Where can I find Prada-like bag at a not-Prada price?
August 7, 2013 4:09 PM   Subscribe

I need a new handbag, but I'm having trouble finding the right bag to fit my very particular tastes at a price that's still within orbit of the earth. Specifics inside.

I need a bag that's roomy but won't dwarf me. I want it to be made of real leather, and I'd prefer a zip top or an open tote. I hate fiddly clasps and buckles that take time for me to open and close! And no studs or sequins or other adornments. We hates the sparkly.

Right now, this is my absolute dream purse, but ouch! That price tag!

I'm also in love with the ultra clean simplicity and color contrast of this Mansur Gavriel tote (and this similar bucket bag in the same color scheme). It's more within my price range, but it's not available anywhere.

Please point me to something similar to any of the above that will hopefully last a long time!
posted by Gee, June! to Shopping (17 answers total) 7 users marked this as a favorite
 
Here you go! I got mine at Macys, with a coupon for $100! I love it! It's lightweight, beautiful and it comes in many colors.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:20 PM on August 7, 2013


I like these bags and totes from Kate Spade. You can get them cheaper in Premium Outlets.
posted by clearlydemon at 4:23 PM on August 7, 2013 [1 favorite]


Perhaps these reasonable Longchamps numbers? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5?

I like Longchamp a bit less now that you see the nylon Pliage bags everywhere, but they do have nice leather goods. There are a lot to choose from here--those are just the five that jumped out at me.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:24 PM on August 7, 2013


Kate Spade is having a big sale now and the Charlotte Street Miles and Wellesley Elena have a similar shape to the Prada.
posted by jabes at 4:24 PM on August 7, 2013


Check out Browns.
posted by Snazzy67 at 4:25 PM on August 7, 2013


There are a few Tory Burch bags that are Prada-ish in shape, like the Catalina satchel and the Robinson double zip satchel.

While this bears little resemblance to what you've pointed out so far, the MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Satchel has very clean lines, a top zip, and it's made with Saffiano leather, which is a Prada signature material.
posted by peripathetic at 4:58 PM on August 7, 2013


Zara!
posted by thinkpiece at 5:18 PM on August 7, 2013 [1 favorite]


You might like something from Clare Vivier. (I have the Moyen Messenger and I lurve it.) They're more like your 2nd examples than the Prada though.
posted by grapesaresour at 5:27 PM on August 7, 2013


I'm hooked on the classic beauty of Brahmin bags, which cost much less than Prada. eBay is actually a good place to score these bags at good prices.
posted by bearwife at 5:31 PM on August 7, 2013


Mod note: OP was clear about wanting real leather, please MeMail side concerns directly to them and don't put them in this thread. Thanks.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:10 PM on August 7, 2013


Oh that Prada looks like a Hobo bag. There are several similar styles. All real leather. I love my Hobo bags, they are high quality. You can frequently find them at Nordstrom Rack if you have one in your area.
posted by emkelley at 6:52 PM on August 7, 2013


Maybe something from Deadly Ponies?
posted by homesickness at 11:07 PM on August 7, 2013


Oh yes, I was going to suggest Hobo International but emkelly beat me to it. They are fantastic and last forever!
posted by echo0720 at 3:31 AM on August 8, 2013


Response by poster: Sooooo many awesome suggestions here! Thanks, everyone! I think I'm going to go with a Furla bag that was recommended to me in MeMail.
posted by Gee, June! at 7:39 AM on August 8, 2013


Know I'm late, but have you looked at Baggu's leather offerings?
posted by not.so.hip at 7:51 AM on August 8, 2013


I can't stop bag hunting: just found this on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/129647467/leather-shoulder-handbag-autumn-color and there are also a ton of beautifully minimal, hand-made leather totes available there as well.
posted by not.so.hip at 8:00 AM on August 8, 2013


Was just coming in here to recommend you look at Furla, which is my absolute favorite (dream) shop whenever I go to Italy. Enjoy it!!
posted by AthenaPolias at 9:24 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]


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