Fall Handbags – Splurge, Spend or Save

I remember, like it was yesterday, devouring my Seventeen magazine each August, flipping through pages of fall fashions and beauty updates. While it may still be steamy hot outside, August is the month when we fashionista wannabes turn our focus to sweater, boots, jackets and jeans. But let’s not forget those yummy fall handbags!

While I was a little disappointed in the handbag selection in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year (and most of the ones they did have have sold out anyhow), there are plenty of other places to look for good deals on bags. So today I’m simply providing a few shopping widgets filled with some of my favorite fall and winter bags in neutral colors.

I love handbags. I’ll probably be one of those old ladies who carries hers around with her on her wheel chair in the nursing home. LOL! And not because I’m afraid someone will steal it, but just because I love it so. Ha!

So I don’t mind spending a little bit to buy a quality handbag that I can use for at least several years. And if you stick around here long, you’ll notice that I do indeed carry the same bags for years.

While I recently gifted my leather Madewell the Transport Tote to my daughter, I would definitely be carrying it for a third year otherwise.

And I am still enjoying my Michael Kors satchel I purchased three years ago and the Tory Burch McGraw hobo bags I’ve had for quite a while.

And I guarantee you I’ll be carrying my Everlane Day Market Tote for a long time to come. The quality, functionality and design are all exquisite. It’s also available in black and cognac.

But I do try to buy my bags when they are on sale or when I have merchandise credits with a store to help with the purchase. So I completely understand the desire to get a good deal on a handbag.

While I haven’t purchased what would be considered a true luxury handbag, I’ll admit to eyeing them occasionally. You truly can tell the difference in the quality if you have an up-close look at bags from Saint Laurent, Chloe, Gucci or other designer bag labels.

So I have included a very few of these ultra spendy bags in my splurge category. If nothing else, they give us a good idea of what kinds of details and style choices to look for in the lower priced bags we purchase.

Fall Bag Trends & Tips

Here are just a few trends and tips to think about when looking for a new fall bag.

• If you don’t care to switch out your bags with each outfit, I suggest having one or two versatile bags in neutrals that work well with your wardrobe choices. Look for maybe a black or grey bag and then a brown or taupe tone.
• If your wardrobe consists mostly of warm hues, choose a neutral colored bag that also has warm tones. Conversely if you wear mostly cool tones, choose a bag in a cool grey, taupe or mahogany.
• Leather or faux leather is always a great choice for a fall/winter bag.
• Carrying a smaller bag may help you look a little more youthful. Large bags (as much as I love mine!) can age us.
• Look for a bag that is versatile in the ways it can be carried. You’ll find satchels with detachable long shoulder straps or crossbody bags that convert into clutches.
• A more structured bag will elevate your look while a bag with some trendy details will make you look more modern.
• If you want your bag to last for years, choose one with minimal hardware.
• If you’re looking to spend less but still want a good bag, look carefully at the hardware, the lining, the quality of the stitching and other details.

Fall Handbags – Splurge (>$300)

What you call a splurge and what I consider a splurge may be two different things. But because I have to draw the line somewhere, let’s say a splurge is any bag above $300. I did, however, also include a few “big splurge” bags in this category, too.

I always hesitate to include prices in these widgets because often they’re just wrong. So if you see something you just especially love, I’d definitely click through to check on the accurate price. Also, keep in mind that in all of these widgets I could only show one color of each bag. So many of the bags are available in other shades, too.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I potentially earn a commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work here by shopping my links.

Fall Handbags – Spend ($100-$300)

This is the category where I usually purchase my handbags, simply because I feel like I get the quality an classic lines needed for a bag I want to use for years. And when these bags go on sale, watch out! Indeed, a few of the bags in this category are actually regularly priced in the >$300 range, but they’re on sale.

A few of the bags in this widget just refused to come up in the neutral shade I wanted to show. Blasted! The colors are beautiful, but I wanted you to see the more neutral colors. Again, each bag is generally available in multiple shades.

Again, I noticed some of the prices in the above widget are just wrong. I apologize. I don’t know why they’re so wrong.

Fall Handbags – Save (<$100)

As far as I’m concerned, if you can get a nice looking, durable and fairly stylish handbag for less than $100, that’s a steal. So our save category is anything less than $100. Keep in mind that some of these have been marked down. But depending on when you read this, they could have gone back up in price.

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Blessed for My Day

Do you talk to yourself? What do you say? Do you beat yourself up, scold yourself or remind yourself of hurtful things said or harmful things done? Or do you encourage yourself? Hmmm. That’s something to think about.

Today let’s turn the conversation and make sure that when we speak to ourselves it’s with grace and encouragement. I’m not talking about careless self-affirmation or letting yourself off the hook over and over. But we can speak both grace and truth to ourselves. If nothing else, stick to what God says to you. Those are good words to speak to our souls. Amen?

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God. ~ Psalm 42:11