 20% off” price on all applicable items.

Here are some items for under $150 I personally like that this coupon can be applied to:

       Elaine Turner Paige Bronze Satchel: $135.99 after coupon    

          Perlina Leather Business Brief: $124 after coupon

       Kenneth Cole Motorway Clutch: $126.40 after coupon

Now go get some holiday shopping out of the way!

I propose a question: why, oh why are women’s handbags so expensive? I guess essentially, you are getting what you pay for, and in the long run sometimes expensive handbags are worth the investment—they carry value, literally. But come on…$300 ain’t cheap, and that’s supposed to be affordable when your comparing it to a 2,000 dollar Chloe or Balenciaga bag. I’ll never understand it and designers will probably never lower their prices, so in the meantime, I’ll put a little bit away in my ‘bag fund’ from time to time and feel that much more satisfied knowing that I worked hard for my little piece of arm candy.

                     Cynthia Rowley ‘Vivienne’ Patchwork Dome Satchel $495, Nordstrom.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through all handbags.
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