As a long time handbag lover and collector, I have always been comfortable splurging on bags that caught my eye. At one point in my career, I worked for YSL Beauty which was owned by Gucci at the time. The perks to that were getting a huge discount on all the luxury brands under the Gucci ownership umbrella. I bought so many bags because I got such a great discount but even after my discount went away, I purchased some handbags full price because they felt worth the investment. Now handbag pricing at major luxury brands has gotten so outrageous that I can’t see paying these exorbitant pricing for something that I can’t live in or drive. LOL Thankfully it seems like the retail market is beginning to understand this because so many new brands are creating handbags are price points under $1000 and often under $500 without sacrificing quality.
You can find so many more unique designs from smaller brands who value craftmanship and price transparency. Gone are the days where a luxury or even luxury looking handbag has to cost more than a mortgage payment. Here are some of my favorite mid-range handbag brands that I personally own, wear and love. As I discover more brands, I will be sure to update this post with more recommendations.
Mid-Range Handbag Brands To Put On Your Radar
Parisa Wang Gabrielle Soft Top Handle Bag (size 35)
This bag could easily cost double or triple what it does because of how luxe and beautiful it is. Parisa Wang as a brand focuses on making modern luxury pieces without the insane markup. Their bags are crafted in the same ateliers as many of the world-renowned fashion houses, but don’t come with the same exorbitant price tag. They produce their bags in small batches and are sent directly to the consumer rather than utilizing middlemen which can often drive up the cost. The quality and detail of the Gabrielle bag is absolutely stunning which is probably why it’s one of their best sellers.
Quince Italian Leather Handwoven Satchel
Quince is another brand that focuses on quality materials without the high price tag. They are a direct-to-consumer brand so they ship directly to the consumer from the factory. This is one of the reasons they are able to keep their pricing so affordable. The quality of this handbag is truly unmatched for the price. I am wearing it in the burgundy shade in the above photo and love how luxe it looks. It also has a long strap so you can wear it over your shoulder or crossbody.
Freja NYC Chrystie Bag
I have been seeing this brand of handbags all over my social media but shocked at the really affordable price points. I was worried the bag would look great online but feel much less impressive in person. I had a store credit at a retailer that carried Freja so I decided to take a chance. From the moment I opened the package and first felt the bag, it felt like any of my luxury bags that cost nearly 10x more. The bag is made with vegan leather as much of their line is which can be hit or miss depending on the brand. In this case, it is a total hit! I love the shape of the bag and the magnetic closures at the top that keep it tightly closed. The drop from the top of the straps to the bag is quite generous so it is easy to wear on my shoulder with my bulky coats. It holds a ton but doesn’t feel too heavy or uncomfortable to carry around daily. I am already looking at other styles because I have enjoyed this bag so much.
Oleada NYC Marina Soft Bucket Bag (discount code: MAREESYE)
If you are looking for a great work bag, Oleada NYC is exactly the brand that you need. Their handbags all have such thoughtful and intentional designs, they make carrying things to and from work so much easier. And if you travel, there are so many features in many of these bags that will solve various issues. This bucket bag is a one of those bags which can hold SO much but has small details that really elevate the experience of wearing it. There is a strap on the front of the bag that is designed to go over the handle of your suitcase so it won’t fall off as you are walking through the airport. It has an inner clutch with an attached strap so you can easily find your important items or documents. The strap is adjustable to you can wear the bag on your shoulder or as a crossbody, while the inner compartment is large enough to fit a 14″ laptop.
Vee Collective Porter Tote Medium
When I need to carry and lug around ALL the things, I would prefer to carry something that allows me to do so while also looking stylish. I’m not sacrificing style for practicality when VEE Collective exists. LOL VEE Collective makes a ton of different bags, but these puffy totes are by far my favorite. Also, I should note that the number of pockets and compartments inside this tote could easily make me the most organized person to ever exist. Ha! There is a crossbody strap which is great to add if you plan to travel and want to use this tote as a carryon. My particular tote is the size Medium but if you want something a bit smaller, there are other size options and a million different color ways to choose from. Use this as a chic diaper bag, gym bag or schlep your life around bag while still looking super chic!
Naghedi NYC St. Barth’s Medium Tote
I purchased this tote bag many years ago but it is still one of the most durable styles I own. Naghedi is known for this woven texture on all their bags which is the reason that they hold up so well despite tons of wear and tear. The material for many of their bags is a sturdy neoprene-like fabric that allows for a ton of give while easily not losing its shape over time. I particularly love the St. Barth’s tote because it has a flat panel at the bottom which allows the bag to not sag or lose it’s shape when you are carrying a ton of stuff. I have the medium tote but there are larger and smaller sizes if you find something that better fits your lifestyle. One more feature about the Naghedi braided style which makes it a great option over leather is it never shows any scuff marks, scratches or damage.
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