I Need Help Finding a Good, Inexpensive Handbag

I don't have a brand or store in mind, but a tip I've used to help me find things in the bottom of my purse. I bought a couple of small make-up bags a while back. In one, I put my lotion, chapstick, gum, nail file and other "grooming" items. In the other, I put a notepad, pen, keys I rarely use and other "extras" I just like having in my purse. Then I have my "pocketbook," which contains my checkbook, credit cards, cash, etc. Now I have "only 3 things" in my medium to large purse, and if I want to switch purses, it's a lot less hassle to do so. I just grab my "3 things," plus my phone and keys (which go into their own pockets, no matter which purse I'm using) and I go! I do have a clip-on style phone holder that I put inside the pocket my phone goes in. It helps keep the phone still and protected so buttons aren't accidentally pushed. Have fun shopping!

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Hi, G., believe it or not Garden Ridge is now carrying handbags. I bought one last Spring that I am still getting compliments on! The price was extremely reasonable and the styles were different than what you see in other stores.

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Dooney & Burke have a lot of great up to date styles now! I know they are not inexpensive...but if you have an old one you never use anymore, you can send it to them and they will offer you a nice discount toward the purchase of a new purse. Just look on their website on how to send in your old Dooney & Burke. And you'll have a nice quality purse that will last a long time!

JC Penney is always having a wonderful sale - that is where I got my last one for me and one for my teen daughter.....they seem to be having a trade in sale now (old one must be clean).....good luck!

I don't know how close you are to the Allen Outlet Mall, but the Wilson's Leather Outlet, has some very nice purses at some GREAT deals! Most of them were 60% off and then another 20% taken at the register. Good luck.

You sound alot like me.I hang on to a bag until I really need a new one. I the last time I went shopping for a new handbag I fell in love with Fossil but it was way to expensive (400). I then found out that they have a outlet store in Allen. It is a wonderful bag (80) that I get coments on all the time about how nice it is. It is constructed very well. I have bought bags at Sam Moon in the past and they are cute but not very well made at the end of the day. Good Luck and have fun shopping.

Ross carries great purses, just got two nine west purses both$75 purchased for 30 each , all kinds of labels there with origional tags on.

There are a number of nice "outlet type" stores that feature
handbags on Harry Hines. Ever look at Sam Moon's? This area
is between 635 and Royal on Harry Hines...

are you wanting a designer handbag or a one of a kind I can make you one.

Hi G.,
Earlier this fall I found a Fossil all leather bag at Dillards which had an ouside zipper for money, credit cards, ID, etc. This made it really easy to get to credit cards and money. The inside had pockets on each side, one for cell phone. Also I have bought several Coach purses which have no less than 4 pockets inside for cell phone, small wallet, etc. Dooney also makes good mid-sized purses with a lot of inside pockets. Hope this helps.

I don't know if there is a Sam Moon store near you but they have lots of handbags at reasonable prices. Here is there site to see if a store is near you. You can also shop online.

http://www.sammoongroup.com/index.html

K&G in Duncanville has really nice bags and they are inexpensive also.

Import One Trading Co on 26 in Colleyville; OOH LA LA on 26 in Hurst. Both are like mini Sam Moon's without the muss or fuss. Great deals and anything you want there. Happy shopping!!!J.

I like Kohls's, Sam Moon, and Target. I can find a good purse for a good price at all 3 places. Kohl's is my favorite place to look first. They have good sales, and a wide variety of styles.

Not sure where you live, but I've had great luck at the Handbag outlet that is at Haskell and Junius near Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.

G.,
I feel your pain! I was searching for a "perfect" purse for almost a year. It seems the only ones I loved from first site were over $150. I just cant spend that much on a purse right now! (My favorite was $350 at a Fossil store.)

THEN... (cue the triumphant music) I found a GREAT one at Ross! This is a $180 purse that I got for $30! (If you don't like the Ross in your area, look in other neighborhoods. I live in Mesquite, but found this purse at the Ross in Rockwall. Yes. THAT is how desperate I was!)

Be comforted in the fact that this is a very common problem for women. While on my quest, one lady was considering "Samsung" (luggage) for her perfect purse, and another lady had been looking for years!

I am not a big shopper, I don't really care what others think about me. I just wanted to love my purse and feel good with it on my shoulder... and it STILL took me that long!

Hi G.,
I always get really cute bags at Target. They last surprisingly long as well. I have the same issues with keeping things easy and separate and able to change purses/bags. I wrote about how I keep it all organized on my blog: http://www.junecleavernirvana.com/2008/03/my-purse-is-qua...

Good luck finding something cute.

I have a black Buxton Bag ($20, Wal-Mart) that I absolutely love. It really does almost accomplish organizing me, and has enough room for everything I carry + my stethoscope.

S.

There are all kinds out there in Penny's , Target, Alco, etc. that have assorted styles inexpensive. And until you use one a bit, it is hard t o tell if it will be just want you want, so if you get an inexpensive one, and it doesn't turn out what you want, you wouldn't feel so bad getting a different one, and I have found out sometimes they last just as long as paying a lot more.

If you don't mind paying at least $25-$50, Ross Dress-for-Less has a selection of really good-quality, (some name-brand,) all leather, soft, well-constructed handbags. I've liked everything I've bought from there. Just be sure to get one as big as you truly need, as you've found out, there's nothing any worse (in terms of dressing) than a too-small purse.

Believe it or not, the tote-style handbag I carry right now has warranted me more compliments than any I have ever had! It's by Apostrophe and was found at SEARS on sale! Since they carry Lands End, I drop by there for that and found this great tote!

Check out DSW shoe warehouse as well.

Check Target or Kohls, they seemed to have a good selection also Sam Moon.

I recommend the RELIC brand, which is sold at JCPenney, Kohl's and Sears. It is designed and produced through Fossil. RELIC is their less expensive line. The quality and design sounds just like what you want. Also, The Container Store is selling this great item right now, in their stocking stuffer section in their store. It is a small organizer that fits inside your purse. It is great for people who switch out their handbags often, or just want it better organized. Happy Shopping!!

I know you are looking for a well organized bag...but I sell designer knock off bags that have many pockets in them. If anyone is interested send me a pm.

I always have great luck finding a good one at Kohls. They are always on sale too.

try good will, salvation army or any large good resale shop. if you find a bag you like, purchase and then have your husband give you cash for the cost savings!

I don't know if someone has mentioned Sam Moon's Trading located in Frisco @ Preston & 121. They have a huge selection of purses + accessories. I enjoy shopping there. I'm never disappointed.

Have fun shopping!

I know Coach is not inexpensive, however, it will last you for years.

By the time you spend $100/yr to find a new purse, you could have a classic Coach or other high end brand that last years...

Think about the quality of the bag. Sam Moom and many stores mentioned here have cheaper alternatives but you will have to replace more often...

A fun place to go and look at purses is Sam Moon's in Frisco at Preston and 121. A big variety and will be easy on your budget.

Have Fun!
R.