18 Under the Radar Bags for Fall

Maybe it’s the season’s layers, its structured coats, or simply the sense of autumn being my true New Year, but fall always seems to be the time of year I crave a new handbag. I recently found myself lusting over this gorgeous tote (that color!!!), and following a bit more shopping around, I had a ton of bookmarks that I had to share with you! Truth is, though I’ve coveted a high end designer bag here and there, in the end, I always end up more drawn to smaller designers. To start, I worry about dropping a huge chunk of change on a bag and then having serious buyer’s remorse. And in the past, when I’ve spent too much on a trend driven handbag, I regretted it a few years later. Sticking to classic, yet interesting shapes and smaller brands or designers who are making beautiful, quality goods has yielded the happiest bag relationships for me. A few years ago, I really wanted a Chanel Boy bag, and while I wouldn’t get upset if one appeared on my doorstep, truthfully I wonder how much I would even wear it. What about you? Do you tend to save up for luxury designer/investment bags, or stick with smaller brands?

Above is a mix of designers you’ve probably never heard of plus some great handbag deals from the big shops you know and love. Any faves? Also — two major things to note if you’re feeling like you need some retail therapy today:

One. Shopbop is having a big end of season sale! All the bags I marked up above with “On Sale” are an extra 20-25% off the price I listed. So this Madewell bag is actually less expensive than it is over on the Madewell site. And this Baggu tote? Forget about it…it’s a steal. The way the sale works is nearly everything on the site is 20% off, but if you spend $500, then your discount is 25% off. I’m taking advantage to nab a bathing suit for our upcoming Hawaii trip, a pretty cream lace-up sweater, and yes, this pink bag. Use the code EOTS17 when you check out to get the discount. The sale ends this Friday night, so shop to it.

Two. Have you ever wanted to try something from Sézane, whether clothing, bags, shoes, whatevs? This is the LAST WEEK that they are offering free express shipping to the U.S. You also get free returns! Normally their shipping to the states is $15, so this is an awesome opportunity to shop Sézane if you can’t make it to their new New York store. I recently picked up this blouse and it’s really cute (size up! As always, I find the arms in Sézane blouses to be oddly narrow).
 

Shop the bags

1. Cuyana Chain Saddle Bag 2. Oliveve Wrapped Handle Bag 3. BR Slouchy Carryall 4. Matine Wristlet 5. Mark & Graham Tote 6. The Stowe “Elliott” Circle Bag 7. Madewell Chain Crossbody
8. Sézane Tiger Bag 10. COS Round Shoulder Bag 11. Baggu Duck Bag
12. Gigi New York Backpack 13. Sézane Gaby Tote 14. BR Slouch Tote 15. Baggu Circle Bag
16. Building Block Basket Bag 17. Mark & Graham Elisabetta Bag 18. Botkier Satchel