I Need Help Finding a Good, Inexpensive Handbag

Updated on December 01, 2008
G.S. asks from Akron, OH
29 answers

Hello ladies,

I need your help in finding a good, inexpensive handbag. The purse I carry now is too small, doesn't have enough compartments and has a few holes in it, so it's definitely time for a new one. I just celebrated a birthday and my hubby said he would pay for a nice one for me as a birthday present. However, since I haven't shopped for handbags in a while, I have no idea where to even begin. What I want is a medium-sized purse with plenty of pockets/compartments to separate money, credit cards, keys, cell phone, etc. My purse has only one small side pocket and I get so tired of digging around in my purse only to find what I need at the very bottom or tangled up in a bunch of old receipts. Any suggestions or ideas as to different brands or styles would be greatly appreciated.

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T.P.

answers from Dallas on

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.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

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.

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G.G.

answers from Dallas on

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!

2 moms found this helpful
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E.R.

answers from Dallas on

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!

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R.C.

answers from Dallas on

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.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

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...

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

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!!

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

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

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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B.T.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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J.H.

answers from Amarillo on

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.

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H.H.

answers from Dallas on

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.

E.C.

answers from Dallas on

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!

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

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!

B.B.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

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

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

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

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K.G.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

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

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J.W.

answers from Dallas 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...

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G.B.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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S.C.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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H.C.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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B.W.

answers from Dallas on

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!

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K.T.

answers from Dallas on

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.

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E.S.

answers from Dallas on

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

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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

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!

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