Low Rent Handbags
Super Chic on the Cheap

By Alisa Welch
September 15, 2008    

Ideally, a handbag should hold cash, not take it all away. Who cares that your inexpensive bags will never become family heirlooms. With prices like these, you’ll have money to spend on other, more practical investments (that neglected IRA, for instance).

For fashion forward styles under $100, start your search at a big box retailer. Many a fashion maven haunts the handbag aisle at Target to find trendy bags with details that only look expensive. Evidently, actress and style muse Mila Jovovich is gaga over Monica Botkier for Target’s gray python satchel, currently on clearance for $27.99. Other discount retailers with stellar handbag selections include Chadwick’s where their buttery faux-leather Buckle satchel is priced at $39, and Sears where Rosetti’s Navigator, a cool and slouchy downtown tote, will run you $44. With less money to spend, go for a bigger impact with La Regale’s bold yellow patent leather clutch available at Macy’s. For only $70, evenings out just got a whole lot brighter.

Beyond the department stores, be sure to check out smaller retailers, especially ones catering to teenagers and poor college students. These stores stock affordable and trendy styles--though usually made from less durable materials. I’m in love with WeSC’s Trish quilted nylon bag priced at $75 and available only online at UrbanOutfitters.com.

Other places to find large selections of discounted designer and (designer knockoff) handbags for $100 or less: Overstock.com, Bluefly.com, eFashionHouse (where I spied Marc Jacobs totes for under $25), or Smartbargains.com where deep discounts mean sweet deals on handbags.

If you still desire a luxury bag but can’t fork over your entire paycheck, try Bag Borrow Or Steal, the same company shamelessly plugged in the Sex and the City movie. The concept is simple: You rent brand name handbags for as long as you’d like and return them when you’re done.  Depending on whether or not you become a member, the joy of carrying an authentic quilted Chanel handbag under your arm will only set you back $150-$198 per month. What a bargain!

WeSC Trish Nylon Bag ($75.00)
Online Only!

Oversized WeSC bag in quilted nylon. Snapped down the front like your favorite puffer jacket and trimmed with a long zippered opening. Fully lined interior; Structured silhouette. Imported. Spot clean. 23.6'' strap. Nylon, cotton. Web exclusive.