Bags I Love That Are Under $1000

For work, for a little cutie bag, and for something that makes a statement - some options.

As much as I love shopping and clothes and getting dressed, I’ve never been as much of a bag girl as, say, a shoe or jacket gal. Or pants. Sure I have a collection, but I usually stick with one for a few months, then swap out - it’s never been an area where I’ve invested that much of my budget. And bags do require budget - I’d say of any category other than jewelry, this is where you can go the craziest. However! You don’t have to.

Here are a few of my favorites that aren’t at high designer prices. Of course, “insanely expensive” is relative, and I don’t like to ever promote things that I don’t believe in. I do think your bag should be well made, and should be able to withstand real use for years and years, and that usually comes at a slightly higher price, so for the purposes of this newsletter, “not insanely expensive” means under $1000, though most of these are under or around $500. These aren’t dupes, and they aren’t made of cheap materials that disintegrate after one wear - so, you know, the prices kind of run the gamut.

CLASSIC LITTLE BAGS

LEFT: I have this bag, but in the oversized tote version, and I love it so much. This shape is slightly smaller and slouchier, and looks great in summer, but also with your big peacoat in the fall. Madewell, $148

RIGHT: The eyelets on this suede bag are fun, but at the end of the day, it’s a pretty classic suede crossbody. You can also shorten the strap to wear it on your shoulder - a win. & Other Stories, $199

LEFT: This is a total classic - a gorgeous little box bag with gold hardware from Sezane. I don’t think it has any external branding, which always makes a bag look more luxe, this is a great one for running around and looking polished. Sezane, $475

RIGHT: I love this little raffia and leather guy - it comes with a long chain strap, but I prefer it as a clutch. The graphic leather and gold closure are a nice contrast to the raffia. Demellier, $385

LEFT: I have loved this Jil Sander crossbody for years - it’s a very IYKYK bag, and is small, yes, but is beautifully designed. It bumps right up against the edge of the budget, and is small, but this is the bag you’ll end up using every day for errands, playground, whatever. Jil Sander, $890

RIGHT: Here’s a great option that looks really polished for going out, and isnt’ crossbody. Sometimes I want a little pouch snuggled up under my arm for a kind of more feminine vibe, and this does the trick. Staud, $325

LEFT: This is a nice, shiny patent leather with a classic little lock on it, and it’s currently on sale, AND will never ever look dated. J.Crew, $117

RIGHT: I love this one - it’s gorgeously made, and intuitively designed, and goes with basically anything. You can also swap out the straps for different lengths and fabrications. Clare V, $375

LEFT: This bucket is small, but not tiny - it’s just right. I love the belted detail around it, and it comes in a lot of different colors. This brand, Liffner, is one of my favorites for bags. Liffner, $695

RIGHT: I’ve coveted this bag forever, and it’s currently on sale (bringing it under $1000). It has great structure, is a cute little crossbody, and an even better clutch. Savette, $833

WORK BAGS

LEFT: I just got this tote from Tory Burch and it is *perfect*. It has structure and heft, but isn’t heavy, and is interesting looking, but still roomy enough to hold all your shit. It also has subtle branding, which I appreciate. Tory Burch, $498

RIGHT: This one is a camel suede, so a little touchy, but isn’t it beautiful??? I love the shape and the contrast of the dark handle with the light suede. Ann Mashburn, $595