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Designer handbags are to women what sports are to men -- we can't live without them! Season after season, we shop our favorite stores and outlets to find our next ultimate handbag. Whether you're purchasing your first designer handbag, looking to make a statement or trying to find a bag bargain, designer handbags are a must-have. Whatever your wallet size, there's a designer handbag that fits your budget.
The Classics
If you're buying a designer handbag for the first time, sticking with the classics makes this transition easy. Veterans such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Burberry are all terrific first-time designer bags. For your starter bag, stick with tried and true instead of trendy. You can use the handbag forever, and it will only get chicer when it becomes vintage. Websites are a neat way to find used and vintage designer handbags. Just make sure you check the seller's feedback. If the price is too good to be true, it's most likely fake.
On Trend
If you're a designer handbag maven, you're most likely looking for the absolutely perfect designer handbag, season after season. If your budget allows you one trendy handbag per season, stick with a "so right now" designer or the season's "it" bag. Fashion always comes full circle, so these bags will be back. More conservative with your cash? Want a bag that is trendy but somewhat classic? Stick with a trendy shape in a neutral like black or brown.
Up and Coming Designers
Sometimes you want to stand out in the crowd. Emerging designers are always such a fabulous way to make a statement. Boutiques are known to carry in-demand local designers. Department stores such as Henri Bendel and Fred Segal are crawling with merchandise from up and coming designers. Don't forget about searching for stylish handmade bags online. Many designers, such as Darren Wallace, hand-craft purses right out of their studio, a service that mostly only emerging designers offer.
Designer Deals
You love designer purses, but maybe your wallet doesn't. Well known off-price retail stores carry an array of designer purses at half the cost. Don't forget about outlets, a fantastic way to find current and last-season handbags at totally inexpensive prices. Also, shop department stores at the end of August and January to get the best sale prices. Many designers, including Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, have lower-priced lines that are more affordable.
