An unconventional fashion blogger trying to find her place on the internet

I love a good handbag, even more so when it’s a designer one, so I thought for today’s post I would talk about some of my “entry level” designer bags I have, the brands where you can get decent ones from, where I got my own and how you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds to get high end designer quality.

So what is entry level designer?

Entry level designer is a brand which is at a lower price point than your big labels like Chanel, Gucci or Louis Vuitton (I could go on), but a bit more expensive than the likes of the higher end of the high street. You get the name and the quality, but the bags don’t tend to be as sought after for their value or timeless names.
You’ve got a couple of options when it comes to buying designer, depending on what you’re looking for – if you want something brand new but don’t have loads of cash to spare, entry designer is a good place to start. If you want something higher end, then second hand is your best bet (make sure to check out my post on 12 Tips for Buying Second Hand Designer Online if you’re looking to do this).
I’ve got three entry level bags in my collection and would love to add more, but we’re saving for a house and I need to keep my priorities in order – I’d much rather go without than stay living in a flat for longer than I have to as I NEED A GARDEN!

When I look for designer bags, I always want something that’s timeless, that I know I’ll get a lot of wear from and doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg. So, I’m going to share my entry level bags with you today and what I was thinking each time I purchased;

Ted Baker

This nude bucket bag was one that Aaron bought me for my birthday last year from ASOS; I’d had it in my wishlist for ages and I loved how it was a little bit different to any of the other bog standard high street bags I had. Aaron bought it for me at the retail price of around £170, only for me to get an email notification that it had been reduced to half price the day before my birthday (I knew he’d bought it but wasn’t allowed it until the day after). So being the savvy shoppers we are, Aaron returned it, sent me the money and I ordered it for about £85 for next day delivery – WINNER! I was so proud of it and lugged it around with me wherever I went. I’ve gotten really good wear from it and will normally get it out in the Spring/Summer time as it’s more of a warmer season kind of bag.

TIP: Always shop around and make sure to make use of any discount codes. If you’ve ordered something only for it to go on sale again, try to return it and re-order at the lower price (I appreciate it’s not always possible on your own, but ask someone else to order it for you and give them the money for it).

Michael Kors

If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you’ll have noticed this bag has made a reappearance over the last few weeks – my water bottle leaked in the other bag I was using, so I decided to switch it up to let it dry out and haven’t switched back yet lol.
I picked this gem up from TK Maxx (or if you’re from the US; TJ Maxx) after wandering around their handbag section and getting far too excited that it was half price at just £150. It’s quite rare that you get labels like that in there, so I knew in my heart that I needed to take it home with me. My loving husband offered to go halves with me on it and I couldn’t turn it down! One thing I will say about Michael Kors is to be wary about buying second hand or online; it’s one of the brands that has a reputation for having lots of counterfeits (I’ve seen a LOT over the last couple of years).
TIP: Always head into the handbag section in TK Maxx as you never know what you’ll unveil. Yes it can be a bit like a jumble sale at times, but it’s totally worth it when you’re a label lover like myself!

Kate Spade

Another bag I’ve shared on here, I picked this one up from the Kate Spade store when we were on our honeymoon in Bali (make sure to check out my post about the bag here in addition to a couple of other new wardrobe additions). They had a sale on quite a few of their bags and I was drawn to the colour of this; I had another faux leather bag in the same colour from Topshop that was a little bit worse for wear, so thought this would be a brilliant replacement. Again, this was half price and converted to about £180 which was a complete steal for Kate Spade (I don’t know what it is about me picking up everything half price)!

TIP: If you’re shopping abroad in a designer sale, always try to convert the price into your own currency to see whether you’re getting the deal you think you are – you don’t want to end up paying more than you would back home as the brand is more expensive in the country you’re visiting!
You still get the amazing quality, the name, the beautiful dust bags and packaging, but  you also get to scratch the itch of needing something with a name on in your life (you’re welcome).
Let me know whether you’ve bought entry level designer items in the comments below or if you’re thinking about buying a bit of luxury!

asosentry level designerentry level designer bagshow tokate spadeKate Spade bagMichael KorsMichael Kors bagted bakerTed Baker Bagtips for buying designerTJ MaxxTK Maxx