Tuesday, September 4

Handbags

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:

Anonymous said...

Ronda what great finds! That Steven Madden is just great!!!

franki durbin said...

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!

ALL THE BEST said...

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 ;)

Anonymous said...

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.

Brilliant Asylum said...

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!!!

Things That Inspire said...

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.

Unknown said...

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.

ALL THE BEST said...

Don’t you just love finding great bargains stljoie!

ALL THE BEST said...

That disappointing Sarah! Can they order it for you?

ALL THE BEST said...

Thank you anonymous.

ALL THE BEST said...

I know Brilliant Asylum, some of the prices can be a bit outrageous.

Mrs. Blandings said...

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.

72 and sunny said...

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)

ALL THE BEST said...

Thanks I will check out her bags right now...

Habitually Chic said...

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!

Suzy said...

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.

ALL THE BEST said...

Me too Mrs. Blandings I am a sucker for black patent.

franki durbin said...

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!