Buying Designer Bags for Teens
Tips to Afford a Designer Purse, Tote, Clutch
How a teenager can purchase a bag without breaking the bank.
It isn’t uncommon for teenage girls to want a designer purse – after all, name brands are everywhere: teen magazines such as Teen Vogue feature high-end designer clothes and accessories, and teen-friendly shows like Gossip Girl have their characters dressed to the nines.
But “expensive” has taken on a new meaning when it comes to purses. Many of these totes, handbags and satchels are out of reach for even an adult’s budget, let alone a teenager’s.
But there’s a plus: the May issue of Vogue featured an article stating that It Bags, coveted during the past few years, are on their way Out. Classics are In; and that means investing in one great bag instead of buying new bags every season.
So if a teenager is serious about wanting a designer bag – and won’t get bored of it after a month – here are a few ways to find one without breaking the bank.
Search the Internet
Websites such as Bluefly.com have hundreds of genuine designer handbags for marked down prices. It’s like stumbling on a sale any day of the week. Some of the top designers may still be out of reach – a black woven leather Bottega Veneta tote was still $2224.00 (from $2,780.00) but there are deals to be found. Smaller Prada and Fendi bags can be found in the $300 to $400 range, and a white denim Yves Saint Laurent messenger bag was $456 (the only problem? Try to keep it clean.) They don’t have too much under $200, mainly Prada zip pouches.
Another option is eBay. A search for “designer bags” found 2228 items. A search for “Marc Jacobs bag” found 652 results, many under $100. (Be sure the bag is genuine, not a knockoff.)
Sale Time
Sure, the most popular bags will be snatched up the minute they hit department stores, but don’t count out sales. There are always handbags and totes left over from each season. Go on the first day of the sale (even with scary crowds) for best results.
Be a Good Customer
Stores such as Barneys New York give bonuses to customers who spent money at the store. After purchases, a gift card containing a certain amount of money to be used at the store is often sent. Use this to lower the cost of a bag.
Also, for “premiere members” of stores such as Bloomingdale’s or Nordstrom’s (meaning a person has a credit card with the store), or if a person is on a store’s mailing list, catalogs are often sent with “coupons” such as 2-for-1 deals or 10% off. Be sure to pay attention to start and end dates, as well as any exceptions listed.
Visit the Makeup Department
Designer cosmetic bags can resemble regular purses, especially since clutches are popular right now. Cosmetic bags are also usually much lower in price and feature the same company logos and details as desired.
Don’t Buy Knockoffs; Be Inspired
Don’t purchase knockoff bags. Instead, decide what it is, besides the designer name, that makes the bag appealing. Perhaps the leather is oh-so-smooth or there’s one piece of hardware that makes it perfect. Find these qualities in more affordable bags from stores as varied as Banana Republic and Target (especially now that designers are creating lines for Target – an Isaac Mizrahi cream and white tote is only $19.99). It’s better to know that the bag is real, no matter where it’s from.
