The secrets to
Mixed-leather bags
are hot but can
be heavy. Look
for lighter-weight
tote styles.
Elliott Lucca “Intreccio”
tote, $228, elliottlucca.com
smart bag
shopping
Must-have features, plus
where to snag the best deals
F
Doctor’s bag
You can find this
classic shape at
all price levels.
Leather-framed handbag
with shoulder strap,
IsaacMizrahi Live for
QVC, $198, qvc.com
alling in love with a bag
doesn’t always end well.
If you love it—but you don’t
love using it—you can end
up carrying around that mistake
for months. Yes, it can be tricky
to find the perfect purse. In a new
ShopSmart national poll, we asked
more than 1,000 women about
handbag shopping, and roughly
half said they had a hard time
buying them. But that doesn’t stop
us from stocking up: In our survey,
women said they owned 10 bags
on average, and one in 10 fessed
up to owning more than 20. On
“splurge” bags, women spend an
average of $148. And logos still
matter: About a quarter of our
survey respondents said they had
bought a bag because it was a certain
brand. Whatever your tastes, read
our tips on how to avoid the biggest
bag blunders, and see page 34 for
where to find great deals. But first,
here’s a peek at fall’s hot handbag
trends, which range from large
and roomy to small and structured,
and include refreshing pops of
pink, purple, and blue.
m a r k e t e d i to r a n d S t y l i s t: G e n e v i e v e Y r ao l a
Classy shopper
Daytime clutch
Larger envelopes look
polished; detachable
straps add versatility.
Banana Republic “Evan” cross-body,
$150, bananarepublic.com
Mini
cross-body
This style is
easy on the back.
Talbots blanket plaid
bag, $139, talbots.com
Vegan leather
The new fakes look great.
Some need airing out; just
don’t go too cheap or the
plastic odor may linger.
The Limited three-tone satchel, $80,
thelimited.com
shopsmart poll
Structured
satchel
The trim and
tailored look is in.
Brahmin “Annabelle”
bag, $325, brahmin.com
43%
of women change
handbags to match
their outfits.
A special thanks to our
panel of handbag experts:
Monica Botkier, founder/designer, Botkier;
Shari Jill, fine-handbag sales, Bergdorf
Goodman; Whitney Kessler, associate editor,
Stylesight; Jana Matheson, creative director,
Judith Leiber; David Mesquita, CEO, The
Leather Spa; Allison Duncan Miller, design
director, Tignanello; Lauren Walsh, designer
for The Sak; Denielle Wolfe, vice president,
design, Tumi; and Genevieve Yraola,
fashion stylist and consultant.
october 2012
31
The right bag
for your body
A purse may look great on a shelf
but not on you, so try it on in front
of a full-length mirror. It should hit
you in a comfortable place, making
it easy to reach inside. Also, buy
for your body type.
if you’re petite ... Don’t go too
large or your bag will dwarf you.
Satchels and doctor’s bags are in
for fall and they come in a range
of sizes. A petite woman can get the
look in a more compact version.
Clutches are universally flattering,
but stick to midsized if you’re slight.
And though large shoppers and
totes are ideal for schlepping
paperwork and laptops, make sure
the one you choose doesn’t hit the
floor when your arm is down.
if you’re tall or plus-size ...
Skip tiny purses and bags that
accentuate the fullest parts of
your body. For instance, if you’re
big-busted, opt for a shoulder
bag that hits below your bustline.
Also make sure the handbag’s
drop—the measurement from
the top of the handle to the top
of the bag—is long enough to fit
over your shoulder (a minimum
of 10 inches) or across your body.
When it comes to clutches, keep
proportion in mind and go with
an oversized envelope.
shopsmart poll
13%
of women say they
have been injured
by their bags.
32 consumer reports
shopsmart
W
hat to
l ook for
No matter what your price
range, you want your handbag
to last. Before you buy, check
for these seven signs of quality
and comfort.
Sturdy handles. Give a gentle tug
on them to see how they’re attached;
stitching is stronger than glue. If comfort
is key, look for soft or padded straps.
And if the bag has double straps, make
sure the outer one doesn’t slip off
your shoulder.
Neat finishing. Fewer seams make it
more likely the bag will hold up. Also
check the stitching; it should be even
and consistent. With leather, look for
uniform pigmentation (especially at
the edges of the purse), a supple feel,
and matching or contrasting zipper
fabric, stitching, and strap colors.
Easy access. Whether you
like an open interior or lots of
specialized pockets, make sure
it at least offers easy access for
your cell phone, keys, and other
items you reach for often.
Feet. Those little nubs at
the bottom of a bag help
the underside stay pristine.
Lightweight material. If it’s
heavy empty, skip it. “Your
back, neck, and joints will feel
it when it’s full, and you’ll regret
it,” says Orly Avitzur, M.D.,
ShopSmart’s medical adviser.
The back-friendliest bags are
small, light, nylon models.
But trendy cross-body bags
are also a healthy choice.
Quality lining. Soft suede helps
protect phones and other valuables;
flimsy synthetics are likely to tear at
the seams. Also consider color. If it’s
pitch black on the inside, you’ll have
to dig for an hour to find your wallet,
but if it’s too light, it will stain easily.
shopsmart poll
The top 3 handbag
deal-breakers:
1. Too small
2. Too pricey
3. Straps that are too
long or too short
Easy closures. Open and close
zippers or snaps several times to
make sure they work well. You won’t
love using a bag if it’s not easy to get
your stuff in and out. (TIP: Zippers
are best for thwarting pickpockets.)
Bowler-bag chic
This compact shape works well
for petites, and burgundy is
a go-with-everything neutral.
Ted Baker London “Clove” flip catch bowler
bag, $355, tedbaker.com
3 signs of cheapness
Handbags are one of the worst items to skimp on because
they tend to look like what you paid for them. But our
fashion stylist Genevieve Yraola says, “Neutral tones can
look classic and expensive no matter how little you pay.”
Another way to save: Look for a good-quality purse in less
expensive faux leather or a fabric like velvet or tweed, says
Whitney Kessler, associate editor at Stylesight, an industry
trend watcher. Also, stay clear of details that scream cheap:
n Plastic beads and glued on doodads. These can cheapen
any bag, says Yraola. Ornamentation is OK in moderation,
but real beading or sewn on stitching signals quality.
n Off-color stitching. It should match the color of the
leather unless contrasting color is part of the design.
n Shiny hardware. Look for rich-looking matte or more
subdued finishes in brass and brushed gold, or even dark
hardware in gun metal, antique silver, and black nickel.
Subscribe now at ShopSmartmag.org october 2012
33
where to shop
Zappos, eBags, 6pm, Piperlime, and Overstock are great for
selection, juicy deals, and easy shipping and returns. Popular
retailers like Macy’s, Coach, Banana Republic, and Cole Haan
have great go-to sites for classic styles at occasionally
impossible-to-resist sale prices. Here are some other great
sites for snagging bag deals:
handbagheaven.com
Best for Bargains.
Looking for a designer style that
won’t break the bank? You’ll find
more than 500 bags at $10 to
$85 here. The site says that it
can sell its bags at big discounts
because it works directly with
manufacturers and operates
exclusively online.
Shipping Free on orders
of $50 and up.
Returns 30 days of purchase.
Also check out baghaus.com
for designer looks for less.
jcrew.com
Best for New classics.
We’ve long admired J.Crew’s
clothes, and more recently,
the leather quality and timeless
shapes of its moderately priced
bags. For fall, two of the retailer’s
most popular models have been
updated: The Edie shoulder bag
now comes in more colors, and
the Biennial Satchel has been
downsized.
Shipping $8.95; free on orders
of $175 or more.
Returns 30 days of purchase.
laudividni.com
Best for Custom-made bags.
The site’s name is “individual”
spelled backward because you’re
the designer. Choose from 12
styles, plus linings, strap lengths,
and hardware for a leather bag
that’s guaranteed to be unique.
Our test run found the design
process easy, and pros are
on hand via chat to walk you
through. Prices start at $95.
Shipping From $9.
Returns 21 days of receipt.
Also check out etsy.com for
handcrafted bags.
mattandnat.com
Best for Faux leather.
This cruelty-free Canadian brand
relies on natural materials like
cotton, cork, and synthetic
blends to craft its line of 40 chic
and expensive-looking bags. All
of them are lined with fiber made
from plastic bottles. Even tags
and packaging are made from
recycled materials.
Shipping Free on orders
of $90 and up.
Returns 30 days of purchase.
Also check out ebigbuddha.com
and mooshoes.com for leatherfree bags.
shopstyle.com
Best for Tracking sales.
This fashion search engine does
a sweep of the Web’s biggest
retailers, making it easy to find
the bag of your dreams at the
right price. For the best deals,
scroll down to “sales” and click
on 70% off. When we looked
at press time, we found a $69
Limited shoulder bag marked
down to $16 and a $1,485 Jil
Sander bag reduced to $297.
Also sign up for sale alerts.
Shipping Depends on the retailer.
Returns Depends on the retailer.
Also check out priceprotectr.com
and goslice.com.
portero.com
Best for Top luxury brands.
how to avoid returns
Don’t just look at the pictures; pay attention to purse dimensions, too. Bags are not always
shown in their actual size. You might see a tote next to an evening bag and not realize that
the images have been scaled up or down to make them the same size. Sites like Gilt.com
and MyHabit.com, which show a picture of each bag on a model as well as interior and
360-degree views, give the clearest idea of size and proportion. Or ask a customer-service
rep (or the seller) before ordering to avoid the hassle and heartbreak of a return.
34 consumer reports
shopsmart
If you’ve been coveting a big-name
logo bag—we’re talking Chanel,
Hermès, Louis Vuitton—this
resale site offers pre-owned
luxury bags in top condition for
about half the original retail price.
It’s still crazy-expensive, but
instead of dropping $2,000 for
that quilted Chanel, it’ll run about
$1,000. And you’ll need to act
fast or risk missing out. If prices
are still too rich for you, it’s worth
at least scrolling to “concierge
services” for great handbag
shopping and care tips.
Shipping Depends on item.
Returns 7 days of receipt.
Also check out Overstock.com’s
tip-filled handbag buying guide.
yoox.com
Best for Designer deals.
The huge selection of discounted
high-end bags at this site is stellar.
But the inventory changes fast,
so act fast at this site, too. Hit
the sale section for the deepest
discounts (up to 70 percent off)
on names like Marni and Marc
Jacobs. We spotted Diesel fabric
and leather bags marked down
to less than $100, and a $450
Moschino for $270.
Shipping $9.95; free on orders
of $200 or more.
Returns 20 days of receipt.
Also check out shopbop.com
for designer discounts.
Above: Matt & Nat “Riley”
bag, $138, mattandnat.com.
Left: Handbag Heaven
“Campbell” turn-lock satchel,
$58, handbagheaven.com
Best bag apps
These freebies make it easy to compare
prices, get in on local sales, and more.
Keep your purse looking new
PURSE FORUM
Like to talk about bags? This app
will hook you up with the largest
handbag-obsessed community
online. User-generated content includes fun
stuff—the “It” bags that celebs tote—and the
informative—an “Authenticate This” feature
designed to help confirm “designer” bags on
eBay or in consignment shops from a photo.
Devices Android and Apple
RUE LA LA
If you’re a fan of this fashion
flash-sale site, download the app
so you can follow dozens of daily
deals on the go (bags are often featured).
Narrow items by color, size, and price, zoom
in and out on images, and click to buy.
Devices Android and Apple
SHOPSAVVY
This popular barcode scanner lets
you compare prices in the store.
Scan a UPC code or search by
name. It lists the best prices for that item
online and in local stores. It also lets you load
your payment info onto your phone, so if you’re
in a store and find an item cheaper online you
can order it on the spot with your info ready.
Devices Android, Apple, and Windows
NORDSTROM
Quickly find what you want in
this upscale department store
with its fun-to-use app, which
sorts merch by price, color, and brand as well
as by easy-to-use categories. (You can sort
by “cross-body and mini bags,” for example.)
If your local store doesn’t have a size, color,
or item you want, use the app to see if Nordstom
has it in another store.
Devices Android and Apple
ZAPPOS
This simple-to-search version
of the full site gives you access
to Zappo’s massive inventory,
including handbags, which can be searched by
type (shoulder bags, totes, satchels, etc.). Plus
you’ll find multiple product photos, shopper
reviews, and 24/7 customer service.
Devices Android and Apple
Different bags need different care,
so read those little cards that come
with your purse, says Monica Botkier,
a handbag designer. And avoid wearing
the same bag every day. You’ll keep
your bags looking good longer by
rotating them throughout the year.
Here are some other expert
maintenance tips:
n DO condition and protect.
To help leather stay supple, apply
a conditioning cream once a month
or when the bag starts to feel dry.
(Meltonian leather cream from any
shoe-repair shop is an industry
favorite.) Finish with two light coats
4 things NEVER TO
PUT IN YOUR BAG
1. Sharp objects. Nail files, scissors,
or uncapped pens can tear a lining.
2. Loose makeup and liquids, including
hand sanitizer. Keep them in a separate
plastic bag to prevent leaks.
3. Anything smelly (gym clothes,
a sandwich). Odors can linger.
4. Spare flats. They should always be
kept in a shoe bag to protect the rest of
the contents from their dirty soles.
of spray-on leather protector. Suede
will also benefit from stain repellent.
n DO cover it up. Keep bags in the
dust covers they came in, or use
an old pillowcase or T-shirt (never
plastic) to ward off dust and light,
which can fade some materials.
n DON’T store it empty. Maintain
your bag’s shape by packing it with
acid-free tissue paper. And don’t stuff
bags in places where they can get
damaged. Lie them on their sides
on a shelf or stand them up with
a cardboard separator between each
one to prevent indentations.
TIP Never lean anything against
patent leather, because color can
transfer onto it permanently.
n DON’T hang weighty bags. “If
it’s a heavy bag with a handle held on
by 8 to 12 stitches, I wouldn’t hang it,”
says David Mesquita, a leather pro.
n DO deal with stains on leather
ASAP. Wipe with leather cleaner. But
don’t try to remove a makeup, grease,
ink, or oil stain yourself. Apply talcum
powder to absorb some of it, then
take the bag to a cleaning expert.
shopsmart poll
41%
of women have
experienced “bag panic”
when they thought
their purse was lost,
missing, or stolen.
Subscribe now at ShopSmartmag.org october 2012
35