Bag Bargains

Handbags are more than just a way to carry our stuff around. The fact is, a good purse can make or break an outfit. Unfortunately, designer purses can be expensive and difficult to find--some models sell out before they even hit the stores. However, there are ways to find great bargains on designer bags.

Brick and Mortar Stores

TJ Maxx and Marshalls carry designer labels at discount prices--sometimes at 40 to 60 percent below retail. The great thing is that you can actually feel and touch the bags before buying them. The downside is that you may have a limited selection and some of the purses may be last year’s models.

Online Stores

Zappos and Overstock.com both have a wide selection of designer bags and shoes with similar discounts to the brick and mortar stores. Online stores may have a wider selection of bags, straight from the manufacturer. The downside is that you can’t actually get up close and personal with the merchandise so what appears on your screen may not match what appears in your mailbox. You may also have to pay for shipping and go through the hassle of returning the item by mail.

Rentals

Why spend thousands on one bag when you can spend a small monthly fee and have multiple bags? Online companies like From Bags to Riches, Rent Me a Handbag and That Bag I Want all rent designer bags for a monthly fee. You can specify the amount of time you want to use the bag and return it once the rental period expires. Most of these places require that you register and sign up for a certain number of months, and charge an insurance fee on their rentals. Rent Me a Handbag also sells new and gently used bags at discount prices.