When the OP said her usual pricepoint was 50 dollars, I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to realize the question was about the next price point up rather than something more than most people’s house payment.
In looking at the purses people linked to, I realized that I personally have no interest in a feminine-looking purse. Some of these purses are clearly very nice, but not for me. So that is something to think about for the OP. Also, whether this is a purse intended to essentially go with every outfit or be a special occasion thing that only works with some outfits.
Actually, I think buying the first purse in a department store that you think your friend would like is the best idea. Why? Because you can discreetly enclose the receipt in a little envelope inside the purse so that she can exchange it if it’s not to her liking.
As others have said, purses are very personal. Some like long straps, some like short straps, some like zippers, some like snaps, some like minimalism, others go for loud. If you go on ebay and buy even a really good handbag at a great price, the recipient will be stuck with it even if she doesn’t like the style.
However, if you buy it at a department store, their entire purse collection is at their disposal.
I ask because my daughter likes this brand.
Offhand, I see nothing special about them, but I don’t see the point of spending 1000’s of $ on a package for your wallet, cellphone, etc.
I’m very partial to a small company in Ohio that makes their own leather bags-- Mowen Leather. Their Web site is http://leatherstuff.com/. About $250, and their quality is (I think) better than Coach. The leather is butter-soft.
After several years of hard daily use of my handbag, the magnetic snap came off. I sent it back to them, and they replaced it with a better stronger one for free. I am still using the handbag (it has now been about ten to twelve years).
You can also ask them for customization (I needed a longer strap).
Now that’s what I’m talking about! I had a similar one from Fossil? it wasn’t that well made though. Thanks for the link. Nothing like the smell of good leather…
I don’t know if you are open to alternative suggestions, but I think a bag is a bad idea unless you know exactly what she wants.
Have you consider a nice pair of gloves? I just received an order from Aspinal and I couldn’t be happier with them. Beautifully made, quickly delivered, and exquisitely packaged.
I’m a purse person but would never want one as a gift unless it was really specific. My collection is mostly Balenciagas but I have everything else too. For your price range I suggest looking at Sak , Perlina. If you can find Marc by Marc Jacobs on sale you might find one for 299. B makowsky has a lot of styles in you price range and they are cute also Steve madden bags I’ve seen in that price.
I’d hesitate buying a handbag for somebody unless I really knew them & their style preferences. Classic, trendy, sensible? What colors do they like? (Handbags that are neither brown nor black can be quite versatile.)
I have this Longchamp nylon bag I got 4 years ago, and it’s all I use. They are simple, classic, stain-resistant, wipe clean easily inside and out, expand to fit their contents, can be squished and folded up but hold their shape, and last forever (they aren’t susceptible to friction the way leather bags are). Most are between $100-200 depending on size. Their leather bags are lovely too, but much more expensive. I do see them around my city, but they aren’t ubiquitous like Coach bags.
