Baghaus.com was once a go-to destination for designer-inspired handbags, but since it’s no longer around, we’ve updated this guide to help you find stylish purses at budget-friendly prices.
So, what’s the difference between a designer-inspired bag and a knock-off? An inspired bag mimics the style of a high-end design without pretending to be the real thing—like dressing up as Marilyn Monroe for Halloween. Everyone knows it’s just a costume. A knock-off, on the other hand, is made to deceive, much like when a Bradley Cooper lookalike fooled people at the Sundance Film Festival.
Most shoppers prefer to avoid the ethical concerns of buying a knock-off, but an inspired piece feels like a more acceptable alternative. If you’re looking for stylish, affordable handbags, you can check out the same stores where you shop for trendy clothes. In physical stores, you’ll likely find some great options, while online retailers like GoJane and eBay also offer a variety of choices.
If none of these options work for you, there’s another category: replica bags. These are openly sold as fakes but are designed to closely resemble the real thing. Whether or not you’re comfortable with that is up to you. While we haven’t personally shopped at the following retailers, they do offer replicas—so proceed with caution.
Where do you stand on this? Do you think buying an inspired bag is crossing the line, or is it a fair way to get the look for less?