For most people, aside from a very small percentage of the population (you know those uber-rich unicorns), a thousand dollars is a pretty large sum of money. Though those isanely rich—money-is-no-object—kind of people definitely make up a portion of those that buy luxury goods, they aren’t the majority. Large brands and luxury houses are well aware of the everyday shoppers like you and I who lead relatively normal lives but still want to have something nice to carry around from time to time. That’s where the importance of having bags under the $1,000 price-point comes into play. Almost every season you can find these gems, if and only if you know where and what to look for. Hint: basic totes, wallet-on-chains, and you guessed it, mini-bags, are usually on the more affordable side.
Finding bags with a three figure price tag is relatively challenging, but it is doable. Bag prices are getting higher and higher, with many bags being priced well into the 2,000 and 3,000 dollar price range, and it is interesting to note what just under 1K will actually get you. Below we’ve got 10 bags for Spring 2019 that won’t break the bank, so as tax season comes to its inevitable close feel free to put that return to good use.
Mulberry Micro Seaton Crossbody Bag ($895)
Fendi Pockets Mini Bag ($750)
City Quilted Gancio Bucket Bag ($875)
Saint Laurent Shopper Tote ($995)
Valentino Rockstud Clutch ($975)
Chloé Faye Bracelet Bag ($890)
Louis Vuitton Double Zip Pochette ($955)
Prada Saffiano Camera Bag ($950)
Gucci Dionysus Super Mini Textured Leather Bag ($830)
Gucci Ophidia GG Supreme Crossbody Bag ($960)
even it’s below $1000, they are all tini tiny bags…
Can’t you recommend something daily functional bag under $1000 that’s really THE BEST?
Yes! Didn’t you just do a post about how it bags were over? I read the WWD article you linked and it talked about up and coming brands that were <$500 and the bags were COOL. And not Michael Kors or Kate Spade or Coach. More of those please!
Does anyone else see the spam comment posted above by Kimiko? Or, am I the only lucky one?
I think every PB article I read has spam in its comments. So I’m curious if it’s me or PB?
Yes! While this was a general round up and best definitely means different things to different people, we are planning to hone in on this list more. We will add more best of lists to the site. Thank you for your input!
I think you are the best writer on the PurseBlog.
Since you brought up writing ability — and I KNOW this will elicit many boos and hisses from the readership — but here goes. Writing skills, grammar and words still matter, regardless of the online proclivity to ignore their worth and play fast-and-loose with the “ground rules.” This column’s content is compelling, but her grammar and writing skills need more care. Case in point: “…the everyday shoppers like you and I who…” It should be: “… you and ME….” Substitute “us” for the “you and I” or remove the “you” and read it again, and you’ll know that the correct word is ME. Another style point: financial journalism style (aka: AP Stylebook) calls for using the referenced currency sign consistently throughout, not switching to verbiage. So: “…under the $1,000 price-point comes into play…” Then: “…with many bags being priced well into the 2,000 and 3,000 dollar price range, and it is interesting to note what just under 1K will actually get you.” Professional writers and journalists stick with $1,000 (or even $1,000USD to distinguish from Canadian or Australian dollars). Ergo: “…$2,000 – $3,000 price range… “…under $1,000 actually will get you.” The term “price point” is a noun, not an adjective, and should not be hyphenated. If one makes a living writing to sell a product or service — even if it’s “just” an online blog — ensure your underlying writing and messaging techniques don’t undermine the credibility and professionalism of the brand you are promoting. Spell check obviously will not catch these quirks/errors. Now, ready for the snarky comments about the grammar queen, etc. That’s fine. Writing acumen and style STILL MATTER, especially if you put yourself out there as a writer. (And yes, I’ve made a good living as a professional journalist and financial writer.)
I definitely see what you mean even though I am certainly not a professional journalist. I guess you could critique each of the writers on this blog, but I think Ms. Serio is the best.
Can we have a ‘roomy bags under 500’ post some time? I always thought I was safe browsing this site because I don’t want to spend 4 digits on a bag, but then you posted about Polene and resistance was futile… Bought numero un and I’m so in love with it. It would be cool to see more lesser known brands like that.
I got mine for Xmas. So beautiful and I just love it.
Noted!
You bought the polene numero uno? Do you love it? I’ve been contemplating but was apprehensive since I can’t see it in person.
I have the Numero un and it is really nice.I also have two number 6s since they are so cute. However, I just got the number four and it is exquisite-the leather is so soft. I recommend any of their bags.
Yes, it’s designed so thoughtfully! Light, fits a lot, easy to get in and out one-handed, easy to put the wrist in the handle even if you’re wearing a parka, the pockets are reasonable and big enough for a big phone. It’s very structured and doesn’t lose shape ever. I wear it in rain and snow and nothing bad has happened so far. If I had to come up with a con, I’m short and I guess it can sometimes look bulky on me. And if you fill it to the full-capacity, it can get heavy, so the shoulder strap could be wider, but when you don’t overstuff bags like I do, it’s very comfortable as a cross-body.
I own two and love them! I agree with you, but with two exceptions. I’m 5’10” and the bag looks proportionate so it doesn’t look bulky on me. Also, I put a lot of stuff in and the weight doesn’t affect me. I was pleasantly surprised when I received it since it’s feminine and beautiful with an insanely reasonable price point!
Polene is great and I bought two of their bags at the Paris store in December, but they have some up and down supply issues, so they are probably getting all the publicity they can handle at the moment. For example, the Numero Deux has been unavailable for many months due to a manufacturing issue with the bag closure. The availability of the Numero Un is quite good now (only two colors our out of stock) but earlier in the year, as I recall (I was checking their site almost daily), almost half the colors were unavailable. Most of their SLGs are out of stock at the moment. So…I would not keep plugging them until they’ve got better supply management in place.
But overall, I agree that this piece was WAY too focused on tiny, impractical bags — there should have been a selection of small, medium and large bags under $1000. They are out there!! For example, why not one mention of Furla??
Yes to that. I can browse gucci or ysl website on my own and see what they offer. A selection from newer designers I would appreciate much more. Also, that’s where you find best under 1000$ selection. Higher end is just boring at this price point.
Can’t get much for $1,000 nowadays , can ya? lol
It’s crazy! Did you know the Speedy 25 is now $1,000 even? I went to put it on the list as to me it was always a good starter bag, functional and roomy enough, but it doesn’t even make the cut anymore. Insane!
Yeah it’s been $1,000 for a while now. It’s crazy to think 5 years ago it was 3/4ths of that or less.
Yup, I got my 25 in 2008 and I think it was less than $700.
I got my 25 in 2003 and paid $496 (this includes tax).
The Fendi bag is way too trendy to last for that size and price. Plus I think I can figure out what pocket I want my phone to go in. Otherwise the St. Laurent tote seems to be the best value with size and use.
I think the Saint Laurent tote is made of bonded leather though, which means it’s actually very cheap and you’re only paying for the brand. I’d say as an argument that’s it’s not very good value for money!
Belle – How does one determine the type of leather? So frustrating! We need a law mandating labels must include leather type – bonded, genuine, top, split, etc. Not knowing the leather type has often stopped me from purchasing a bag. I would check both the bag label and website but the most detail I found was cow, bovine, calf, or lamb leather.
Valid point!
That’s too funny! I didn’t know what you meant about your phone until I looked at the Fendi, again. It’s a lot of money for this type of bag, but thanks for the laugh! 🙂
That orange Mulberry is attractive.
That LV pochette does not qualify as a “bag” at all and should therefore be excluded from this list.
How depressing is this, though, no? A few years back, this list would have featured a few more bags that could fit more than a phone, keys, and some lipstick. But apart from the YSL, this is all mini or mini-mini bags that couldn’t even fit a continental-style wallet.
I despise lazy designs like the St Laurent tote — a plain leather tote with the name in small letters, or one with a logo at the top center. Several luxury labels have these plain uninspired designs.
Too small. I can’t fit anything in them. Plus the one large tote doesn’t have any organization or even a zipper.
LOL The Gucci Super Mini barely holds a credit card
Chris Jones ……. Bravo!!!!! Thank you!!!!
You’ve just saved me 1k. I wouldn’t buy any of them.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/