Last week I was browsing the Chloé site, innocently of course, when I spontaneously decided to check out the See by Chloé handbag selection. I have never shopped See by Chloé before, but was instantly smitten with a few of the designs and was struck by how similar the bags are to the Chloé mainline. I just bought a Faye bag in December and wished I had browsed the See by Chloé section before pulling the trigger on my Faye. I wouldn’t say I had buyer’s remorse over my Faye (she is so lovely!), but it was a good reminder that I could have gotten a similar style for a lot less money. This got me thinking about just how much I appreciate contemporary lines for providing shoppers with trendy, stylish options at a more budget conscious price point. With the fashion trickle effect, contemporary brands often reinterpret styles created by premier designers that are out of reach for the general consumer and make it more accessible to the masses, aka me!
As a bag lover, I have developed the mentality that it’s always better to purchase handbags from a premier designer. Truthfully, that’s just not my financial reality and while I do purchase 1-3 premier designer handbags a year, many of my favorite bags in my closet are from contemporary lines that I have scored amazing deals on. The more my tastes and personal aesthetic have evolved, the more I’ve learned that more expensive does not necessarily mean better when it comes to bags, or anything in my closet for that matter. I’ve found that when I am completely head over heels for a handbag but it’s out of my price point, I am still able to find a beautiful, more financially accessible bag that I love just as much instead. I’ve also recently developed an interest in the vegan handbag market, which will provide me with the opportunity to potentially score some awesome looks for less while hopefully exploring some new brands and saving a few bucks in the New Year!
I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite looks for less below! Do you have a favorite? I think the JW Pei Circle bag may be my first purchase of 2019.
Mansur Gavriel Circle Crossbody and Friday by JW PEI Circle Bag
Saint Laurent Sac Du Jour and Michael Kors Mercer Satchel
Mulberry Amberley Satchel and Matt and Nat Rubicon Rio
Fendi Peekaboo Mini and ZAC Zac Posen Eartha
Gucci Marmont Matelassé Bag and Kate Spade Reese Park Courtnee
Louis Vuitton Petite Noe and Kara Moon Drawcord Baby Bucket Bag
Saint Laurent Loulou Shoulder bag and Rebecca Minkoff Edie Flap Shoulder Bag
Hermès Kelly and Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Satchel
Balenciaga Everyday Tote and Marc Jacobs
Prada Leather Belt Bag and Coach Belt Bag
