Purse/Handbag Haven....
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » EDS Lounge

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 3:57 am

I think I might be in trouble....

A new store just opened up in Austin called “Purse Haven” about two weeks ago. So far, I’ve managed to withstand the temptation to go in there, but I think I’ve just about depleted all of my willpower and I’m planning to visit the store this afternoon on the way home from work.

Now, I don’t know if they sell actual designer handbags or if they have knockoffs, but either way, I’m totally there!! This leads me to the following questions:

• How much are you willing to spend on a purse/handbag?

• What’s the most you’ve ever spent?

• What do you consider to be an “average price” for a bag, or an unbelievable bargin?

• Do you go for designer purses, designer knockoffs, or whatever you happen to find at Walmart or your local department store?

• How many bags do you typcially buy per year (i.e.: one for each season)?

I’m just trying to determine if I have a sickness or not....Purse Haven, here I come!!

TIA,
Carrie

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 4:30 am

I am actually quite boring with handbags. I have a denim FCUK bag that I love and goes everywhere with me and I have had it about 9 months. Embarassed

I think Guapa is your girl on this one. I think she is always buying designer bags. Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 6:41 am

I'm boring too, definately not one to fork out the $$ for anything fancy. I've had the same backpack for over 2 years now and will probably replace it soon with the very same one. My enormous daytimer wallet fits in and so does my camera. It's perfect. It comes in a few colors and is only $65.

I also have a plain black leather tote for travelling. It's the most I've spent on a bag. $124. I can't find a picture of it, maybe it's discontinued.

The only time I've spent what I consider a lot has been for boots. I spent $260 on my motorcycle boots without blinking and about the same on my motocross boots. I doubt I'd be able to bring myself to spend that much on shoes or boots that were for fashion as opposed to protection.

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 6:47 am

I don't like designer bags..always seem a bit chavy. If it's something I like and in my price range I may buy it but I'm not a bagaholic.

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 6:53 am

I use a tiny wallet type handbag because I am known to stuff handbags and can never find anything. I might take good care of my face but spend very little on fashion. Living in an area that is so casual (can go out to dinner in jeans) you won't find a lot of accessories in my closet.

For Mothers Day my Daugher-in-law bought me a lime green leather handbag. It took my breath away. She knew I adored this color. Also she coordinated it with an outfit for my cruise Very Happy

. (Bermuda June 5th Dancing

... for our 40th anniversary).

When I was younger I did have handbags and shoes to match outfits. Wouldn't want to run into the fashion police now Laughing

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 6:54 am

I've done the combi, bags, shoes, nails and lips. That was a good one. Cool

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 7:09 am

I used to buy a new bag every month. I get bored really quickly with bags and I'm always seeing new ones I want to add to my collection. However, since giving up work to study I don't have the funds to feed my habit. Sad

My boyfriend tries to steer me away from stores with extensive accessories depts as he knows I will spend hours browsing round the bags.
I don't buy designer bags, can't justify spending that sort of money on something that I will no doubt get bored with in a couple of months. Don't really like designer bags either, too flashy for me. I don't buy designer shoes, clothes or accessories.
The most I have spent on a bag was £30 (I think about £20 is average for a bag) . I would never spend over £50 for a bag and it would have to be something pretty special for me to spend £50.
Every year I have a clear out of all my bags and offer my cast-offs to my Mum and if she doesn't want them I give them to a local charity shop.

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 7:11 am

• How much are you willing to spend on a purse/handbag?

I will usually spend around $150-$200

• What’s the most you’ve ever spent?

The most was $350 for a Kate Spade bag

• What do you consider to be an “average price” for a bag, or an unbelievable bargin?

I think it depends on the material. For leather, over $100.

• Do you go for designer purses, designer knockoffs, or whatever you happen to find at Walmart or your local department store?

I don't buy knockoffs on principal...I don't buy many designer bags either. Usually just something from a boutique or a store like your "Purse Heaven".

• How many bags do you typcially buy per year (i.e.: one for each season)?

One per season.

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 8:24 am

I never even owned a handbag a year ago, I would just keep everything in my pockets Rolling Eyes

Then I started buying more and more clothes without pockets Laughing

I would never pay a fortune on a bag as I don't see the need. I have 2 Fiorelli bags one in Fusia Pink and one in Black.
A small brown bag with squirrels on the front that was someones cast off Embarassed

and a great little canvas bag that goes well with combats, again this was a cast off.
I think the Fiorelli bags cost about £20 each. I did nearly buy a Radley bag but only because it was Fusia and cute, I changed my mind as I thought it would probably get nicked when I'm in Manchester Rolling Eyes

, I see this happen a lot, that's why I don't think I'd get a designer bag Laughing

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 8:57 am

Ahhh... Handbag/Purses... my kids tries to steer me away from Payless Shoe Source near our house because I tend to buy purses whenever I find something unique...

At any rate, I'm not into designer purses because I couldn't afford it, but I won't refuse if someone will give me one Laughing

I think I would go with the style of the purse not necessarily the brand name... Payless Shoe Source do have nice styles for less than $20.00!!! In the late 80s thru about mid 90s, I would go to Macys to check out Liz Claiborn and thru those years, I think I would have about 2 purses per year with matching wallet to go with it but then along the years, their styles seems to be so cheapy looking, don't like it anymore.

So with your new store in Austin, (hopefully they'll open one here in Northern California?) I wouldn't mind buying one that will really really get my attention. And as long as the price and the style match - I don't mind... This is only my vice... Purses!!! I have let go with shoes for over 10 yrs now... and have my Birkenstock sandals for almost 7 yrs now ... Crying or Very sad

So Carrie, if you don't mind asking the management of Purse Haven, if they have a branch here or might be openning, can you let me know? Thanks... Smile

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 9:03 am

I'm a glutton when it comes to clothes (Anthropologie, Bebe, and BR are my mainstream faves) but shoes and handbags I kind of slack off on pretty badly. For shoes, I just discovered the joys of DSW. Very Happy

• How much are you willing to spend on a purse/handbag?

I think the max is about $350. Maybe once I finish up school and get a real job I'll stick with the $500 and under range. I only get bags once or twice a year, if that, so I'd never go overboard. (Disclaimer: This year doesn't count because after only having gotten 3 bags in 5 years, I got 5 this year, and all but 1 were well under $100.)

• What’s the most you’ve ever spent?
To date, $250 on a Coach bag (I liked their vintage collection last fall with the shiny bronze leather and dark brown suede) But I prefer smaller bags because I don't like to tote around a lot and hide small dogs and powerdrills in obscure pockets.

• What do you consider to be an “average price” for a bag, or an unbelievable bargin?

Average, about $150 or so. Bargain, about $50. For designer, that's a planned splurge.

• Do you go for designer purses, designer knockoffs, or whatever you happen to find at Walmart or your local department store?

I'll never, ever get a knockoff. It would make me feel kinda fake as a person, and I just couldn't do it (I don't hold it against my friends at all when they get them, though!). I like designer when they don't have their logo blazoned all over the bag for the world to see. I don't like to advertise (my recent Coach one is the only type with a logo I have.) I usually go to boutiques or clothing stores and find ones I like. I just don't see paying arseloads of money for an otherwise dull bag just for the sake of a name. Anthropologie has some fantabulous bags, but I won't pay their price 98% of the time unless they're on sale.

When I lived in Japan for 6 years, I always marvelled at how much people would pay for things that just don't look like they were worth that much. That extends to $800 for a Chanel t-shirt at a Mitsukoshi (I think it's called) I saw a girl get one day.

I'd kill to go shopping in Japan again. Sad

• How many bags do you typcially buy per year (i.e.: one for each season)?

One, maybe two per year. Smile

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 10:19 am

loopylori wrote:

I am actually quite boring with handbags. I have a denim FCUK bag that I love and goes everywhere with me and I have had it about 9 months. Embarassed

I think Guapa is your girl on this one. I think she is always buying designer bags. Rolling Eyes

....erm, well up until recently I have been using a lidl's plastic bag. I like the contrast between that and wearing super nice gear Very Happy

Guapaboy didn't approve however, and got me a huge gianfranco ferre suede tote off ebay for a tenner or something stupid like that and a red mock croc birkin copy for xmas, which he promised was not excessively expensive.

I am seriously unimpressed by shoes or bags Very Happy

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 10:55 am

OK!
I was wrong this one time in my life.
I am shocked Liz, shocked. Shock

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 12:57 pm

I buy designer brands that have a classic style to them with no obvious logos or tags that scream who the designer is. So I can use for years.

How much are you willing to spend on a purse/handbag?

Usually, I try to keep in the $200-$300 range, unless it's something I really

.

What’s the most you’ve ever spent?

The most is about $900.00 for the LV purse.

It's a classic style that works with everything. Honest!! Wink

What do you consider to be an “average price” for a bag, or an unbelievable bargin?

Average Price - About $100-$200.

Bargain - I found my Gucci purse for like $75.00 at a sample sale. Shock

Do you go for designer purses, designer knockoffs, or whatever you happen to find at Walmart or your local department store?

I have a small collection of Gucci, LV, Furla and Coach that I purchased myself from department stores or boutiques. Though, if someone gives me a purse as a gift then I'll accept whatever they give me. My friends know my preferences. Embarassed

For everyday casual or travel then I have a baby backpack (called the Half Pint) from JanSport that I use to schlep my stuff around in.

How many bags do you typcially buy per year (i.e.: one for each season)?

I limit my purchases to once every couple of years.

free skin care · Fri May 27, 2005 9:24 pm

• How much are you willing to spend on a purse/handbag? Up to 350.00 but I have to really like it.

• What’s the most you’ve ever spent? 275.00

• What do you consider to be an “average price” for a bag, or an unbelievable bargin? Around 75.00

• Do you go for designer purses, designer knockoffs, or whatever you happen to find at Walmart or your local department store?
I go for more designer purses.

How many bags do you typcially buy per year (i.e.: one for each season)?
This year I bought 4 purses because I just had to have them Very Happy

.

I told myself that I'm not buying anymore purses for the rest of the year!!

free skin care · Sat May 28, 2005 12:56 am

I looove purses and bags, but never shell out for expensive ones.

I have some nice utilitarian bags for dragging my stuff back & forth to work, as well as some cute little handbags for going out.

I seem to have lots of luck finding great little leather/suede bags on sale at Aldo shoes (usually for under $30 or so).

For everyday cheapies I tend to buy bags at places like Payless or Old Navy. I don't care about designer labels AT ALL. My only requirement is that the bag be versatile and cute!!!. Doesn't matter where they come from. Smile

Right now I don't think I'd pay more than $50-$60 for a handbag. I'd rather have clothes.

free skin care · Sat May 28, 2005 1:25 pm

I LUUUUVV

shoes and handbags. They are taking over my home, and yet I never get enough!

I don't carry expensive designer purses for everyday errand-running -- only dressier occasions. I wouldn't mind a large Luella shoulder bag, though...

HOWEVER, my husband bought me an LV Epi leather Porte Tresor several years ago. It's a wallet that can hold a check book and also has a very nice coin section that holds a lot (it snaps, so has easy access). I've used the HELL out of it yet all of the stitches are intact. But the color is turning black on the folded edges and at the snap, so I want a new one soon (been hinting). They don't make it in Borneo Green anymore (have a matching small St. Jacques), so I'd like a red one. This Epi stuff is tough and definitely worth the money yet isn't nearly as expensive as many other designer leathergoods.

I wouldn't buy counterfeits -- discerning eyes can always tell. A good knock-off is another matter. But I'd have to be rich as a sultan before paying several thousands for a Birkin or Kelly bag, etc.

For everyday, I buy moderately-priced brands like Coach, Furla, Kenneth Cole, etc. They're my workhorses. I could go on and on -- somebody stop me before I start talking about shoes Embarassed

free skin care · Tue May 31, 2005 5:33 am

Pardon my absence from my own topic, how rude of me!! Access to EDS was briefly blocked at my job last Friday, but I seem to be back in business today – for the time being, anyway!

FYI - I did stop into Purse Haven on the way home Friday (needed to buy something to cheer myself up/psych myself up for the dreadful move (read this link for reasons I hate to move: http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=2408&highlight=lived) this past weekend. Anyway, I ended up spending $55 dollars for three different handbags, one of which looked quite similar to this in shape/style, except it’s apple green: http://www.shopsueyboutique.com/productdetail.asp?ProductID=1193. All in all, I’m quite pleased with myself.

Personally, I think a lot of the designer bags are just too “busy” – too many buckles, studs, shiny things. I don’t mind paying for a designer bag, but I want something that is well-made and “classic” so I can use it season after season. One year, I paid $150 for this “doctor’s satchel” type of bag that is actually made from this material that looks like a carpetbag (for non-Americans, a carpetbagger is someone who moved to the southern U.S. after the Civil War – aka “War Between the States” or “North” vs. “South” – to capitalize on the rebuilding efforts in the Deep South. They were called carpetbaggers because they loaded all of their belongings in a satchel made of carpet when they moved down here). I know it doesn’t sound very attractive, but I swear that everytime I dig it out of the mothballs and start carrying it, women literally stop me in the streets wanting to know where I got my bag!

So I guess if I buy an actual designer bag, it’s for all the “wrong” reasons – I don’t give a flaming rat’s *ss about being trendy, I just want it to look understated and elegant! And I’m not one of those women like Jessica Simpson who is carrying a brand-new designer bag every single day. Good Lord, I carry too much junk around in my bag (that’s another must for me: it must be big enough to carry all my sh*it, but also look good while it’s doing it!!) so it would take me 30 minutes everyday just to transfer everything from one bag to another!!

Anyway, Purse Haven had a nice collection of bags that I would deem “trendy” for those fashionistas, but it also had some gorgeous classic styles for people who are more like me. And the prices sure as hell can’t be beat. I know I’m probably only going to get one season out of the bags I bought, but I still think I got a good deal for the price I paid. I’ll probably go back to that store in the Fall/Winter (which, in TX is for about a two-week period in early January!!) and see what they have to offer then. BTW, Purse Haven also carried some nice fashion jewelry, sunglasses, and scarves. Next time I go, I’ll have to find out if they’re a one-of-a-kind boutique, or if they’ll have franchises opening up all over the country so the rest of you can have a little fun, too!

Carrie

P.S. One more thing – it irks the hell out of me that the cutest bags aren’t even big enough to hold my wallet!!!

free skin care · Tue May 31, 2005 10:59 pm

I'm so surprised that all of you who love skincare so much do not share the same passion for shoes and handbags Wink

I'm a total shoe (and handbag) slut! Pictures of my many pairs of shoes were actually shown in a gallery exhibition about collecting (long story Laughing

)
This topic caught my eye because I'm off from school now and have been storing my "winter" shoes and unboxing my "summer" shoes. This is a bit odd since I live in Florida, but I delude myself into believing that there are seasons here!
Fave bags are Fendi Selleria's. They do not have any logos on them. Just beautiful, timeless, handmade leather bags with white contrast stitching. I also love vintage.
As for shoes anything goes! Keds, Prada, vintage finds, any style that is fun and interesting.
Does anyone know of Botkier bags? They are designed by a NY photographer who was tired of not having a bag that looked good and fit all of her stuff. Great style and colors. I just got one in a summer color of Marigold. Love it! Very Happy

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.