I have a confession to make. Last December, I ordered this gorgeous Clare V. (very gently used) from eBay, wrapped it up in a pretty gift box, and addressed the card to myself from my husband. He said it was the best gift HE could have received: not having to lift a finger and gifting me exactly what I wanted.
I oohed and ahhed over it profusely (I had REALLY wanted that bag), and he got all the credit for giving me a truly special gift.
This holiday season, I didn’t even bother with the gift wrap. I bought this chainmail bag in early December, and have been wearing it on repeat. It’s just the pop of fun I’d been craving, and I’m amazed by how good it looks with even casual outfits. I obviously have quite the love affair with Clare V., but there are several other designers that I consider splurge-worthy as well.
At Nordstrom | At Clare V. | Cami
8 Everyday Designers Bags That Are Worth Every Penny
So, if you’re itching to spend some holiday gift $$ on something fabulous…or if you’re just looking to gift yourself something special for the new year, there are eight handbag designers (including Clare V.) on my list that are definitely worth the splurge. Happily, many of those bags are on sale this time of the year (yay for post-holiday sales!).
Now, when I say ‘worth the splurge,’ I’m not talking about the fancy FANCY designer bags like cult-fave Saint Laurent, or the gorgeous Bottega Veneta. There are a lot of folks who love these bags (actually many of you told us this here), but for MY personal lifestyle, these bags are NOT worth the splurge.
The bags I’m talking about are really well-made bags that Shana has aptly described as “everyday designer.” Most have a little something special (details, texture), which means they work for both day-to-day casual as well as special occasions. These special bags are the kinds of pieces that instantly elevate pretty much anything you pull together from your closet.
Because of this incredibly fun job I have here at TME, I have the privilege of researching, trying out, and owning MANY good bags. The eight below are by my absolute favorite handbag designers for fabulous splurge-worthy special handbags.
MANY of these bags are also available second-hand for more budget-friendly prices and a more sustainable purchasing option. Make sure to check: eBay | The RealReal | ThredUP or your local second-hand stores.
1. For The Easy Win (Overall Fav): Clare V.
Gigi at Anthro | Gigi at Clare V. | Midi Sac (on sale) | More Midi Sacs
Clare V is easily the overall TOP pick (by both, Shana and me) for wildly good bags. A 100% easy win in our opinion if you’re looking for a very special, but really well-made bag. Slightly quirky, but still timeless — these are the bags both of us reach for the most in our closets and the ones that we keep wearing year after year.
More Clare V Bags
2. For The Playful: Loeffler Randall
Pleated Clutch | Animal Print Sling (on sale)
The perfect bag for the playful. Loeffler Randall bags are SO much fun to wear and add instant life to any look. The animal print sling bag is under $100 right now, and the gold Loeffler Randall comes in other gorgeous colors as well.
More Loeffler Randall Bags
3. For the City-Chic: rag & bone
Leather Backpack | Sling Bag (on sale)
For those who fancy a chic, streetstyle look, rag & bone does not disappoint. Stylish details that keep the look simple, chic and clean.
More rag & bone Bags
4. For The Edgy: AllSaints
Edbury Bag (on sale) | More Colors | More Textures
AllSaints adds cool, industrial details to all their bags to provide JUST the right amount of edge. Beautiful materials too.
More AllSaints Bags
5. For All Bag-Lovers (The Crowd Pleaser): Rebecca Minkoff
Leather Hobo Bag | Nylon Julian Backpack
A total crowd pleaser…there are a TON of Rebecca Minkoff fans out there. Simple, easy-to-wear, and versatile. The Julian is a TME reader and contributor fave and is available in nylon, leather and multiple sizes.
More Rebecca Minkoff Bags
6. For Those Who Wear Art: AAKS
Red Delma Tote | Blue Nowa Bowl Clutch
I tend to wear my AAKS bags in the spring and summer, but they make for a VERY special gift any time of the year. I have two of them sitting in my living room doubling as art during the winter season. Absolutely beautiful statement bags handcrafted in Ghana. Black-owned and founded.
More AAKS Bags
7. For The Impossibly Cool: Staud
Shana and I get compliments on our Staud bags any time we wear them. Unique, fun and impossibly cool.
More Staud Bags
8. For Workers On the Go: TUMI
Tumi Backpack (Similar)
TUMI is hands-down the favorite of TME folks who go to the office, carry a laptop, and/or travel on the regular. Practical, comfortable and stylish. Lex does an in-depth review here.
More TUMI Bags
Please tell me SOMEONE else has done my little “bag gifting system” (i.e. buying the fancy bag I really want for myself–before or even after holidays). Any other splurge-worthy bags you guys are loving these days? Any fabulous bags you received as a gift or bought for yourself?
-Linzi
 that are worth the splurge. I'm not talking FANCY designer bags like cult-fave YSL or gorg Bottega Veneta. The bags I speak of are well-made & aptly described as "everyday designer."){kind=link}
As a sales associate in the handbag department, I approve of Linzi’s gifting style AND her bag choices! The happiest husbands at holiday time are the ones who enter the department with photos or links of at least a few options. There are always a few women buying for themselves on behalf of their husbands and we always say “good for you, this way you get what you want!”. The vendors Linzi lists are the top sellers in our department, along with MZ Wallace and classic Longchamp nylon. As far as ‘real’ designer, YSL tops the list, especially now that Chanel, LV and Gucci’s yearly price increases put them out of reach of regular people.
This is so interesting, Susie…love to hear the first-hand experience from your department. Thank you! I’m thinking I need to update and republish this post next year BEFORE the holidays, so we can forward it to significant others. 🙂
I love the metallic bag… Trinny has one and it also looks surprisingly versatile. Nice!
I really was surprised how good it looks with a fleece jacket and sneakers.
I have and LOVE the Staud bucket bag. You all recommended it and I was like “meh” at first, but then I touched it in store and was like “OH NOW I GET IT!” That bag is FIRE!
I will admit that I prefer to buy designer bags. They hold their value. Additionally, my momlife is so casual I never have the opportunity to wear fancy clothes. I def recommend LV for moms. Their coated canvas is indestructible. My LV speedy is vintage from… 1988!!! I had the leather redone and it looks brand new.
Good point with the holding of their value. Consignment places (local and online) are always oh-so-happy to take these bags if you are done enjoying them. And 1988!!! I love it!