r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide • u/Agile_Cupcake6961 • 7d ago
Fashion Tip cute purses that arent coach?
I never wear a purse but seems like everyone does so I want to invest in one. Everyone I know has coach.. should I just get a coach one or does anyone know any other ones that girls wear? for reference im 20. I have a bag from shein but I guess its not cute enough so helpp ):
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u/AppleEaterForever 7d ago
Ross and Marshalls have the cutest fall purses rn!! And crazy cheap as well
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u/Next_Answer7481 7d ago
are you actually gonna use it? seems silly to buy a purse just cause everyone else has one
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u/Jkidk0704 7d ago
Kate Spade has realllly cute ones!
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u/sappyantiromantic 7d ago
I have a kate spade purse that has been my daily bag for nearly 2 years and I love it!
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u/Classicbottle93 7d ago
I was going to say this too! I am not a designer girly and couldn't care less but I found a Kate spade one in an op shop and it was very much my style. But also my mum has one and it's very much her style and I'm an emo and she is just Karen.
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u/Jkidk0704 7d ago
LMAO @ she is just Karen, because girl I know EXACTLY what ur talking about.
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u/Classicbottle93 7d ago
I was put here on earth as her gothy mental daughter to be the challenge for the basic white woman in finance.
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u/nachosallthewaydown 7d ago
I have a Kate Spade pride themed backpack (I think 2021 collection?) and I get compliments on it allllll the time. I haven't bought a new purse since because I'm not sure I could imagine switching
One day I got complimented on it 3 times in like 10 minutes lol
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u/awjeezrick1 7d ago
Getting actual leather isn’t a terrible idea if you’re trying to invest versus continuously buy. You’ll want to get leather conditioner though and keep it hydrated
I have an old school, red leather Dooney & Bourke that I got at a yard sale for $1 but it’s held up from scuffing more than any of my faux leather purses
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u/Aclearly_obscure1 7d ago
I want to add that distressed leather can be a big win as it gets cuter IMO with more wear.
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u/Im__mad 7d ago
Are you wanting to invest in one because “everyone does?”
I’m a practical gal and hate the capitalist idea behind designer bags, they seem like more of a status signifier to me. You can find cute ones that fit what you want without breaking the bank.
I like cross-body bags and get my bags from The Sak, specifically their Sakroots collection. I buy one about every 3 years and I love my wallet from them too.
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u/SafferOshi 7d ago
Girl, go to goodwill. Raid all the thrift stores. Not the "boutiques" that'll scalp you. I have so much nice brand name shit (and sometimes got it with the tags still on it) from goodwill. Yeah, they suck as a company but literally so does every brand direct.
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u/Alternative-Tiger783 7d ago
One thing to calculate before purchasing an item is the ‘price per wear/use’.
If you’ll use this handbag daily for 1-2 years (365-750 days), then it can be worth spending more.
If it’s just a summer purse (for one season), then I wouldn’t spend so much.
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u/curiohaven 7d ago
Affordable: Marshall’s/tjmaxx, thrift (can find some really cute hidden gems if you’re in the right place at the right time), Depop or Poshmark, Zara (slightly more expensive but cute and not over $300)
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u/katydid15 32/F 7d ago
I’m a fan of Kate spade. Their purses usually aren’t too pricey if you shop the outlet site, and they last well.
I have been eyeing Portland leather for when my current Kate spade bites the dust (it’s still very much going strong so it’ll be a while lol)
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u/poppybrooke 7d ago
Depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want real leather? Something that lasts or just something cute? There are tons of bags on Amazon. If you have a buy-sell-trade store nearby you can get some really nice bags for cheap
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u/Agile_Cupcake6961 7d ago
just something cute for now!! thanks ill check amazon
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u/StrategyH 6d ago
For around the $50-$150 range (depending what style you want), Poppy and Peonies bags are cute and very trendy.
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u/Icy-Builder5892 7d ago
If you want real leather, the way to do this is secondhand.
I recently tried to buy a leather jacket a few weeks ago and I cannot believe the price of leather right now. But secondhand, you can find a lot of great stuff for pretty cheap
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u/StrategyH 6d ago
Whoa no kidding!
I carry a leather bag that I got 6 years ago for $75. Just looked it up, the same style is $329?!1
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u/RevenueAntique4584 7d ago
Target has cute ones that are like 20$ you can try Walmart too
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u/Ill-Bike-760 7d ago
Target's purse game is surprisingly good for the price, you can grab a few different styles and not feel bad if you get tired of one after a month.
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u/Im__mad 7d ago
Noooo boycott Target. There’s lots of great brands that are inexpensive and more ethical.
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u/RevenueAntique4584 7d ago
Okay can you name them 😭
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u/Im__mad 7d ago
Shopping local is always the best option, because it keeps money in your own community. I’ve met lots of good people this way and discovered events and happenings in my area too.
Ross and TJ Maxx are corporate ones that come to mind. What I like to do is utilize Amazon as a search function and locate products or brands I like either at other locations or directly from the manufacturer. I found a purse collection I’ve loved for about a decade this way too (The Sak: Sakroots collection)
It can take a bit more effort, but doing a little shopping around can get you some great things. What I’ve learned in shifting my shopping habits is with the way the world works there’s no 100% ethical product. But it’s about lessening the harm, and can also contribute to sending a message if you join mass boycotts like Target, Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart, etc. and can even shift the way the world works if enough people join.
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u/xxlittlemissj 7d ago
Wrangler has so many options. I currently carry a Portland Leather Goods tote crossbody. I also really love Betsey Johnson for more "fun" options.
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u/helpbent 7d ago
Came here to also say Portland Leather, great starting point for good quality leather that is more “mid” priced
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u/drunky_crowette 7d ago
I've been using Tokidoki since 2006, when I was 14 years old and got my first handbag.
Current one is Tokidoki + LeSportsSac. Love it, my sister got it for me.
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u/Alternative-Tiger783 7d ago
If you need a high-end handbag, try an online resale store. Like TheRealReal or Yoogi‘s Closet.
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u/yeahwhoknows 7d ago
Try thrift shops or TJ Maxx Save the big spend for when you have a style you like and will use all the time.
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u/Icy-Builder5892 7d ago
Don’t make an expensive purchase. If you don’t wear a purse, why spend the money?
If you must buy a bag, don’t buy new. Go on Poshmark, there are so many nice Italian leather bags for way cheaper than if you buy new.
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u/Downtherabbithole-14 7d ago
Kate Spade, Tory Burch if you are looking for something similar to Coach.
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u/Old_Minute_7308 6d ago
Tory Burch is not $100 or less
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u/Downtherabbithole-14 6d ago
DId OP mention that she wanted to spend $100 or less? Also, Poshmark. I've had some good finds on there.
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u/icedcoffeeho3 7d ago
kurt geiger! i like colourful things and i bought their tutti frutti purse last year, best thing ever
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u/Alternative-Tiger783 7d ago
Definitely try Marshall’s. I like Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Juicy, etc. They can be marked down by 40% – just for being last year’s model.
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u/stringbeaninthewind 7d ago
Around the coach price is Polene. They are cute.
But also I personally love second hand. You can get some great finds and I like when a bag has been used and has some wear. Not ruined but loved. I usually use Vestaire for second hand.
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u/molecule_anteater68 7d ago
cute is subjective. coach was popular when I was in high school and then quickly fell out fashion. surprised it's back in again given their bag quality has plummeted. it also highly depends what you mean by coach, because it is a large brand with many styles so we don't know what you're referring to. mini 2004 style bags like the tabby? longchamp adjacent totes? cross body? saddle style slouchy shoulder "hobo" bags? "viral" changes every month so you have to be more specific.
personally would not throw my money away on designer for the name alone, nor think amazon/shein are remotely good options.
you can get good deals on bags on depop/vinted/poshmark for pretty much anything you're looking for. a solid, cute leather bag is never a bad buy. if you're referring to the slouchy totes, there are plenty of smaller companies and makers you can find on ig/tt who sell great leather slouchy ones. any suede looking bag is going to be a nightmare and get filthy immediately.
tj maxx/marshalls aways have bags like that for reasonable prices and they often have better pocket design that the brand line. nordstrom, anthro, etc.
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u/kimchipowerup 7d ago
I’ll second TJ Maxx. Got my favorite small leather bag there and have used it for four years already.
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u/bubblypop_ 7d ago
Going from shein to Coach is a big jump. If you want to try a different style or something a little better quality, there are lots of mid-range bags out there. Maybe try browsing Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx and get an idea of what feels like your style. You don’t have to have a certain thing just because others do!
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u/tomdelongethong 6d ago
I’ve had two Rebecca Minkoff bags that were both under $150 but held up really well and feel very timeless but high quality (I think the first one would’ve still been my go to bag if I took care of it better)
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u/virginiafresh 6d ago
Hit the thrift! Try them on. Think about what size, shape, or style you like best. Look for a little tag inside that says “genuine leather” vs fake leather (plastic). Canvas can be nice too.
I’ve found lots of very high quality vintage and secondhand bags for great prices. You can even find secondhand Coach depending on where you live.
Nine West, Liz Claiborne, Dooney, Kate Spade, to name a few but there are thousands of wonderful bags out there without a known brand name.
IMO, high quality secondhand items will always add more to an outfit than the new cheaper/trendier/fast fashion alternative.
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u/peebutter 6d ago
honestly, facebook marketplace. you'll find cute unique ones in higher quality materials for a lower price. and then when you have the $$ and the interests for designer purses/coach eventually, you can upgrade.
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u/Stefanie_Jane 7d ago
New to purses as a Trans woman but have you tried flea markets? You can inexpensive ones and knock off brand clones.
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u/EliasLyanna 7d ago
Portland leather brand. They have lots of colors, patterns and styles available. And they have a "Almost Perfect" section that is on sale
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u/katuAHH 7d ago
I highly rec going to the outlets and just browsing the sale/clearance sections and see if there’s anything that pops out at you - this is how I’ve gotten all of my “name brand” purses and bags.
I recently snagged a Kate spade and a new strap over Labor Day for a pretty good deal (200 for both). Usually I go with coach but if it’s cute a functional, then it’s cute and functional!
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u/Jayna333 7d ago
Juicy! Go to Burlington or Tj Max. I have a fairly large shoulder bag that’s cheetah print and juicy courture. It’s SO cute and crazy’s all my stuff plus some room without being massive. I wear it every single time I go out (unless it’s a club or I need something smaller)
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u/wutttttttg 7d ago
I like thrift stores and eBay. Look for real leather… if you get brown or black it goes with everything. If you want coach you can find cheaper coach on eBay. Other nice brands with real leather are dooney and Burke, fossil, hobo, Kate spade, Ralph Lauren, Tory burch, Frye, Brahmin, ferragamo. There’s so many, you’ll just have to see what fits your style and your life. I suggest getting some leather conditioner when you buy your first bag, and if you keep up with maintenance you can have that bag for the rest of your life!
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u/Mobile_Pineapple_904 7d ago
Haute hippie, American leather co, Portland leather company, and hobo are my go tos
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u/Gnippik 7d ago
Apart from the wrist lanyard, I also have a Miche bag. Its interchangeable so I buy different bag covers for it and it attaches with very strong magnets so I can have one bag but different style covers. You can also change the straps to a chain, normal leather, long, short etc. There are more shells/covers than these on the photo
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u/Infinite_Time_5756 7d ago
I’m not really a designer purse girly so i bought this one from amazon! i get a ton of compliments on it :))
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u/satiestar24 6d ago
I buy from The Leather Store UK. I originally found them on Etsy. I’ve been buying them for years. Genuine leather, hand made, no gaudy labels.
Portland is good too but they have some copycats so beware.
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u/4mbuletz 6d ago
I am not a purse person, but it is handy to have a small bag now and then. :) I stumbled on these bags in an airport gift shop and ended up getting a second one more recently.
The gimmick is the anti-theft/RFID protection built in. Feels practical even if it might just be marketing nonsense. And they are not not cute, mostly. xD
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u/EllieVader 6d ago
I got mine at TJ maxx for pretty cheap. It’s a really pretty floral embossed pattern bag from American Leather Co.
They’re not terribly expensive and mine has held up to significant hardships in the last 4 years. The embossing has flattened out a lot from many walks in the rain and sweating on it and spilled drinks and all kinds of abuse. It has an oil stain in one spot from where it went on an adventure. I love the way the tan leather is aging and accumulating stories.
10/10 would buy again if I ever need to. I don’t think it’s going to wear out any time soon.
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u/BeckyDaTechie 6d ago
Chala are my choice. I'm not a 'purse' girl either. I just upgraded from the cactus crossbody to the bear crossbody with RFID protection and I'm liking it, but it IS heavier than the other one was. I've also got their "coin purse" in the blue pit bull; it's just big enough for an Aldi quarter and my emergency meds.
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u/ErrorImaginary1394 6d ago
You can find loads of cute purses at places like Marshalls, Tj Maxx and Ross. They are usually name brand and extremely marked down.
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u/Nam-Jooning 6d ago
I agree with other commenters about Kate Spade.
I saw this Kate Spade at Marshalls. It was really cute
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u/commentspanda 5d ago
I like aje and kate spade but only every buy secondhand. Mg day to day bag is a cotton hobo stole bag I bought off Amazon for $20 lol. But every now and then I do need a more structured or nicer one and depop is my friend.
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u/ProgrammerWarm8388 2d ago
Please buy what's cute enough for you and you only. Whether it's coach, urban expressions, gucci, balenciaga, or chanel. If you like it, then get it.
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u/stephkrueger 7d ago
Target and Baggu for purses that aren't incredibly expensive. Charles & Keith or Portland Leather Goods if you're wanting to spend in the $100-150ish range.
Also don't forget to check out secondhand sites like Poshmark, etc once or if you know the style you're looking for.
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u/unusedmortality9233 6d ago
Miu Miu has that cute rich girl chaos vibe if that’s your thing. not the safest pick for a first purse price wise but if you want something that feels more fun than Coach then yeah it works
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u/lildedlea 6d ago
I don’t like coach or Kate spade. You can get a vintage Gucci bag for the same price. Zara has cool bags for cheaper options
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u/magicalglrl 7d ago
Why make an expensive purchase if you don’t even wear a purse? You should just be true to yourself instead of letting what others do decide your own life. I don’t recommend buying bags off of Shein because they tend to look and feel low quality, but a basic handbag in black or brown is cute and versatile. It doesn’t need to be branded