Splurge/Save

splurge or save - red totes

I’m all about the strategy of investing your money in accessories (bags, shoes, and the like), and for the longest time, had been eyeing the Prisma tote line from Alexander Wang. These pretty, linear totes come in a variety of colors, and with luxe detailing like croc embossed leather and the signature gold corner feet, it’s been on my shortlist for versatile, super chic bags (last winter especially, I was dying for this one). However, while perusing the Zara website the other day (and wow — more on this later in the week), I came across their own version of a metal footed tote. Simpler details, for sure, but with a price like that, I couldn’t NOT bookmark it. Normally some of the splurges vs. saves I’ve found are no brainers (as in, I’d always go for the save), but in this case, it’s a tough – albeit hypothetical – choice. What do you think? Between these two bright red totes, would you splurge or save?

IN THIS POST:

Zara Leather Shopper, $69.99 | Alexander Wang Prisma Tote, $578

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19 Comments

  1. 7.8.13

    I would splurge for sure. I have a kate spade bag tote that looks almost identical to the splurge above and I love it. I love the quality leather and it has held up beautifully. It’s my ‘office on the go’.

  2. 7.8.13

    Holy color! Absolutely loving that shade of red and the metal footing. I typically only splurge on the classic colors for bags, but this may have to be an exception.

  3. 7.8.13

    I actually like the Zara one better!

    • 7.8.13
      Ame said:

      Me too! Looks so much nicer!

  4. 7.8.13
    kelsey said:

    love these red totes!
    kw Ladies in Navy

  5. 7.8.13
    meg said:

    I say save! I actually like the cheaper version better!

    http://happinessiscreating.com/

  6. 7.8.13
    Krisitna said:

    The details on the Alexander Wang bag are so fantastic, I’d have to splurge ;)

    Kristina does the Internets

  7. 7.8.13

    hmmm… have to say, I kind of like the steal better!

  8. 7.8.13
    Alexa said:

    Zara is seriously one of my faves. That red color on both of those bags is simply stunning!

  9. 7.8.13

    I find that I am much more willing to splurge on a classic since it should be the highest of quality and therefore last forever!..and this is definitely a classic!!

  10. 7.8.13
    Abby said:

    I think you’d have the Alexander Wang tote forever and it’s oh so chic, so I’m voting for the splurge! I have the Rocco bag, it’s so sturdy and I know I’m going to have it for a very long time!

  11. 7.8.13
    Meghan said:

    The splurge just has a different element to it , its so gorgeous .

  12. 7.8.13

    I think I like the Zara bag better anyway!

  13. 7.8.13

    I honestly like the steal better — a bit more streamlined and a slightly rounded shape…

  14. 7.8.13

    I usually love anything AW makes…but not totally in love with this bag (at least not $578-in-love!) So Zara for me please!

    Hope you’re settling in well in NYC V!
    xo – Marion

  15. 7.8.13
    rox said:

    I’m kinda digging that really bright color!

  16. 7.8.13
    Iris said:

    I actually like the Zara one more and thought it was the “splurge” on FB before reading the article.

  17. 7.8.13
    chelsie said:

    red totes are for life – go for the splurge!

  18. 7.11.13
    Rose said:

    I have the Zara one, but in bright blue (not online but I found it in-store). It’s GREAT!

    Rose
    Blonde in this City