Thrift Challenge 2016: Thrifted Handbag Inspiration

I'm going to be honest with you; I've never paid more than $20 for a purse in my life, new or thrifted. I've just never been able to reconcile paying for a brand name on an article of clothing that has such a high likelihood of having a ball point pen explode in the bottom of it, or maybe that's just clumsy, old me. I've found some of my most favorite handbags at thrift stores, garage sales & clothing exchanges, so I can tell you first-hand that it can be done!

In addition, when you shop second-hand, you can afford to experiment with the latest trends without breaking the bank. You might have a trusty old fancy bag in a classic shape sitting in your closet right now, but you've been eyeing the latest satchel bag or fold-over clutch trend. Check out your local thrift shop to see if you can find something that echoes those trendy shapes! Trends tend to come full circle, so you just might be able to find something vintage or from a few seasons ago that fits the bill.

You might just strike gold & get a brand new purse at second hand prices! Places like Goodwill get brand new items from Target that don't sell or are overstock, so if you've seen a bag at Target recently that you didn't want to pay full price for, be sure to check the shelves of your local Goodwill.

I've collected a few shapes & styles that I'll be scouring my local thrift shops for this month. See anything you like?

Handbag Inspiration by kimberly-destree featuring vegan handbags

Vegan handbag / Street Level vegan handbag / Topshop brown hand bag, $46 / Vegan handbag / MANGO suede leather bag / Free People Slouchy Vegan Tote at Free People Clothing Boutique

Tip Time:

• Be sure to check the lining, zippers, hardware & straps. Beware of stains, cracking, broken zippers &scuffs. Be on the look out for why someone might have donated it in the first place.
• If you're not morally opposed to it, look for real leather. Leather will last longer & keep looking better as it ages. 
• Check for sale days. Some stores really jack-up the price on purses, so it's really only worth your while to pick up a bag on 50% off day or with a coupon. 
• Even if you're shopping for something trendy, think about what you'll wear with your purchase. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it will go with your wardrobe & you don't want to regret a purchase, no matter how small. 
• Try something new. Think through your purchase, but don't play it too safe. You're going to be bummed if you get your bag home & it looks like all of your other purses.