ChickSpeak

I love bags, and I’m not afraid to admit it. The problem is, I have expensive taste - without a budget to match. I go for quality over quantity and would rather invest in a well-made, durable bag that will go with everything, for any occasion.

But, most importantly, I have to be completely and truly in love with the bag (yes, I believe that you can be in love with an inanimate object. Unlike boyfriends, bags will never leave you and always be by your side, whenever and wherever you need them).

I’ve spent many, many, many hours when I should’ve been working (or sleeping) shopping online, trying to find the best bag at the best price, hoping to find a miraculous find.

And now, in order to save you time, chicks, I’ll let you in on some of my best-kept secrets: 

Bluefly

You might remember the “Bluefly wall”  from some seasons of Project Runway. They feature bags, shoes, accessories and clothes (for men and women) at discounts ranging from 20 percent to 40 percent (on average) and sometimes even more. They have every bags ranging in style, size, and price, from Chanel to Marc Jacobs and almost everything in between.

Go for the product, not the name

A big part of the reason why people buy expensive bags is so that they can say they have a “[insert name of famous designer here]” bag. Not that I don’t love some of these bags too, but through my endless searching I’ve come across lesser-known designers that I love just as much as Chanel and Louis Vuitton (and they’re cheaper, too). Try Merkin (she makes really cute little clutches), Treesje, Foley and Corinna, by visiting here. Brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs for the name (at a smaller price) from Bloomingdale’s.  

Look for sales!

A lot of websites (including department stores like Nordstrom’s and Bloomingdale’s) and online stores like Luna Boston and Funky La La have lots of bags and lots of sales. Check out Portero for “premium pre-owned luxury” bags at a discounted price or join Gilt Groupe, a website that has different sample sales every week (they have sales on everything you could imagine, but there’s usually always a bag sale). Check out ChickSpeak’s feature on Gilt Groupe.

Bag Borrow Or Steal

If you want a designer bag for a special occasion, you can try Bag Borrow Or Steal (as featured in the Sex and the City movie we all know and love), a website that lets you rent a bag, so you can test drive any handbag under the sun, without the commitment. Personally, I’d rather save up for a bag and make it mine (but I also carry way too much with me to keep changing bags), but they have a broad selection of designers and styles and different prices depending on what you’re looking for.

Daniella is a sophomore studying Architecture and English at Washington University in St. Louis. She spends most of her time shopping for bags online (and fantasizing about winning the lottery so she can afford them) instead of studying when she should be.