Lux for less… Style - Luxury Bags for Less!

I'm the definition of a bag lady - in the good way though!

Ever since I was in my teens, I've been obsessed with bags and I got my first designer bag on a trip to Rome, when I was 17 - it was a Gucci Bardot in tan. The whole experience was amazing and this was the first time I had the feeling, that a bag was talking to me.

I have had this feeling so many times since and I have to say, it is quite a special one.

However I don't have the budget for going out and buying designer bags, so my designer purchases since the Gucci has been limited to a Marc by Marc Jacobs Clutch and my Alexander Wang (neither in the really high end price-wise).

But it has actually had a very positive effect, as it has made me realise, that you can easily get the feeling at a more budget-friendly price.

So for this post I have gathered some tips for getting the luxury feeling/look for less as well as my favourites shops to go to, when looking for it.

But lets start with some inspiration for luxury feeling bags at a more budget-friendly price, that are available right now in my favourite shops.

1. Zara Nude Crossbody Bag with Chain (£ 59.99) 

2. Zara Convertible 70's Style Crossbody Bag (£ 35.99) 

3. & Other Stories Bright Blue Suede Bag (£ 135) 4. & Other Stories Two Toned Clutch (£ 89) 

5. Whistles Classic Black Bag (£ 260) 6. ASOS Oversized Black Clutch (£ 50)

Tips and Tricks

1. Material

There is no doubt in my mind, that the best way to get the feeling is to go for good and "real" materials such as leather and suede.

I recognise, that some people might not like to buy leather goods, but the fact is, that most designer bags are real leather or suede and for a good reason (Stella McCartney is in my opinion probably the only high-end designer who has managed to do a faux leather bag, that are worth the high price-tag).

Real leather and suede don't just add to the feeling and look, it also assures, that the bag will look good after many wears - if not even looking better.

2. Hardware

Another important thing is the hardware. First of all avoid bags with to much hardware.

The hardware should be cleverly placed and shaped.

And if you go for a bag with gold hardware, it should not be to "yellow" and if its silver, then not to shiny - it can very easily make the whole bag look cheap.

3. Shop on sale/look for promotions

Leather is a more expensive material and therefore a good leather bag will be more expensive even on the highstreet. But the great thing about the highstreet is, that there is often a sale or good promotion.

I understand, that it can be hard to wait, especially if you like me find bags talking to you, but I made some really great purchases this way - and to be honest they talked even clearer, when they were 50 % off :-)

4. Think about your needs and style.

You will feeling so much better about your bag, if you get a lot of use out of it. So be honest with yourself about your needs and style.

The bright red bag might be on sale, but if you only wear it once the black everyday bag is probably a better choice.

Just because it is cheaper, than a designer bag, it will still be expensive, if you never wear it.

My favourite shops

1. Zara

I have brought bags from Zara for years, both leather and non-leather. But I realised, that I definitely got the best deal, when going for the real leather and suede bags.

Right now their selection of real leather bags aren't the best, but they get new stock very often and I did manage to fall in love with this very classic looking bag with chain in nude - it really leads my thoughts towards Mulberry and Chanel.

My eyes also really got drawn to this very trendy 70's inspired suede bag, that can be worn multiple ways - this also really reminds me of something, I have seen in a designer version.

Some people might not like, that the highstreet is getting this much "inspiration" from the high-end designers, but I don't see any problem in this - as long as it is not a direct copy.

2. & Other Stories

Here the price is a bit higher, but still really reasonable for leather bags.

They have a great selection of both classic, trendy and funky bags and they have great sales four times a year as well as promotions, such as 10 % off, if you bring in a bag of old clothes.

I went with two more funky picks - I love blue and the blue suede bag is definitely one, that talks to me, and I'm crossing my fingers, that it will go in the sale this summer.

The White Clutch is the perfect example of how just an extra little detail as the strap can make it look very luxury and unique.

3. ASOS

ASOS' own brand have good classic bags as well as a ton of tassel bags right now and I bought good bags in the past from their own line.

But right now I like them more, because they stock brands like Whistles and Warehouse, which do amazing leather bags.

Whistles bags are definitely more of an investment, but they do great everyday bags, that will last you forever, such as the one featured above - and remember ASOS always have student discount, regular sales and promotions.

I really hope this helped out some of you - I'm really passionate about bags and finding the look for less (as I'm still a student) and I have had quite the training, so I really feel, I got it down.

I will probably be adding more designer bags to my collection in the future (if I ever get a real grown up job), but I will always follow my heart (and ear) and go for the the bag, that talks to me no matter the price and brand.

And I do actually really enjoy having bags, that leave people asking, because they like it, but it is not one of the classic designer bags, that everybody knows about now.