Simply Style

I remember when the "designer purse craze" was barely a blip on the radar. I was a junior in high school, and a few of the popular, rich girls bought their first Coach bags. They all seemed to have the same one, the Demi Pouch. Even though most of their peers had no idea what Coach was, these girls strutted through the halls with the bags dangling off their arms as if to say "I'm better than you." It seemed that the rest of the student population began to notice the bags and the social status associated with them. As the weeks passed, I spotted more and more girls sporting them. The popular girls couldn't stand to be outdone, so they purchased bigger and better bags to compete. Some even ditched Coach and bought Dooney & Bourke bags in an effort to stand out. As if this wasn't ludicrous enough, the girls that couldn't afford expensive purses found an alternative, knock offs.

Within a few months, I began seeing them sold at kiosks in the mall, on the street in Boston, and even at flea markets. In addition to Coach and Dooney knock offs, there were Gucci, Fendi, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton ones as well. It had become an epidemic.

I wish I could say I agree with counterfeit bags, but I don't. I'm a firm believer in owning the real thing. Knock off purses are not only cheap looking and poorly made, but most anyone can tell they're fake. The patterns are usually crooked or a poor imitation of the real ones and the straps and accents are made out of vinyl, not leather. They begin to fray and tear after just a few weeks of use, which makes them look positively awful.

I think part of the reason knock offs became so popular is because girls think that all designer bags are out of reach, thus they seek a cheap version. This is simply not true. Most designers have bags in their collections that are both gorgeous and affordable. If you set aside some money for a few weeks, you'll have enough to purchase an authentic purse that will last.

Let's begin with the most popular brand among college girls, and that is Coach. Although they have raised their prices quite a bit in recent months, they still have some purses that are both cute and stylish. One in particular I love is the Signature Clip Demi. It boasts the iconic "C" pattern with a clip closure and thin shoulder strap. It is a timeless design that looks great with any outfit, day or night. This purse sells for $168, which can be justified for something that will last. If this is still too much, there are less expensive alternatives. Coach has various wristlets that are priced under $100, some as low as $48. They don't hold nearly as much, but are great for going to class, running errands, and going out at night when carrying a bag is too much.

Dooney & Bourke is another brand that I often see. What I like about their bags is that many come with a detachable shoulder strap. This allows the wearer to sling it on her shoulder or carry it in hand for two different looks. One such bag is the Small Tulip Tassel Tote. It is adorned with the "DB" pattern and has top stitched tassel detailing. Its roomy interior is spacious enough to fit all of your essentials, including a makeup bag and cell phone, which is always a plus. It sells for $150, which is even cheaper than the above mentioned Coach purse. Also like Coach, Dooney has a line of wristlets that are more than affordable. Quite a few are priced at $45, some as low as $31 on sale. At a price like that for a designer item, I would recommend acting fast.

If Coach and Dooney are too popular or trendy for you, thinking outside the box isn't a bad idea. Search eBay for designer bags from brands such as Gucci, Juicy Couture, and Kate Spade. More often than not you will come across purses selling for well below the retail price, some even with added free gifts. This is a much more cost effective way to score the designer bag you're dreaming of from a brand that not many people own.

While designer handbags may be fun to carry and brag about to your friends, it doesn't change the fact that they're insanely pricey. However, there are less expensive alternatives that look great and won't empty your pockets. Hopefully I have provided some insight to my readers about how to attain a beautiful bag without breaking the bank.