Designer Handbags Buying Guide, Stores, and Prices
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Designer Handbags

We all know that the ultimate status symbol is an amazing designer handbag . Whether it be Chanel, Gucci, or Prada, nothing says "you've made it" like the ability to pay top dollar for this season's coveted new styles. There are many different styles and shapes to choose from. You can go for the classics--for example, a leather tote --or the more trendy and modern, like a patchwork satchel . Whichever direction that you choose to go in, however, says a lot about your personality and your style.  So use this guide to find the bag  that works for you...and do choose wisely!

Coveted Choices

BCBG MAXAZRIA 

Max Azaria brings you contemporary, innovative, high-quality design featuring sophisticated shapes and natural details.

Burberry 

This is the original British luxury brand, known for its exceptional outerwear and creation of the "nova check" design . 

Chanel 

Credited as the original creator of the shoulder bag, Coco Chanel  has revolutionized the world of women's fashion with her timeless styles.

Christian Dior 

 Dior  was one of the most influential French fashion designers of his time; the company still brings unique, high-quality style to women everywhere.

Coach 

Coach bags were designed to have qualities that women would appreciate, such as the secure toggle closure and versatile leather styles .

D&G 

Dolce and Gabbana pays attention to colors, cuts, and a balance between quality, style, and price.  They can make even the most classic of peices look fresh and young. 

Fendi 

Fendi created the "baguette" handbag, meant to be carried under the arm.  It has been interpreted into over 600 styles  and is an iconic status symbol for fashion-conscious women everywhere.

Furla 

Furla collections are handcrafted in Italy  and are known for simple and elegant style. Made from the finest leathers and materials, the brand continues to invest in research and technology to assure constant innovation in all of its lines. 

Gucci 

Today, Gucci is as fresh and inventive as ever, creating edgy interpretations of iconic styles, and always using the most opulent materials and meticulous workmanship. Of-the-moment shapes and the most luxurious modern materials are juxtaposed with classic elements.

Jimmy Cho 

Jimmy Choo's philosophy is a simple one: "it doesn't matter what you are wearing; if you have good shoes  and a good bag, you'll look right."  With this idea in mind, he brings sophisticated pieces to the fashion world, adored by celebrities such as Michelle Obama and J-Lo .

Juicy Couture 

Juicy looks to blend casual attire with glamorous flair.  Their designs are girly, flirty, and fun, making them trendy  with young women everywhere.

Kate Spade 

Kate Spade has put together a line of handbags that are classically shaped, meticulously created, and colorfully brilliant.

L.A.M.B 

Gwen Stefani  created this collection to fulfill her own "dream wardrobe", and it took off big time in 2006.  Women today have come to covet her eclectic and fresh sense of style.

Louis Vuitton 

The original handbag was created in the 30s for vendors to transport several bottles of champagne  at once; Parisian women  liked the look so much, it became a fashion craze that has stuck around.

Marc Jacobs 

Marc Jacobs brings us real, individualistic, creative designs.  He is also the driving force behind Perry Ellis  and currently serves as the creative director at Louie Vuitton . 

Michael Kors 

Michael Kors is the leading American designer  for luxury accessories and sportswear; the company brings polished, sleek designs with a jet-set attitude.

Prada 

Simple, elegant, and luxurious  designs have given Prada its fame. Known around the world, the distinctive silver Prada triangle is one of the most coveted status symbols found anywhere.  

Tory Burch 

Tory designs products to fit her own active lifestyle, making them ideal choices for the busy, independent woman  with little time to fuss over pricey accessories.  Her bags are roomy enough for daily errands, yet chic enough for the evening  as well.

Valentino 

Valentino captivated the world in the 1960s by launching a "no color" collection--an entire line comprised solely of white, cream, chalk, sand, ecru and beige. Interestingly, however, red  has emerged as his signature color with timeless style.

Yves Saint Laurent 

Yves Saint Laurent effectively changed the way women dressed.  His ground-breaking designs put women in "feminized" men's styles, accessorizing with elegant, refined handbags  to match.

More Bang For Your Buck

Let's be honest. Many of us cannot afford to go out and drop thousands every year to maintain a fabulous look. Here are some ideas to help you get the designer look for less . The internet has some of the best kept secrets when it comes to handbags.

  • Bag Borrow or Steal: As its name suggests, the website recognizes that girls will stop at nothing to obtain the bag that they want. For a monthly membership fee, members can borrow bags  and then send them back to be replaced for a new one as often as they choose. There are three different levels of bag quality, but at the "couture" level, which is around $150 a month, members can sport Louis Vuitton ,Burberry , even Chanel bags  for a fraction of what owning one would cost. The drawback of having to return the bag is annoying, but when you receive the next bag off your queue, you forget about your previous borrow instantly. However, if you really want to "steal" the bag you have, then the website will evaluate the bag's age and value and then offer a price for purchase. This site also offers jewelery  and sunglasses , in addition to handbags, under the same membership plans. How great is that?
  • Bluefly: Bluefly prides itself on being 'the ultimate hookup for the fashion obsessed.' This website has tons of name brands  and designer fashions  for sometimes half the price. Its basically the online designer outlet store of your dreams. In addition to clothing, they boast a wide variety of designer handbags, from labels like Fendi ,Gucci , and Chloe . They also have great deals on more trendy handbags from names like Kooba ,Bulga , and Gusto . The Bluefly site is extremely organized and categorized, breaking things down in terms of color, occasion, and shape, making the shopping experience easy and enjoyable.

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