“Splurge on designer handbag that will last”

Splurge on designer handbag that will last

Posted: 19 Feb 2011 10:21 PM PST

Published Sunday, February 20, 2011 12:05 AM By MICHELLE CHAPMAN
Associated Press

More people are buying high-end handbags again as economic uncertainty wanes and consumer confidence grows.

But that doesn't mean everyone's buying a new one each season; consumers are still shopping conservatively and trying to make their handbags last.

Here's how to get a designer bag for less -- and take proper care of it so it lasts.

* Bang for your buck: If you're hard on your belongings, or you measure longevity in decades instead of years, it may make the most sense for you to go right to the source and spend a little more up front. From Louis Vuitton to Coach Inc., specialty retailers always carry a variety of their own latest bags.

Even better, some makers will repair their wares at little or no charge. Michael Kors will repair a defect for free within the first year; Kate Spade will make free repairs for manufacturer defects within two years. And Coach will make any needed repairs for a $20 shipping and handling charge for as long as you own one of its bags (and many other Coach products, according to the company's website).

Beauty and fashion expert Rebekah George advises knowing repair policies before you buy and holding onto receipts, just in case you ever have a problem.

But if you want to save up front there are lots of options.

* Shopping alternatives: Whichever bag you covet, start with a Web search. At sites like Overstock, eBags and Bluefly, you'll find discounts starting at roughly 10 percent.

Also try auction sites such as eBay.com or propertyroom.com, which sells police property. Just be on the lookout for counterfeits, which are usually made from cheaper materials and with less sturdy hardware.

Outlet stores are another option. Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke and Coach all have them. In December, at least one lucky outlet shopper found a Kate Spade tote with a regular asking price of $375 selling for $120 at an outlet.

But outlets usually don't have the newest styles or reliable quantities of anything popular. And you may have to deal with long checkout lines.

Off-price stores such as T.J. Maxx are another good bet. That chain's website recently showed a Dooney & Bourke medium-sized jacquard fabric tote bag selling for $69, down from $195. But you may have to hit multiple locations or be ready to pounce on new stock as soon as it arrives if you have a specific item in mind.

It's also worth checking consignment shops that have gone online, including Double Take in Short Hills, N.J., which was offering a Burberry quilt satchel, normally $675, for $200.

There are always knockoffs available from street sellers, and chains like Target offer bags "inspired by" popular styles, including satchel and hobo handbags for less than $20.

* Proper care: The best way to make your new bag last is to treat it well. Each week, empty it and shake it out upside down, then clean the lining with a lint roller, suggests George.

Periodically clean the outside with a specialized solution, whether your bag is made of leather, suede or cloth. Check with the manufacturer for cleaning products it makes or recommends.

For minor marks, a baby wipe might even work, while the largest stains demand a trip to a professional cleaner, says accessory and style expert Pamela Pekerman.

* Proper loading: Don't overstuff your bag, because that stresses the straps. Keeping your bag clutter-free also helps prevent small items and the lining from getting stuck in a zipper. Try not to carry scissors or pens, and keep makeup in a separate pouch inside your purse.

* Proper handling: Never put your bag on the floor of a public restroom or restaurant. Use bathroom stall hooks and chair backs to keep it clean. Or use a purse hook, typically $15 or less, to hang your bag from a restaurant table.

And when you're not using it, Pekerman recommends carefully storing your bag. Use the dust cover it came with, or buy one for about $10.

"It's about protecting your investment and making sure you can enjoy that great bag for years to come," Pekerman says.

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