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Let’s be honest, we all love designer handbags. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Fendi, the list goes on. But dropping anywhere from $1,000 and upward is not ideal for most women. That can be a month’s rent and then some for people! We work hard for our money and should be able to spend it on us. We have to making sure we look like a million bucks without dropping a million bucks.
There are so many options out there for designer dupes, I know for me I prefer not to copy the designer’s label such as buying a fake Louis Vuitton that you can get on Canal Street in New York. Not that there is anything wrong with that! I am more in love with the style of the bag and the abstract shapes. I love items that are versatile and unique, designer or not.
One thing that is great about contemporary or up and coming brands is that you will find unique pieces to add to your wardrobe. It makes your closet so much more interesting. I love anything designer just like the next person, but whenever I wear a piece I am always annoyingly overprotective of it. Making sure it does not get dirty, touch the floor, etc. With these bags, you have the peace of mind that you got it at an affordable price as well as not having to worry about getting any scratches on the hardware or staining the leather.
After searching nonstop on Instagram I have found a ton of similar style dupes with amazing quality, affordable prices, and a great color scheme. I made a list of the most popular bags I have seen people carrying all over LA, NYC, and social media so you can join in on the fun and look just as good as the celebrities.
1. Fendi Bucket Bag and Polene “Numero Huit”
When the Fendi Bucket Bag first came out in the original brown color with F monogram and gold hardware, I immediately fell in love, but when I looked at the price, the $1,890 (not including tax) I knew there was no way I was going to afford it anytime soon. I came across this brand with my obvious overbearing love of all things French. This brand is fairly new, it was created in 2016 by Parisian siblings but uses Spain artisans to craft their bags.
Their bags are full grain calf leather so you are getting amazing quality for a less expensive price. Although their bags are on the moderate scale of the price spectrum, they are definitely worth the investment. The best thing is this bag comes in 5 colors ranging from neutrals to pastel colors, so there is something for everyone. There is gold studding on the bottom of the bag to prevent the leather from touching any surface, an adjustable closure in the opening of the bag, and a crossbody strap for those that want a hands free experience.
2. Bottega Veneta “The Pouch” and The Vege Label Dion Bag
This bag is unlike any other bag I have ever seen and it is extremely noticeable to just about anyone and everyone. It reminds me so much of a cloud for some reason and it is perfect if you have a formal event such as a wedding or a more casual engagement like a brunch with your girlfriends. Nonetheless, it is essential in your collection, this brand carries many different versions of the BV bag with tons of different colors and some with chains and without. They are a vegan brand, based in NYC and will plant one tree with every purchase so it is perfect for my environmentally friendly and vegan girls out there! They also have tons of sales which are amazing for those on a budget.
3. Prada Re-Edition 2000 Nylon Bag and Peta & Jain Paloma Nylon Bag
Everything from the 90s and early 2000s seem to be making a major comeback and I am not mad at it. Along with hoop earrings, baggy jeans, and Jordans. Nylon bags are all the rage and Prada brought their old style handbags back into the industry. They are perfect for a very casual look or even to dress down an outfit. You can’t go wrong wearing it any season and many retailers have come out with their version of the purse.
I find that the one from Steve Madden is one that is very similar to Prada’s. It comes with the chains for a shoulder bag and the strap to make the bag a crossbody. Unfortunately, it only comes in like a beige camel color, but it’s neutral enough to go with everything. They always have some type of discount so be sure to keep a lookout for it when you are ready to snag this bag.
4. Dior Saddle Bag and Public Desire The Fox Shoulder Saddle Bag
This bag is everything and it brings back nostalgia from John Galliano’s days at Dior, circa 1999. When it started to make a comeback everyone had to have it and that is still the case even now. Running in the high thousands sometimes, it was only a matter of time before their dupes came out. It was extremely difficult to find something so similar to this one of a kind bag. But I came across something similar that you can get on Public Desire. It is a great price for the quality you are getting and it comes in a basic black and a cute printed pattern, so it is sure to match something in your closet.
5. Jacquemus Le Chiquito Clutch and Mango Mini-Bag with Knot Detail
Y’all already know I had to include this bag on my list! It came out very recently and still to this day it is difficult to get a hold of it. It is super different and nothing was out in the market before this bag but for almost $600, we can find something very similar. This bag is more of an accessory, it is literally its name, “the small clutch” you can probably fit a couple of cards, a few bills, a lipstick, and your car key and that is pushing it.
But it adds a little something extra to your outfit whenever you wear it. The closest dupe that gives you the same feeling is probably going to be from Mango. There are so many other brands that have come out with their version of it but for just above $30 and you have two colors to choose from, it is worth picking up and adding it to your handbag collection.
6. Prada Canapa Trimmed Totes and Like Dreams Senne Treasure Straw Purse
Prada is always on their A game when it comes to classic and unique bags. The Canapa is obviously used more for the summer season as it gives off very St. Tropez and Monaco vibes. This dupe is pretty similar to the Prada one and even comes in similar color schemes. I would say the only difference is that it is slightly smaller which is perfect if you don’t like to travel with so much stuff. Highly recommend adding this pretty little number in your collection!
7. Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Backpack Mini and Peta + Jain Zoe Bag
You have probably seen this bag all over Instagram, by influencers strutting them in just about every picture. It might be overrated but let me tell you, it is so beautiful and a great bag for styling purposes. It’s great for days at the amusement park, festivals, or just every day where. Especially if all you need is a few credit cards, cash, keys, and lipstick. The one found at Peta and Jain is a perfect dupe for the LV one. The plus side is you have the option to choose from 14 different colors and material. The straps are interchangeable so you can wear it normal or as a crossbody. You can also find this backpack at the Beginning boutique on sale at times or offered with a discount.
8. Wandler Anna Belt Bag and Cuyana Half Moon Mini Bag
Wandler is a bit of a contemporary luxury brand, you can find them at Sak’s Fifth Ave and Bergdorf Goodman. Their bags are extremely unique! When I first laid eyes on them I was a bit taken back because I didn’t think anyone would want them. But to my surprise, while working retail so many women came in asking specifically for this bag. Although they are not considered to be on the luxury spectrum, these bags can run in the hundreds to thousands. The dupe on the other hand comes in eight different colors and comes with a longer strap to wear as a shoulder bag or a waist bag
9. Hermes Kelly Bag and Peta + Jain Hedi Mini Top Handle Bag
I would be lying if I said I did not want a Kelly Bag or any Hermes bag for that matter. The quality, colors, and exclusivity you get with each bag is something I longed for. But… I quickly came to my senses and realized I had to find the next best thing for me and my lifestyle. The brand was founded in Australia and wanted to provide customers with dupe luxury handbags without the splurge. Their Hermes dupe comes in one side and it also comes in a couple different color patterns ranging from green croc and black .
10. Gucci Dionysus Bag and Chain Strap Crossbody Bag
The Dionysus Collection is a beautiful collection with the traditional Gucci monogram embossed in every piece. The horseshoe-like hardware is recognizable and takes the bag from basic to extravagant. I was lucky enough to find a very similar dupe for you all with an amazing color palette and different choices for everyone’s taste. You can find it on Amazon and you can choose from a few different color choices. You are likely to fall in love the minute you start shopping especially for under $30!
CONCLUSION
Now that we are in colder months, it is time we not only start to transition our clothing into coats and turtlenecks but our bags as well. Accessories are just as important as any piece of clothing, it can add or take away from the appearance. But if you have a good foundation of bags that range from all different colors and designs you will definitely step up your style game. Luxury is always nice but you do not need it to look expensive or look put together. If there is anything that I have learned while living and going to school in one of the fashion hubs of the world is that the best stylists know how to work with the resources they have and that goes for everyone else as well!